'''Abbotsford''' [http://www.tourismabbotsford.ca/] lies immediately north of the US-Canadian border, about a 2 1/2 hour drive north of Seattle, WA. Situated in one of the most geographically stunning regions of British Columbia, Abbotsford is an agriculture based City with a population of approximately 135,000. It is a popular visitor stop over point for U.S. travellers north bound to the Yukon and Alaska and Canadians travelling east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Get in

By plane

  • '''Abbotsford International Airport''' (YXX) [http://www.abbotsfordairport.ca]
  • Abbotsford is served by the second largest airport in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. YXX's motto is "a good hassle free alternative" to Vancouver International (YVR), with daily, non-stop flights to and from: Edmonton, Calgary, and Victoria, plus connections and stop over flights to other domestic and international destinations. Weekly winter charter flights are offered to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

    Scheduled airlines include Airspeed Aviation and WestJet. Transat Holidays is the primary tour operator.

    In-Terminal auto rentals include Avis, Budget and National.

    Taxi service is available, but there is no shuttle service.

    YXX is approximately 80 minutes away from YVR, 60 minutes from downtown Vancouver, 10 minutes from the city centre of Abbotsford, 2 1/2 hours from Whistler, 45 minutes from Harrison Hot Springs, and 40 minutes from Bellingham Airport (BLI) in Washington state.

    By bus

  • '''Greyhound''', [http://greyhound.ca]. Connects Abbotsford with many cities, including Langley, Chilliwack, and Vancouver as well as many other destinations. The bus depot is located approximately 15 minutes from the Airport.
  • '''Translink''' [http://translink.bc.ca] / '''ValleyMAX''' [http://bctransit.com/regions/cfv/default.cfm]
  • As of September 4th, 2007, (ValleyMAX) Route #21 - Aldergrove, will link Abbotsford with the bus loop located at 272nd St & Fraser Hwy in Aldergrove. Allowing connection via Translink's Route #502 - Aldergrove (Via Langley Centre). Separate fare boxes for each bus are used.

    Fare prices are $1.50 (ValleyMAX) & $2.25 (Translink) (Adult)

    Any Translink valid fare proof of payment transfer may be upgraded on the bus and at SkyTrain/SeaBus ticket vending machines for two-zone or three-zone travel with Translink. You can travel up to 90 minutes for each cash fare or FareSaver ticket in the Translink zone(s) purchased.

    ValleyMax transfers are valid for up to 90 minutes for travel on ValleyMAX route(s) only.

    By train

  • '''West Coast Express''' [http://www.westcoastexpress.com/]
  • Located 15 minutes north of Abbotsford, in Mission, BC, this commuter rail service travels westbound to Vancouver during the morning rush hour and eastbound to Mission during the evening rush hour. Fare prices for travel to & from Vancouver Waterfront Station are: $10.25 one-way / $19.00 return (Adult)

  • '''Via Rail''' [http://www.via.ca/]
  • Provides passenger train service to Abbotsford (note: when booking, the station is listed under "Matsqui, BC").

    Get around

    Abbotsford is rather spread out, so a car is very helpful.

    The City does have a public transit bus system that can get visitors between major shopping areas.

    The widest selection of auto rentals are available at and near the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX). Some auto rentals are located within the City.

    See

    Abbotsford is well known for its Agri-Tourism attractions. Tourism Abbotsford publishes annaully a Circle Farm Tour Guide hilighting some of British Columbia's most unique rural attractions during the summer. A winter version of the publication is available, named Passport to Christmas.

    Other popular activities include visiting Clayburn Village Store for tea or coffee, learning about our pioneer heritage at Trethewey House Museum and unique shopping in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. For kids, the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery and Castle Fun Park are popular spots.

    Abbotsford boosts some of the finest sports facilities and parks in British Columbia which are popular among visitors. Known also as "Sports Town Canada," Abbotsford attracts dozens of provincial and national sports events annually.

    During a visit to Abbotsford, be sure to learn more about the City's history, attractions and ethnic diversity by stopping at one of the City's two Visitor Centres on Sumas Way (Highway 11) and domestic arrivals lounge in the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) Terminal.

