Things To Do
in Abbotsford

Wild or farmed Pacific salmon, prepared grilled, smoked or cedar-planked; commonly available in restaurants and fish markets across the Fraser Valley.

Must-Try!

Seasonal berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) used in pies, tarts and preserves — best in summer from local farms and farmers markets.

Thanks to a large Punjabi community, Abbotsford offers excellent South Asian cuisine — from casual chaat and samosas to full-service Punjabi restaurants.

A classic British Columbian no-bake dessert with a crumb base, custard-flavored middle and chocolate topping; widely available in bakeries and cafes.

Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, flowers and prepared foods — a great place to taste fruit and meet producers (check seasonal schedule).

Weekend markets and occasional evening food truck gatherings bring a rotating selection of street food — look for samosas, tacos and local dessert stalls.

Canadians are generally polite and value personal space—use please/thank you, queue respectfully and avoid loud or aggressive behavior in public.

Abbotsford is on the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. Respectful acknowledgement of Indigenous lands and customs is appreciated; observe signage and guidance at cultural sites.

With a large Sikh and South Asian population, dress modestly when visiting gurdwaras or cultural centres and ask before photographing people or religious sites.

Follow ‘leave no trace’ principles in parks, stay on designated trails and dispose of litter properly; farming areas should be respected and gates kept closed.

In Canada, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary in full-service restaurants. Leave smaller tips for cafe counter service (5–10%), and tip taxi/ride-share drivers modestly or round up. Service charges for large groups may be added — check your bill.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and contactless tap payments are widely accepted; Interac (debit) is common for domestic payments. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers markets, small stands and some food trucks that may be cash-preferred. Mobile wallets are increasingly accepted.

Mild temperatures, increasingly green landscapes and blooming orchards/flowers. Early spring can be wet and muddy on trails, but farmers markets and U-pick operations begin to open by late spring.

Warm and relatively dry (July–August are the driest months); excellent for hiking, berry picking and outdoor festivals. Expect sunny days with cool evenings—pack sunscreen and layers for shade-to-evening transitions.

Crisper air and colourful foliage in parks; harvest season means farm stands and festivals. Rain increases later in the season; bring waterproof layers for outdoor activities.

Cool, wet and often cloudy with rain rather than heavy snow in low-lying areas; occasional snow or frost. Nearby mountains get good snow for winter sports—expect shorter daylight and slick roads during storms.

The Indigenous peoples of the Fraser Valley whose traditional territory includes the Abbotsford area; they contribute cultural heritage, art and community programs.

One of the largest visible minority groups in Abbotsford, with strong cultural, religious and culinary influence in the city.

Longstanding communities involved in agriculture, business and local governance; visible across suburban and rural neighbourhoods.

The Fraser Valley’s agriculture relies on seasonal and migrant workers who are an important part of the local economy and community.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes, many South Asian restaurants and farm-to-table places. Ask staff about dairy-free swaps and seasonal vegetable plates.

Vegan choices have grown in popularity; specialty cafes and some restaurants carry vegan mains and dairy-free desserts. Farmers markets often have vegan vendors.

Gluten-free options can be found at many bakeries/cafes and restaurants that label menus; still advisable to notify staff about strict intolerance due to cross-contamination risks.

Halal food is available at several South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants; check signage or ask staff to confirm preparation.