I completely understand the groaning and whining about how ‘Abbotsford has nothing,’ but I assure you, if you really try, Abbotsford has a lot to offer and this article attempts to encourage you to do things right here in Abbotsford.
Let’s start simple: try out different local cafés. Sure, chain establishments are convenient with their ubiquity, but it’s so much better to support places in your own community. It’s fun to browse unique menus and to share pastries with your friends. Coffee, tea, and everything in between, these cafés have it all. Here’s a list of a few tried and true places: Afterthoughts, Aurora Roasters, Habitual, and Oldhand. Bonus points for the places that give UFV students discounts like Lepp’s Bakehouse and Sprouted Oven. Go café hopping! There’s nothing more fun than hot chocolate tasting on a winter’s day.
Our downtown district may be small, but it’s historic and the cultural hub of Abbotsford. Not only is it raging with dining establishments, such as BRGR BRGR and Bow & Stern, but there are unique shops that cater to many different styles and tastes. Looking for a good book? Try Totally Bookish. Need a unique gift for someone? Browse around Spruce Collective, The Celestial Boutique, or Corby’s Antiques. Want to do something creative? Tap into your artistic side at The Clay Cottage. Are you yearning to get a fresh piercing or tattoo? Memento Mori Studios has you covered.
For those that like to hit the gym, Abbotsford has no shortage of them, but there are options for those of us that prefer other forms of movement and exercise. I’m pleased to inform you that we have recreation centres dedicated to swimming, skating, and additional activities such as zumba, basketball, and more for all ages and levels. Abbotsford also has yoga studios, spin cycling, pilates, and dance studios. If your surrounding areas aren’t the best for a walk, try Rotary Stadium or Mill Lake, but if you’re looking for something more lowkey, explore Douglas Taylor Park instead.
For those interested in the city’s culture, I implore you to spend time at The Reach Gallery Museum and Open Space. Both places host a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year and highlight local art and stories. The Abbotsford Arts Centre isn’t limited to high school theatre performances (which I recommend attending, because it’s important to support your community!), but their website lists a variety of events that go on throughout the year. The library is another great place to get involved within the community. Alongside books and media, the library consistently offers diverse events and programs. If something calls out to you, don’t hesitate, just go!
It may seem that the sports scene exists outside of Abbotsford, but that’s not the case. We have a local hockey team — Abbotsford Pilots — who offer discounted tickets to us university students. We also have a professional hockey team right on campus! Abbotsford Canucks games are fun live and far more affordable than Vancouver Canucks ones. Speaking of campus, UFV has many teams, ranging from soccer to rowing, full of incredible athletes that deserve our support. Go cheer on the Cascades and scare off the competition!
Alongside everything else, we still have a Cineplex, Galaxy Bowl, and who could ever forget Castle Fun Park.
Abbotsford may not be Vancouver, it may not even be Langley, but I can’t help feeling offended when anyone outside of Abbotsford has something bad to say about it.
Yes, it’s small and many places close far too early for my liking, but the Abbotsford that exists now didn’t exist 15 years ago. There are many more options now for things to do, places to go, and, ultimately, to achieve new experiences.
Step out of your comfort zone and explore a different corner of Abbotsford; you don’t know what you might find.
