Abbotsford–Mission
Around Abbotsford–Mission
Photo: Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · British Columbia · 195k people
Abbotsford–Mission
Locals say Fraser Valley · “Raspberry Capital of Canada”
Where the Fraser Valley feels like home.
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Welcome to the Fraser Valley! Whether you're here for the berries, the mountains, or the friendly small-town vibe, you'll find plenty to love. Grab a coffee in historic downtown Mission and say hi.
Clubs for Abbotsford–Mission
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The room
One room for everyone around Abbotsford–Mission. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
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Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Abbotsford–Mission. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Abbotsford Centre Arena and concert venue, home of the Abbotsford Canucks.
- Rotary Stadium Sports complex for football, soccer, and track events.
- Mill Lake Park Central park with a lake, trails, and picnic areas.
- Fraser River Heritage Park Historic park in Mission with walking trails and river views.
- Sumas Mountain Regional Park Hiking and nature area with panoramic views.
- Clayburn Village Historic village with preserved buildings and a general store.
- Outdoors Berry picking at U-pick farms
- Outdoors Hiking Sumas Mountain
- With kids Visit the Reach Gallery Museum
- With kids Spend a day at Mill Lake Park
- Evenings Craft brewery taprooms
- Evenings Live music at Abbotsford Centre
- Locals love U-pick berry farms
- Locals love Farm stands
Through the year
- Abbotsford International Airshow August Major airshow at the airport with aerobatic performances.
- Abbotsford Agrifair August Annual fair with agriculture exhibits, rides, and live entertainment.
- Mission Folk Music Festival July Outdoor folk music festival in Mission.
- Abbotsford Berry Festival June Celebration of local berries with food vendors and activities.
- Fraser Valley Bandits basketball games Summer Canadian Elite Basketball League team playing in Abbotsford.
Mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Best: June to September
Talk like a local
- “the Valley”
- The Fraser Valley
- “U-pick”
- Self-pick berry farms
Getaways
- Chilliwack Outdoor recreation and farm tours.
- Bellingham Waterfront and historic Fairhaven district.
- Vancouver Urban attractions, Stanley Park, and dining.
- Mount Vernon Tulip fields and Skagit Valley scenery.
Local flavour
Teams
- Abbotsford Canucks AHL
- Fraser Valley Bandits CEBL
- UFV Cascades U Sports
Also rooting for Vancouver Canucks (NHL), Vancouver Giants (WHL), Seattle Mariners (MLB)
Eat and drink
- Raspberries and blueberries The region is known as the Raspberry Capital of Canada; u-pick farms and fresh berry desserts are iconic.
- Farm-to-table cuisine
- Butter chicken and East Indian dishes A large Indo-Canadian community contributes popular dishes, especially in Abbotsford.
Where people go
- U-pick berry farms Raspberry and blueberry fields that define the agricultural character.
- Historic downtown Mission
- Fraser River The river runs through the valley, offering recreation and scenic views.
- Cascade Mountains Visible to the east, providing a dramatic backdrop and outdoor activities.
Heritage and traditions
The region takes pride in its fertile farmland and berry orchards, and its welcoming multicultural community, with deep Sikh and Mennonite roots.
Say it like a local: “toque” — A knitted winter hat.
Festivals
- Vaisakhi Parade April A vibrant Sikh new year celebration with a large parade in Abbotsford.
- Bradner Flower Show April One of the oldest daffodil shows in Canada, held in Bradner.
Landmarks with a story
- Gur Sikh Temple The oldest Sikh temple in North America, built in 1911.
- Mission Railway Station A historic train station that played a key role in the area's development.
Food traditions
- Langar at the Sikh temple A free community meal served at the Gur Sikh Temple, open to all, reflecting Sikh hospitality.
- Fresh berry pies Locals make pies from locally grown raspberries and blueberries, especially during harvest season.
Music and arts
- Bhangra music and dance A lively Punjabi folk tradition celebrated in the community.
- Folk music The Mission Folk Music Festival showcases local and international folk artists.
A little history
- 1911 Gur Sikh Temple built
- Late 1800s Arrival of the railway spurred settlement
- Early 1900s Development of berry farming industry
- Pre-colonial Sto:lo First Nations inhabited the area
Rivalries
- Abbotsford vs Mission Friendly rivalry between the two cities.
- Outdoors Berry picking at U-pick farms
- With kids Visit the Reach Gallery Museum
People speak with a standard Canadian English accent, with a growing Punjabi-speaking community. Local phrases include 'eh' and 'toque'.
Only here
- The Gur Sikh Temple is the oldest Sikh temple in North America.
- The Bradner Flower Show has been held annually since 1929.
New here? A few tips
- Expect rain, especially in winter; keep an umbrella handy.
- Traffic on Highway 1 can be heavy during rush hours; plan accordingly.
- Try the local berries—visit a U-pick farm in summer.
- Visit the Gur Sikh Temple to learn about the area's Sikh heritage.
- Learn a few Punjabi phrases; many locals speak it.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaChilliwackBritish ColumbiaWhere the mountains meet the fieldsBellinghamWashingtonWhere the mountains meet the sea, and the coffee is always fresh.VancouverBritish ColumbiaWhere the sea meets the skyFraser CanyonBritish ColumbiaRugged beauty, small-town heart.Skagit ValleyWashingtonWhere tulips bloom and tides turn.San Juan IslandsWashingtonWhere the Salish Sea meets the sky.Oak HarborWashingtonIsland calm, Pacific Northwest soulSquamishBritish ColumbiaWhere the mountains meet the sea, and every day is an adventure.
Abbotsford - Mission. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.