The traditional territories of the Sts’ailes, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Cheam, Douglas, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, Skatin and Stó:lō Coast Salish Peoples, as well as the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Semiahmoo, Semá:th, and Mathxwí First Nations.
Renowned for its airshow, planes aren’t the only sights in the skies above Abbotsford – look out for hawks around the farms and airfield, as well as swamp sparrows and elusive American bittern. 45 km east of Langley, this cultivated city weaves an eclectic tale of agriculture, community, and natural environment.
Getting Here
By Land
By Bike
- Biking Guide: Tourism Abbotsford
- Biking West: From Langley
- Biking East: From Chilliwack
By Public Transit
By Air
Spring Birding in Abbotsford
Spring brings migration to the Fraser Valley, with an ever-changing list of guest appearances all season. Kinglets and chickadees dart from branch to branch, brown creepers scale the trees in the forest, and spotted towhees alert you to their presence with their abrasive call. The red crossbill, found in coniferous forests, is a fascinating bird with its unique, overlapping beak. At a river or stream’s edge, you might catch the impressive sight of a small, round American dipper swimming through the rushing water to catch its tiny meals.
Summer Birding in Abbotsford
Summer on the Fraser features skies filled with warm-weather visitors. Several aerobatic swallow species (including tree, violet-green, cliff, and northern rough-winged) dart around over fields, lakes, and ponds – it’s quite a thrill to have one zoom past at close range! If you’re near water, you may see the coastally-specialized raptor, the osprey, scanning for fish. If you see one hovering, keep an eye on it, as it might be about to plunge into the water for a catch. In the trees, the gorgeous colours of cedar waxwings make for beautiful photos, and BC’s provincial bird, the curious and friendly Steller’s jay, can be found in the forest – especially around campgrounds. From deep in the trees, the majestic, cascading song of a Swainson’s thrush can be enjoyed, even if they rarely let themselves be seen.
Fall Birding in Abbotsford
Take a stroll through a forest in fall and follow your ears to one of our local woodpecker species drumming away on a tree. From the large, red-capped pileated woodpecker, to the hairy woodpecker and its smaller lookalike, the downy, their sounds echo through the trails. There’s even the northern flicker, a woodpecker often found foraging on the ground, which has delightful polka dots on its front. Other active park residents include kinglets and chickadees, ensuring that a walk through the trees is rarely without activity.
Winter Birding in Abbotsford
The weather may get cooler, but the forests are still buzzing with many resident species throughout the winter in the Fraser Valley. The mild climate means kinglets, chickadees, woodpeckers, and Steller’s jays can be found, even as the weather turns. The striking orange of a varied thrush can brighten up any winter day. One bird to keep an eye out for is the gyrfalcon, an uncommon but thrilling sight that occasionally visits from the arctic.
Abbotsford
Renowned for its airshow, planes aren’t the only sights in the skies above Abbotsford – look out for hawks around the farms and airfield, as well as swamp sparrows and elusive American bittern. 45 km east of Langley, this cultivated city weaves an eclectic tale of agriculture, community, and natural environment.
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131480 Maclure Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2T 5G6
A park nestled in the city of Abbotsford with towering trees full of wildlife and lookout posts along the creek paths, perfect for birdwatching.
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233324 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 2B4
A nature specialty store with all the necessities for housing and feeding common backyard birds.
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332508 Verdon Way, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2T 7Y3
A very special part of Abbotsford’s wildlife care community, Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center has been caring for injured and orphaned wild bird and small mammals since 1986.
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42595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V4X 1H5
A family-owned farm and apiary known for loving all things bee-related. Try their specialty honeys and meads.
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529985 Downes Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V4X 1Z8
A brunch bistro focusing on farm-fresh ingredients and comfort food, with produce, fruit, and honey coming from their own gardens.
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6110 – 33559 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 1K8
Elegant farm-to-table cuisine making use of fresh and diverse local flavours from the Fraser Valley.
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71828 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 0H9
Plant-based specialty food store and bakery featuring fresh house-made baked goods with a focus on organic grains.
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846140 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2P1
Enjoy good food and drinks while socializing in a fun, welcoming, and enjoyable atmosphere, in this locally owned and family-run restaurant.
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92379 Chardonnay Lane, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V4X 0A6
Luxury suites inspired by classic romantic movies with gourmet breakfast served daily.
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1032720 Simon Avenue, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2T 0B8
Large comfortable suites and close to shopping, with views of the Fraser Valley and local mountains.
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11Abbotsford, BC, CA, V4X 1V4
Matsqui Trail follows alongside the Fraser River offering serene views of the nearby farmlands and Cascade Mountains. 6km of flat walking trail makes this ideal for a quick birding expedition.
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1239100 Sumas Mountain Forest Service Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V3G 2L3
With trails suitable for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, Sumas Mountain Regional Park is ready for you, no matter your speed. Head to the western viewpoint for the best hawk watching.
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13Bateman Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 7Y8
This urban wetland on the Sumas Flats is a mixture of marsh, grassy field, and treed areas also containing a creek and two large water detention ponds. Enjoy the 2.6-kilometre outer trail, or one of the many interconnecting trails, and keep an eye out for great blue heron, northern shoveler, and belted kingfisher.
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142617 Pauline Street, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 3S2
A family-owned cafe with a cozy, vintage feel. They focus on craft coffee, but also have a selection of delicious house-made baked goods and sandwiches.
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1533771 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 6H1
This classic 1950s inspired diner has all the comfort foods: burgers, breakfast dishes, and great milkshakes.
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162281 West Railway Street, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 2E3
A hip local brewery offering amazing beers and house-made sandwiches and pizza. Live music can also be enjoyed while relaxing on their patio and beer lawn.
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1733955 Clayburn Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 7Z1
A year-round farmers market that specializes in local farm-to-table products. Fresh sandwiches, salads, and drinks are available to-go, perfect for picnics in the park.
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1833758 Essendene Avenue, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 2H2
This hip burger joint focuses on creative, farm-based burgers and local craft beer.
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191356 Sumas Way, Abbotsford, BC, CA
Eat local at this community market featuring farm fresh veggies and fruit from local Abbotsford farms. Check out the deli for homemade sandwiches to take out on the trails.
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2033780 Essendene Avenue, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 2H2
Cold-pressed juices, fresh superfood smoothies, and hearty bowls. Most options are gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based.
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211717 Salton Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 7P2
Knowledgeable and friendly staff at this paddlesports store will get you geared up and ready for water adventures.
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222622 Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V2S 3T5
Located in the heart of historic Downtown Abbotsford, this shop offers a curated collection of local items and eclectic vintage finds. Discover quirky new house goods, kitchenware, kids toys, and more.
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2336035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, BC, CA, V3G 2C6
This pet-friendly hotel offers great amenities, including wheelchair accessible rooms and an indoor heated pool. Close to the popular birding areas of Sumas Mountain and Sumas Prairie.
Welcome the traditional land of the Stó:lō Nation; from the waters to the skies there’s plenty to feast your eyes, ears, and mouths on as this region shows off its bounty.
The Fraser Valley Bird Trail follows the flow of the Fraser River through four distinct communities, with ample birding opportunities around each bend. As the longest river in the province, the Fraser River’s fertile habitats include dense forest, wetland, farmland, and more. Home to many resident birds, this area also welcomes more than 200 distinct species each year who use the Pacific Flyway during migration.
Local businesses bring communities together as the BC Bird Trail follows along the path of the Fraser River.
