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Abbotsford
The city of Abbotsford is located approximately 72 km (45 miles)
east of Vancouver and 78 km (48 miles) west of Hope
on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1. As you travel through Abbotsford, Mt.
Baker is the highest mountain in the area, looking south into the
United States and stands out distinctly.
Ideal
Climate
Situated in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford enjoys an ideal climate
experiencing some of British Columbia's highest summer temperatures
to go along with more moderate temperatures in the winter.
Area
and Borders
Abbotsford's area and borders are defined by the Fraser River in
the north and the international border with the State of Washington
in the south.
Two
Cities in One
Abbotsford is really two cities in one. On one hand you can enjoy
a vibrant downtown complete with shopping malls, modern hotels and
all the conveniences and services of Vancouver. Then, on the other
hand, Abbotsford is able to boast a country lifestyle with all the
laid-back atmosphere of a farming community.
Railway
Yards
The city itself is divided into two with the railway yards and industrial
zone splitting the town the town in half on the north side of Hwy
1. Near here you can find evidence of Abbotsford's economic base
with grain elevators, agricultural suppliers and the Co-op Mall
present. Newer stores include a Home Depot, Wal-Mart and a Costco
that has a gas depot on Hwy 11 towards Sumas, Washington.
South
Fraser Way
The other mall areas and newer stores are situated on South Fraser
Way towards the west side past the rail yards. Here you can find
the larger Sevenoaks Mall and the West Oaks Mall which stores include
Superstore, London Drugs, Sport Chek, Sears, The Bay and numerous
financial institutions and health centres.
Centennial
Park & Pool
If you're travelling with kids just behind to the south of the Sevenoaks
Mall is the Centennial Park & Pool situated in Mill Lake Park.
Located at 2310 Emerson Street, the outdoor pool and waterpark is
open from the May long weekend right up to the end of the September
Labour Day long weekend.
Mill
Lake Park
While you're at the pool check out the rest of Mill Lake Park where
you can walk or run on 2 km (1.2 miles) path around the lake which
includes a floating boardwalk and enjoy the incredible views of
Mt. Baker.
Abbotsford
International Air Show
For celebrations and festivals the one event that always comes to
mind for Abbotsford is annual Abbotsford International Air Show.
Happening every year in August the air show exhibits one of North
America's best air displays such as the F-117A Nighthawk plus aerobatic
performances by various teams including the Canadian Force's Snowbirds.
Golfing
For golfers Abbotsford has a couple of courses handy to downtown
Abbotsford. You can find Ledgeview Golf Course which is situated
on the side of Sumas Mountain towards the east on McKee Rd. Then
on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 there is Royalwood Golf Club and then
just off Hwy 1 on S. Parallel Rd. there is Fraserglen Golf Club.
Mt.
Baker
Abbotsford enjoys some excellent winter sports as well with Hemlock
Valley and Mt. Baker both located in the near vicinity. Both have
ski resorts available with Mt. Baker enjoying real small town friendliness
which is centred around the very small community of Glacier.
McKee
Peak
Some other recreational sports found near Abbotsford include mountain
biking, horseback riding and hiking. One favourite you might want
to try is the walk around Sumas Mountain at the 32 hectare (80 acre
park) found at McKee Peak. Some features at McKee Peak include waterfalls,
some rock bluffs, and lots of wildlife with great views of the Fraser
Valley.
Mennonite
Historical Society of British Columbia
For people who love local heritage you'll have to visit the museum
sponsored by the Mennonite Historical Society of British Columbia.
Conveniently located in Clearbrook at 211 - 2825 Clearbrook Rd.
the museum displays the proud Mennonite history and culture found
throughout the Fraser Valley.
Chilliwack
Abbotsford's neighbour to the east on Hwy 1 is Chilliwack
where you can find access to Cultus Lake - a very popular area for
swimming. At Cultus you can find cabin rentals and great entertainment
for the kids. For camping there are some private RV sites as well
as the very large Cultus Lake Provincial Park.
Accommodation
Located at the north side of Hwy 1 at Sumas Way-Hwy 11 exit is where
you'll find accommodation close by with the Quality Inn and the
Best Western Bakerview Motor Inn. Then, at the Clearbrook Road exit,
are the Best Western Regency Inn and Alpine Motor Inn.
RV
Parks
Royalwood Golf Club on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 features an RV Park.
Then on Lower Sumas Mountain Road at Whatcom Road Is the Abbotsford
Camp & RV Park. Heritage Valley Resort situated on Sumas Mountain
features cabins and a retreat facility.
North
Side of the Fraser River
If you would like to try another route coming in and out of Vancouver,
try the north side of the Fraser River. From Abbotsford take the
road and bridge towards Mission and travel on Hwy 7 either east
through the District of Kent eventually to Hope or west towards
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Costco
If you happen to be travelling on Hwy 1 and are a Costco member,
the Abbotsford Costco usually has some of the best gas prices in
BC. To get to the Costco take the Sumas exit and travel south on
Hwy 11 towards the border with the USA. You can find the Costco
about 2 km (1.3 miles) south towards Sumas.
Information
on Abbotsford
Recreation
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