7 Cool Things to Do in Abbotsford & Chilliwack
Looking for things to do in Abbotsford and Chilliwack? We recently explored the Fraser Valley on a short road trip, and it was an awesome summertime day trip from Vancouver! Abbotsford and Chilliwack actually have a really cool food, coffee, wine, and beer scene popping up, so we loaded up the car with some friends and hit the road one weekend.
This Vancouver day trip is perfect for you if you love indulging in craft beer, charcuterie, and topping it all off with a relaxing afternoon at the lake! Here are 7 fun things to do in Abbotsford and Chilliwack:
Fun Things to Do in Abbotsford
1. Craft Beer and Charcuterie at Field House Brewing
This is definitely one of the coolest breweries in BC! Field House Brewing is right up there with 33 Acres when it comes to a hip decor and ambiance in their tasting room (and tasting lawn), but their beer is seriously so good. Like, need to buy a ton of 'chubbies' to take home, best in BC, kind of good.
We absolutely loved sitting on their lawn, with picnic blankets and Field House-orange lawn chairs provided for you to lay out and relax in the sunshine. In addition to having awesome craft beer flights, they also have an amazing food menu. We gobbled up tacos, but their local charcuterie board was to die for. We'll definitely be making our way back to Abbotsford just to visit Field House Brewing (and stock up on those Dutch Pale Ales).
2. Coffee With Friends at Old Hand Coffee
No good road trip from Vancouver can start without good coffee, and we recommend starting your day at the hip Old Hand Coffee in Downtown Abbotsford (they recently changed locations, so make sure you're going to the right one). Whether you want a yummy homemade Dutch pastry for breakfast or a delicious vegan sandwich for lunch, there's a ton of snacks to pair with your expertly-crafted cortado.
3. Explore Montrose Street in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
Enjoy the slow(er) life of being away from the city as you wander through this cute, historic main street in Abbotsford. Whether you want to go vintage shopping at The Market or indulge in a freshly-baked croissant at Duft & Co Bakehouse (one of BC's most-talked about bakeries), this is a fun pit stop just a few blocks down from Old Hand Coffee.
Spruce Collective is an Abbotsford staple, and definitely a must for when you visit! We love this shop full of local and independent home goods, clothing, and beauty products (featuring some of our favorite local brands like Woodlot and Pink House).
4. Wine Tasting in a Chapel at Seaside Pearl Winery
One of the best things about visiting the Fraser Valley is soaking in all the rolling green hills and soaring mountain landscape in the country! The brand new Seaside Pearl Winery in Abbotsford is like stepping into a country fairytale, complete with a long driveway, white picket fence, and horses grazing next to a tasting room in a chapel. Definitely stop by for a tasting and a visit with the family behind this winery, it's a great local vibe that makes you feel instantly at home.
Things to Do in Chilliwack:
5. Brewery Hop Your Way Around Chilliwack
After you've enjoyed your time in Abbotsford, it's time to head to the lake! But before you do, take some time to explore Chilliwack and some of their great craft breweries (we told you this was a Vancouver day trip for the beer enthusiasts!). On Chilliwack's historic Mill Street you'll find Chaos & Solace Brewing, and closer to Cultus Lake is Old Yale Brewing. Enjoy a flight or fill up your growlers to go, either way you'll be more than satisfied!
6. Suntan on the Docks at Cultus Lake
We are all about lake life during the summer, and BC has so many awesome lakes to enjoy! We really love Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, because they have a super unique dock set up. There's so many docks, it's easy to find a spot with your friends, lay out the blankets, and picnic all afternoon. Jump in to cool off or lay out to warm up, either way you'll be enjoying all that BC's summer have to offer here!
7. Canoeing at Sunset at Cultus Lake
After your tummy is full, your skin is wet, and your body well-rested, it's time for a little sunset adventure! Main Beach Boat Rentals have pedal boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for rent, and this is one of the prettiest (and easiest) places to go out on the water. Perfect for that #explorebc Instagram post ;)
We hope you love this list of fun and hip things to do in Abbotsford and Chilliwack! This really is such a fun road trip from Vancouver, and it's the perfect route to head out on the road with friends for the day. Want more things to do in BC? Follow us on Instagram at @localwanderer or check out 7 Gorgeous Weekend Getaways from Vancouver!
This post is in partnership with Destination BC, you can find even more BC trip inspiration at explorebc.ca