Nestled in between the rushing Fraser river and the northwestern border of the United States is the city of Abbotsford. Situated an hour east of Vancouver, it’s perfect place for pacific northwesterners to flock on to on the weekend to get a dose of that fresh Canadian air. The best time to book your flight to Abbotsford is in the summertime, so you can take advantage of all of the outdoor activities! Abbotsford is traditionally known for it’s small town feel, but it’s also a farming community. So there is plenty of beautiful farmer’s markets and plenty of delicious bakeries and amazing food all around. Plus, it’s great place for all types of hikers to get their fix! Here are five of the best hikes in Abbotsford.
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Centennial Trail to Chadsey Lake
In northeast Abbotsford you will find Sumas Mountain. It rises from the bank of the Fraser River and ends in the urban part of Abbotsford. Sumas Mountains is great place for hiking, biking, camping and an all around good time in the fresh air. The trail to Chadsey Lake, or as locals may call it, Lost Lake, is the perfect moderate trail with a nice incline to get your heart rate up. You’ll be covered in canopies of trees and see plenty of purple wildflowers while you take in the fresh smell of pine on your way down to the Lost Lake. There are actually many trails leading to this lake. But, it is roughly a six mile up and back hike if you begin from the upper parking lot of Sumas Mountain. This trail is in it’s best shape from April to November. If you want to bring your pup, feel free to as long as they stay on the leash! The water in this lake is actually pretty warm, so come prepared with swimming gear if you want to take a mid-hike dip! Also, to relax in the nature, bring a suitable tent. If you are hiking with friends and family, 8 person tents are our preferred option as they are huge and offer adequate space.
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Mount Cheam Trail
Abbotsford’s neighbouring town, Chilliwack, is home to the beautiful and lush, Mount Cheam. The hike to the peak of Mount Cheam is a hike that you simply cannot miss if you are in the Abbotsford area. This is a somewhat difficult hike, so be aware if you are a beginner! It’s about a six mile round trip hike that will probably take you around 4.5 hours to complete. Lots of incline walking. Getting to trailhead might actually be the trickiest part of the hike. The road is long and full of bumps, so a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. The best part of the hike is definitely the view at the top of Mount Cheam. After a trek up the mountain, you are rewarded with a 360-degree, breathtaking, panoramic view of Fraser Valley. Don’t forget to take it all in. Then, on your way back down, take an ice cold dip in Spoon Lake to cool off. And, since this is British Columbia, of course your pup is allowed to come along for the journey!
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Abby Grind Trail
Also located on the east side of Abbotsford is also the popular Abby Grind trail. It’s about a 4 mile round trip hike that runs along the Glen Ryder trail on the way up to Taggart Peak. The Abby Grind ends at the first viewpoint, but if you feel inclined to get to the top of Taggart Peak, then it’s only about a four mile hike up. This is a super steep hike so be sure to wear the right footwear and maybe strap into your hiking poles! At the viewpoint, you will be able to see a beautiful view of the Sumas river and the city of Abbotsford. This trail is open year round and you can definitely bring your furry friend along with!
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Teapot Hill
This hike is a super unique trail that is an absolute must see in Abbotsford. The Teapot Hill trail is located in the mossy hillsides surrounding Cultus Lake. Cultus Lake is a popular spot in the area to go for a swim or camp out for the night after a long day of hiking! The unique thing about Teapot Hill is that on your 4 mile round trip hike, there are teapots placed everywhere along the route! So. If you have an extra teapot laying around at home, continue the quirky tradition and find a spot for it on the trail. After a nice incline walk, you’ll make it to the top of the hill where you will be met with an excellent view of Cultus Lake and the surrounded valley covered in green. This trail is open year round and your dog is allowed to come with if kept on a leash! Once you get back to your car, drive over to the beach access, have a picnic and take a dip in the lake!
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Matsqui Trail
Matsqui Trail is the longest trail on the list with a 16.7 mile round trip hike. This trail runs along the Sumas river and stretches from the Sumas Mountains in east Abbotsford, under the Abbotsford-Mission Bridge, and all the way to the surrounding area of Mount Lehman on the west side of Abbotsford. It’s a perfect, easy hike for a nice sunny day in Abbotsford. You’ll have amazing views the whole way filled with peaceful waters, lush greenery and a backdrop of mountain peaks. The trail is gravel and flat, so if you are a trail runner, you definitely need to check it out! Dogs are always welcome here as long as they are kept on leash!
These are just 5 of the hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails that cover the Abbotsford/Vancouver area. British Columbia is known for its wide variety of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery that you simply cannot experience anywhere else. So, before you step onto your flight to Abbotsford, make sure you didn’t forget to pack your hiking shoes!
