With sunny autumn days on the horizon, now is the perfect time to enjoy a tour of some of the Fraser Valley’s best fall features.
We love coming together to share our passions – to rejoice at the changing of seasons and bounty of the land, to find more reasons to do something special together or to gather to share a meal, cup of coffee or pint of beer in a welcoming place.
With a variety of ways to get outside and celebrate the harvest season, it’s as easy as hopping in your car and heading down Highway 1 for a picturesque road trip and a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for activities for families, couples or pet lovers, there is a fall festivity for everyone in Abbotsford.
Sip and sample local flavours
Take the Mt. Lehman Road exit to start your trip in West Abbotsford at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery. Call ahead to schedule an appointment on Saturdays for a honey wine tasting, and take in the sights, smells and sounds of a working bee farm! This is a unique and fun farm experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Continue to Tanglebank Gardens & Brambles Bistro for a bit of shopping and brunch. Browse the quaint garden and home goods store, then sit down at Brambles Bistro inside to enjoy menu items made with local, homegrown ingredients.
For couples or friends visiting Abbotsford, fall is the perfect time to sample local wines. Drive up the road to Mt. Lehman Winery for a tasting, then step inside Seaside Pearl Winery’s unique chapel-style tasting room and finally, sip wine and sample local cheese at the picnic benches at Singletree Winery.
Check into your room at Brookside Inn Boutique Hotel (perfect for couples or a girls’ getaway!) or the Sandman Hotel Abbotsford Airport, which is excellent for families, allows pets, and is close to the highway and the Abbotsford International Airport. Abbotsford’s hotels have been working hard to implement new-and-improved COVID-19 protocols and procedures to ensure your stay is as safe as possible.
For dinner options Abbotsford has a variety of eating establishments for all tastes and budgets. Head to Restaurant 62’s new location for the ultimate in farm-to-table dining. Owner and chef Jeff Massey creates a menu of farm-to-fork-inspired dishes that change with the season without sacrificing quality or flavour. In addition to the locally sourced food, find a wine and beer list with an abundance of Abbotsford-grown options.
For a big appetite head to Brodeur’s Bistro, the perfect spot for large portions of delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. Menu items include smoked meat sandwiches, jambalaya and rotisserie chicken, all with your choice of more than 28 sides!
Day 2: Farm fun & the historic downtown
After a restful sleep, begin Day 2 of adventure at the Applebarn at Taves Family Farms on Gladwin Road. This popular Abbotsford attraction is only open seasonally so it’s not to be missed! In addition to their famous u-pick apple orchards, find all the classic fall amenities: corn maze, farm animals, children’s activities and more. New this year is their Estate Cidery! Try some delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders and be sure to take some home for later.
Continue down Huntingdon Road to Maan Farms Country Experience & Estate Winery for all your pumpkin patch fun! Maan Farms also offers a regular corn maze, a super spooky haunted corn maze, barnyard play land, and of course, the cutest baby goats. Stop into Mama Maan’s Country Kitchen for lunch and pick up some berry wine to take home for later!
Head to Abbotsford’s Historic Downtown for an afternoon pick-me-up at one of the local cafés and bakeries. Oldhand Coffee and Tracycakes Bakery Café offer an inspiring selection of handmade baked goods that will make your mouth water. The Polly Fox is known for their selection of vegan and gluten-free treats you can take to go. Visit SippChai’s recently opened Downtown location for a perfectly spiced chai tea, then wander the Historic Downtown with a warm drink in hand, perusing the great locally owned shops. Spruce Collective, Montrose & GeorgeandBureaux Modern Mercantile all carry unique and trend-forward clothing, housewares, beauty items and children’s wear!
After a long day of festive fall fun, it’s time to head to Field House Brewing Co. to unwind. Furry friends are welcome on the patio, or cosy up at the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Try their selection of seasonal brews and grab dinner from their locally sourced menu. Kids are welcome too – grab them a yummy grilled cheese sandwich from the Canteen Kitchen!
After 48 hours of autumn in Abbotsford we hope that you were able to take a break to reconnect with your passion, the land and your loved ones while being welcomed by our community spirit. Here time is measured in seasons, family milestones and doing what you love. Our urban heart cradled by farmland offers us balance - balance between nurtured and built; city and country; diversity and community. Enjoy the harvest and all that our community has to offer!