Why does the fun in Abbotsford seem to disappear as soon as the sun goes down? Known for its scenic beauty, Abbotsford falls behind in terms of entertainment.Â
Finding something fun to do in Abbotsford has been a constant dilemma for my friends and I. I’ve spent the past two years here and despite having a rich and diverse history and heritage, it does not compare to cities like Vancouver, Surrey, or Richmond when it comes to the fun factor. It’s surprising how hard it is to find something entertaining to do without surfing the internet for multiple hours.
From my perspective, someone who has recently moved to Abby would find it extremely difficult to do something fun in the vicinity, or find a place to connect and meet new people. Although we have bowling alleys and movie theatres, there is not much else to choose from. Imagine going to an arcade bar, a rage room, or even a trampoline park after your classes or work. Abbotsford needs places that cater more to youth, where we can have fun with friends and try something new to unwind.
Especially at night — it feels like the nightlife here is non-existent. There are no clubs or casinos, and many of the restaurants and bars close early. For example, Trading Post Eatery closes at 10 p.m. on weekdays.Â
I say there should be more places with live music, dance floors, and regular theme nights. It could make Abbotsford way more exciting and give people options to go out and enjoy themselves without having to leave the city. I rely on public transport to travel from place to place, so I would love to have night markets, open mic nights, outdoor movie screenings, or more pop-up events that wouldn’t require me to travel for hours.
Nowadays, finding a comfortable place to hang out or work in Abbotsford can be extremely difficult even during weekdays — let alone weekends. I often find myself struggling to find places for a chill study session that stay open late after work, since I study full-time and work part-time. Many bakeries and cafes in Abbotsford close between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. People who are not free to go out before these times are left with no options. I’d like something like a 24-hour study cafe and a dedicated study space like Cozy Lab in Vancouver. It could be a game-changer for Abbotsford’s downtown, giving students and remote workers a quiet, comfortable place to focus, grab a coffee, and stay productive at any time of day whether it be solo or with friends or co-workers.Â
There are also only a few late-night fast-food places you can choose from, and it feels like there aren’t many options if you want something different. I feel like a night out in Abbotsford would be much better with ramen joints, taco trucks, or perhaps a couple of dessert places like Breka to deal with those midnight cravings.Â
We have great local businesses which are growing day by day, but we still have a long way to go. Just think of not having to go outside of Abbotsford for a nice night out or not having to spend a number of hours trying to figure out where to go that will be open when you want, or need, to leave the house. Imagine a new Abby where clubs, gaming lounges, and aesthetically pleasing cafes keep the party going well after dark!Â
In simpler words, making Abbotsford more exciting isn’t just about more entertainment or new establishments; it’s about giving people more reasons to actually enjoy where they live. As a resident of Abbotsford, I think it has the potential to be more than just a great place to settle down and survive — it could be a great place to truly live.
Hello, I’m Gauri Sethi, a passionate staff writer at the Cascade responsible for writing content that resonates with the masses. Currently, I am pursuing business administration, but deep down, I am a person who loves expressing herself through writing.