If you are looking for things to do in Abbotsford in an afternoon, weekend, or longer, there are activities in the area for the whole family. I spent 48 hours sampling wine, beer, cider, and mead, and of course, visiting a few eateries to satisfy my foodie self! Just a small warning, my article is filled with photos so thanks for your patience if they load slowly. My experiences were gifted by the businesses mentioned, and Tourism Abbotsford.
Maan Farms
Maan Farms is more than just a farm… there’s something for everyone and so much to do that you will need to visit more than once. I spent a couple of hours on the Farm tasting their award-winning fruit wine (my favourite is Strawberry-Rhubarb), picking “u-pick” fresh strawberries, shopping for preserves and more in their store, saying “hey” to some goats in the petting area, and finishing my visit off with a big bowl of butter chicken. They have activities for the whole family each season so check out their website for event details and dates…try the goat yoga!
Taves Estate Cidery and Farmville
Spending time at Taves is a lot of fun for everyone! This farm has been in the Taves family for three generations and every year it gets better and better. From cider tasting, sunflower patch, u-pick goji berries, strawberries, and apples, cold-pressed apple cider, hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch, pumpkin house and path, petting barn, goats, Farmville, pedal karts, jumping pillows, and much more!
I visited the Cidery and was able to see Farmville, which is open on weekends. During my tasting, I sampled the Barnyard Series of ciders and it was hard to choose just one, but my favourite is the Black Current Cider and a close second is the Red Currant Cider. They also sell preserves in their shops on the estate, and my new favourite, Pumpkin Butter.
Some of the fun events coming up that you can take part in are Solve ‘n Sip (a murder mystery adventure), Dance ‘n Sip (learn how to swing dance), Paint ‘n Sip, and so much more. Visit their website for event details and hours open.
Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery
Before my visit to Campbell’s Gold, I did not know that wine could be made from honey. This farm is a licensed honey winery, producing a variety of honey wines, including blends with fruit and grapes. I was on a quest for new tastes and Campbell’s delivered! My top favourite is the Pear-a-dize: Honey Wine & Pears with Spice and my second favourite is the Honey Wine & Plums.
Campbell’s Gold also creates a wide variety of honey and beeswax products. Some specialty honey includes cappuccino, jalapeno, pumpkin spice, garlic, ginger, chocolate mint, chocolate orange, licorice, and many more. The liqueur options include amaretto, black currant, grand marnier, drambuie, and spiced rum.
Singletree Winery
After tasting berry and honey wine, as well as cider for the past few days, I did one tasting of grape wine on this trip. Singletree Winery is a small family-operated vineyard with a nice variety of wines in the tasting room. It was hard for me to choose just one as my favourite, so it’s a tie between the Gruner Veltliner 2020 (crisp white with flavours of Meyer lemon, apple, and citrus) and 2020 Siggy (lychee and rose petal aromas with flavours of apple, stone fruit, and honey).
Where to Eat
Field House Brewing
Did you know tacos are my favourite dish? I visited Field House Brewing and was gifted a craft beer tasting and delicious pulled chicken tacos. They have a great atmosphere, live entertainment, and I love the outdoor space — it’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and family this summer! Did you know they have their own farm and grow most of the fruit and vegetables they serve?
My tasting is pictured below right to left…Hazy Citrus-Lime Pale Ale was my favourite! My second favourite was the Dark Sour Blackberries & Blueberries! Third…Salted Lime Mexican Lager, and fourth was the Sour Wheat Gose. I wanted to try samples of beer that aren’t “beer-like” so these were all great choices! Taste them for yourself and tell me what you think!!
Brodeur’s Bistro
I was looking for new flavours and found them at Brodeur’s Bistro in Abbotsford. Their menu consists of dishes that are a blend of Montreal and New Orleans cuisine. I ordered the Jambalaya with medium heat (4 peppers). It was perfect! I almost tried the Blackened Catfish Po Boy but because I’m a seafood lover, I opted for Jambalaya (shrimp, chicken, andouille sausage, bacon, sweet peppers, corn, beans, onions and celery on Cajun rice; crème fraîche.) They’re great at adjusting what they can for those of us with food allergies, too. I’ll definitely dine here again!
Re:Vive Social House
Re:Vive Social House serves fabulous dishes that taste amazing and are great to look at. It was so hard to choose a dish and opted for the Smoky BBQ Chicken Flatbread, with arugula, pickled red onions, and feta. They offer a selection of boards, flatbreads, desserts, and specialty coffees.
Shopping in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
I took some time to walk around in one of Abbotsford’s oldest neighbourhoods and discovered a beautiful, intriguing alley with a chocolate store and a beautiful mural at the end. There’s a wide variety of stores and boutiques that are independently owned and sell unique items, many are handmade. You can learn a bit about the history of the area by reading plaques placed on select buildings. A few that I shopped in are Hunt & Home, YesChef, and Re:Vive Social House.
Re:Vive Social House
I could spend hours browsing through Re:Vive Social House. All of their products are either imported, made by local artists, or made in-store. After leaving, I want to completely redecorate my home and come back for new decor! The ambiance inside Re:Vive is peaceful, warm, and relaxed…an atmosphere I could use at home!
Yes Chef!
I’m a foodie and love cooking with fresh ingredients. I was in kitchen heaven in Yes Chef discovering new kitchen appliances and tools that not only look pretty but make being a home cook more fun and enjoyable. I may be back for this pink Smeg electric kettle…
Hunt & Home
Hunt & Home is filled with beautiful home decor, new and vintage. I stopped in to buy some bath soap so I could enjoy the large soaker tub in my suite at Brookside Inn.
Where to Stay
On this visit to Abbotsford, I stayed at Brookside Inn Boutique Hotel, gifted by Tourism Abbotsford. From the moment I drove into the stone courtyard, it felt like home. This was the first time I’ve stayed in a bed and breakfast-style hotel and I had a great experience thanks to hosts Chris & Sandi Buis! You can read more about Brookside Inn in my other post “Abbotsford’s Romantic Brookside Inn Boutique Hotel”.
What are your favourite things to do and places to eat in Abbotsford? Let me know in the comments below so I can check them out!
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