How To Make the Most of a Weekend Trip to Abbotsford

If you find yourself needing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver this winter, consider taking a weekender with the family to nearby Abbotsford. Only an hour away from the city, Abbotsford is a hidden gem of a town filled with unique shops, breweries, a local art scene, fantastic countryside views, and a variety of culinary cuisine. Journey with us as we explore how you can make the most out of your visit to the town in one weekend.

1. Getting In And Where To Stay in Abbotsford

Going to Abbotsford, you'll want to make the most out of your short trip. In order to this, it is wise to get in on a Thursday or Friday night to really maximize your time. If you are driving, the best way is to take Highway 1 before getting off at Abbotsford. It is also possible to fly into Abbotsford International Airport if you are coming from a farther distance.

Once you arrive, you'll want to stay at a reliable hotel that can quickly get you to the downtown area. We recommend the Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites because it is only 10 minutes away from downtown Abbotsford/Montrose Avenue.

Additionally, the hotel has a variety of comforting amenities:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary breakfast
• Indoor swimming pool
• Onsite fitness facilities

If you are flying in, transportation is also available with Central Valley taxi's providing service to the downtown area. And for die-hard ridesharers, Uber and Lyft are set to start British Columbia operations.

Last, but certainly not least, don't forget to bring your four-legged, furry friend along as the Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites also has pet-friendly rooms. Along with Coast Hotels, Abbotsford is also a relatively pet-friendly town, so your fur babies will have just as good of a time (if not more!) as you will.

2. Visiting Historic Downtown Abbotsford

Abbotsford’s historic downtown a very quaint and charming locale. One of the locations Abbotsford is particularly well-known for is Montrose Avenue. This historic five-block location was once the one-time city centre of Abbotsford about a century ago, but is now one of the more trendy locations in town and is home to unique shops and unique lunch spots.

Shop:

The Spruce Collective

Many people come to Abbotsford just to shop at The Spruce Collective as it contains home goods and beauty products that you can't find anywhere else in the world. This means that many of the products found here are locally made and manufactured by Abbotsford artisans. Be sure to stop by here and take home a souvenir you'll be able to remember the local culture by.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford

Lunch:

Bow & Stern

Bow & Stern is a family-owned and family-run seafood joint that has been operating as a mainstay of the local scene for the past five years (but have been perfecting their recipes for the past 30!). This delectable eatery brings a British pub flare to their traditional cosmopolitan seafood menu that includes fish and chips, oysters, tacos, salads, and burgers. They are also well-known for their tremendous craft beer selection that features varieties from Abbotsford's own Ravens Brewing Company and Old Yale Brewing, a British Columbia staple. Once you've had your fill from the main menu, check out the dessert section for a specialty selection of deep-fried goodies - just don't tell your trainer.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford | Robyn Bessenger

Once you've had time to fuel up, you'll want to make it to the main event: checking out the breweries!

3. Drink Abbotsford

Field House Brewing

With over 33 acres of land, Field House Brewing is one of Abbotsford's premier breweries and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Local brewers are extremely creative here with their brewing styles and change them throughout the year to accompany the weather and seasons. Since opening up, Field House Brewing has brewed close to 50 different ale, pilsner, and IPA seasonal varieties and don't plan on quitting anytime soon.

Once you have finished the tour, you can sit outside amongst other groups and enjoy musical performances that are scheduled on a monthly basis. Field House is a great place to sit back, relax, and revel in the company of good music and great beer.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford | Dallas Carlson

If craft breweries aren't up your alley or you want to try a different kind of experience altogether (but still want to keep the good times rolling), Abbotsford has you covered.

Seaside Pearl Winery

The winner of four BC Lieutenant Governor's Wine Awards, Seaside Pearl Winery takes its craft seriously. Located on a farm in the countryside, Seaside is a family-owned and operated winery that uses the cool British Columbia climate as inspiration for their wine infusions. The result is a product that is at once vibrant and elegant with earthy aromas originating from the valleys where the grapes are grown.

You'll want to start by visiting the chapel tasting room. From here, you'll have the opportunity to try the artisanal wines while overlooking the rolling countryside below and getting a stunning view of Mt. Baker on an outdoor patio.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford | Dallas Carlson

After taking in these breathtaking views, take a tour of the facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a winery operates. You'll learn about the unique challenges that come with harvesting the grapes and bottling the product while developing an appreciation for how quality wine is made.

Old Hand Coffee

Like the other local businesses on this list, Old Hand Coffee is also family-owned and a more recent development in the Abbotsford community. Kristina and Johannes, along with their toddlers Else and Ingrid, are a dream team that have taken inspiration from their European roots to craft specialty coffee that is unique to Abbotsford. After developing their production and coffee drinking experience process at gourmet cafes in Vancouver, they returned to the place where they were born and brought up to give back to the community that had given them everything.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Abbotsford | Dallas Carlson

When you arrive in Abbotsford, be sure to visit this one of a kind cafe for an unrivaled local experience.

4. Start Planning Your Vacation

There are many enticing elements that make up a quick trip to Abbotsford. From checking out the local artisanal crafts at The Spruce to dancing the night away at Field House Brewing, there are a myriad of activities to choose from. Be sure to make a reservation in advance at the Coast Abbotsford Hotel & Suites for a refreshing way to start your vacation.