    Do

  • Abbotsford International Air Show. rans-Canada Highway 1 to exit 87 (Clearbrook), follow signs for airshow to King Road.. ttp://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/. 25/person, up to maximum $80/vehicle. Held the second weekend in August, it attracts visitors from all over the world. Flight demonstrations primarily by Canadian and US craft. Static displays of aircraft, Canadian Forces units, and local police and RCMP detachments.
  • '''The Dog Show at Tradex''' in is one of the biggest in Canada
  • '''Agrifair''' is a popular country fair and rodeo. It is held annually on B.C. Day long weekend.
  • '''Vancouver Motor Cycle Show''' is one of the largest of its kind in Canada held annually in February at Tradex.
  • '''Berry Festival''' at the end of July celebrates Abbotsford's status as the "Berry Capital of Canada."
  • Lotusland Vineyards tasting & tour. 8450 King Road. 1-(604) 857-4188. nfo@lotuslandvineyards.com. 1-(604) 856 8299. eds-Sat 11-17h, Sun-Mon 12-17h.. asting $2/person, tour+tasting $10/person. Grape and fruit wines, made from organic local fruit. Previously known as "A'Very Fine Winery", playing on the names of the owners, Liz and David Avery. Book winery tours 1-2 weeks in advance for groups of 6 or more. Tasting fees waived with purchase.

    Shopping

    For a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out Historic Downtown Abbotsford and Clayburn Village Store in the community of Clayburn Village.

    Rural retailers can be found throughout the City's agricultural areas. Refer to the Passport to Christmas and Circle Farm Tour Guide available at one of two Visitor Centres on Sumas Way (Highway 11) or in the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) Terminal.

    Abbotsford boosts many large shopping plazas, plus one indoor mall - Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. Almost all of Canada's major retailers can be found in Abbotsford.

    Eat

    There are many places to eat in Abbotsford.

  • '''Ekos''', probably the best restaurant in town, is located in Historic Downtown Abbotsford. This eatery has many fine selections.
  • Restaurant 62. 001 McCallum Road. n the Gateway Building. 1-604-855-3545. ttp://www.restaurant62.ca/. unch: Mon-Fri 11:30am; Brunch: Sat-Sun 10am; Dinner Sun-Sat 5pm. Executive Chef Jeff Massey (former restaurant Chef of "Coast" seafood restaurant in Yaletown and also Cioppino's) prepares a variety of dishes utilizing local ingredients. Fraser Valley duck duo, pan seared breast of duck over local vegetables with handpicked blackberry jus and confit of duck leg over pistachio whipped potatoes. Restaurant 62 also boasts an award-winning wine list with over 200 selections from around the world, and 20 single malt and blended

  • Q Steakhouse. 100 - 2955 Gladwin Road. 1-604-870-9322. ttp://www.qsteakhouse.com/. ue?Fri lunch 11:30AM?2PM; Tue?Sat dinner from 5PM; Sun?Mon closed. inner entrees $20-35. nfo@qsteakhouse.com. Contemporary cuisine. A menu long on steaks and high-end cooking, overseen by Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) Mike Dicks. Successor to Quazines.
  • Dragon Fort. 421 Pauline Street. 04-852-6891. Fantastic Chinese place with excellent lunch specials; a favourite for everyone in town.

    Drink

    Sleep

  • '''Sweet Dreams Bed and Breakfast''', King Rd just south of Highway #1, [http://www.sweetdreamsbandb.com/home.html]. Beautiful location whose ratings go beyond the "Stars". Owners, Richard and Dorothy Friesen, go out of their way to provide a place of tranquility and luxurious comfort that will truly give you "sweet dreams".
  • '''Super 8 Abbotsford''', 1881 Sumas Way ''Exit 92 off #1 Trans Canada Hwy'', 604-853-1141, [http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/check_avail?brandCode=SE&searchWithinMiles=25&areaType=1&destination=abbotsford&stateName=British%20Columbia&state=BC&countryName=Canada&country=CA&propBrandId=SE] Offers 99 rooms,58 in the new hotel addition,and 41 in the motel section. All with fridges and microwaves. Kitchen suites, Indoor Waterslide/pool, free breakfast included. Surrounded by several restaurants and shopping. Children 17 and under free with accompanying adult.
  • '''Ramada Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre'''
  • '''Best Western Regency Inn & Conference Centre'''
  • '''Best Western Bakerview'''
  • '''Rio Motel'''
  • '''Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites''', 2020 Sumas Way, 604-853-1880, [http://www.coasthotels.com/hotels/canada/bc/abbotsford/coast_abbotsford/overview].
  • ''' Comfort Inn''''
  • '''Alpine Motor Inn'''
  • For '''budget travellers''', Columbia Bible College[http://www.columbiabc.edu] offers its '''dorms''' for overnight accommodation from May through August.
  • For '''RV travellers''', '''Walmart''' offers free overnight parking.
  • Get out