About a 10-minute drive north of the US-Canada border, 90 minutes from the Pacific ocean, on the south bank of the Fraser River, sits the cozy community of Abbotsford, British Columbia. Located on the Trans-Canada highway, this natural beauty is all too often overlooked as passersby make their way to and from the big city of Vancouver. What they miss will be yours to discover…

First thing to notice: Though the municipal centre has grown to a population of 110,000 it has still maintained much of the pastoral charm that drew homesteaders to the area more than a century ago. Mill Lake, for example (shown above), is only a 4-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the feast venue and showcases that rural feeling found in the middle of the city.

And today, having grown up at the heart of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford flourishes as an agricultural hub, providing visitors with a wide variety of harvest pleasures: berries, berries, berries galore. Did we mention the berries? Abbotsford is especially known as the raspberry capital of Canada. It also has to be noted, of course, that grapes are berries too. Which stands to reason why so many quality wineries exist in the area, ready to offer their delightful work of the vine for your enjoyment.

Abbotsford also offers many urban attractions, with many markets and shops, museums, restaurants and pubs to explore. The local Castle Fun Park is worth the trip in itself—it’s a family destination for exciting indoor activities like mini-golf, indoor softball and baseball batting cages, over 130 video and skill games and a Go Kart track. Facility admission is free.

And no outdoor enthusiast will be left out in Abbotsford. Nearby mountainous terrain provides excellent adventures for mountain cyclists and hikers of all skill levels. Plus fishing, golfing, horseback riding also await those more inclined toward gentle recreation. And many tours can be arranged to explore all the area has to offer, such as Fort Langley Historic Site.

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Services will be held at the Sandman Hotel & Suites at 32720 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford.

Please note: There are two Sandman Hotels in the area. The other is at the airport. Please be sure you are planning in regards to the facility on Simon Avenue.

Also note: We have no group housing arrangement with the hotel. You may still book with them, however there is no group booking reference code to cite. 

There are also a number of other nearby hotels and motels, along with AirBnB’s that you can choose from.