Abbotsford
Known as the Agriculture Capital of Canada
Abbotsford is large rural city in the country, set against stunning views of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains and Washington’s Mount Baker. With a lower cost of living than Metro Vancouver, the area attracts residents who want a slower pace and enjoy a small-town feel.
Where community, nature and opportunity meet
Abbotsford, British Columbia (B.C.), is where city living meets country charm. Surrounded by lush farmland, mountain views and scenic trails, it’s a place where you can enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing access to great amenities. Whether you’re exploring local trails, enjoying fresh produce from nearby farms or discovering the city’s growing arts and culinary scene, Abbotsford is a place where community, nature and opportunity come together making it an ideal place to live and work.
Location
Grounded in nature, full of possibility
Set against the backdrop of the B.C.’s Coast Mountains and Washington’s Mount Baker, Abbotsford blends stunning natural landscapes with a rich agricultural heritage. Known for its vibrant farming community, breathtaking wineries, historic downtown and growing urban amenities, the city offers a unique mix of country charm and modern convenience.
Just an hour from Vancouver, Abbotsford is in the Fraser Valley and provides easy access to the city while maintaining a peaceful, grounded lifestyle—making it a welcoming and inspiring place to live, work and explore.
Abbotsford resides on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Stó:lō [staw-low] people, particularly the Semá:th (Sumas) [sue-mass] and Matsqui [mats-sqwee] First Nations, and is home of the Fraser Valley Métis Association.
Places to live
Explore the character and charm of Abbotsford’s neighbourhoods
Abbotsford offers a unique blend of rural beauty and urban convenience, making it an ideal place to call home. From peaceful hillside communities to vibrant town centres, each neighbourhood has its own distinct character. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic views of Eagle Mountain, the family-friendly feel of McMillan or the rural charm of Bradner, there’s a place here that fits your lifestyle. With easy access to major highways and transit routes, commuting across the Fraser Valley or into Metro Vancouver is simple giving you the freedom to enjoy both work and life at your own pace.
Things to do
Adventure. Culture. Community spirit.
Spend a day in Abbotsford and you’ll discover a city full of adventure, culture, and community spirit. Start with a scenic hike on Sumas Mountain or a peaceful walk-through Mill Lake Park. Explore local markets, wineries and art galleries, then head to the TRADEX for a concert or catch a hockey game at the Abbotsford Centre—home of the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League.
With easy access to skiing, rafting, fishing, and hot springs, plus vibrant nightlife and shopping, Abbotsford offers something for everyone. It’s a place where nature and entertainment meet, making it an ideal destination to live, work and explore.
Transportation
Getting around the city
Whether you’re heading to work, the mountains or downtown, Abbotsford makes getting around simple and convenient. Abbotsford offers a well-connected transportation network that makes commuting and exploring easy. Major routes like Highway 1 and Highway 11 link the city to the rest of the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver, while local roads provide smooth access across neighbourhoods.
You’ll also find bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and scenic trails, and electric vehicle drivers will find a growing number of charging stations throughout the community, supporting sustainable travel.
Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is located just outside the city centre and offers convenient access to regional and long-distance travel. It is the second largest airport in the Lower Mainland after Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Schools for your children
Abbotsford classrooms foster academic excellence and innovative learning in safe, inclusive environments.
The Abbotsford School District operates 46 public schools, including elementary, middle, and secondary schools, with specialized programs such as French Immersion, International Baccalaureate, and career-focused academies. Families also have access to a variety of independent and faith-based schools,
For post-secondary education, Abbotsford is home to the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) and Columbia Bible College, with other institutions like Trinity Western University (TWU) nearby.
Visit the Abbotsford School District website for more information on schools and registration.
Arriving in B.C.
Making your move easy
While you wait for your moving day, there are a few things you can do to ensure your arrival in B.C. is smooth and you can settle in quickly.
WelcomeBC has information to prepare you for your arrival to B.C. and outlines steps you can take in the first few days to help you settle in.
You’ll also find the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide helpful with tips and information on healthcare, finding a place to live, education, money & banking, and much more. It is available in 13 languages.
FAQs
The Government of British Columbia (Provincial government) health plan is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It pays for basic, medically required health services. These include some doctor visits, medical tests, and treatments. Not all health costs are covered by MSP like dental, optometry/vision or physiotherapy to name a few.
MSP is for:
• B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• B.C. residents who are government-assisted refugees
• international students with study permits
• some people with work permits for 6 months or more
Click here to find out if you are eligible for MSP.
Registering for MSP
You should register for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C.
All residents of B.C. must be registered with MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP. On your application, make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on other official documents.
You may have to wait for up to 3 months for your application to be processed. If you do not have MSP, you should buy private medical insurance. If you need medical care in B.C. and you do not have MSP or private medical insurance, you will have to pay all medical costs yourself. These costs can be very high.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s healthcare system.
You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services.
Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
1. Apply for MSP.
- Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
- You can also apply online.
2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. After you send your documents and enrolment form, you will receive a letter in
the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver licensing office. You will also need to take 2 pieces of identification.
- Find out what kind of identification you will need. icbc.com – Search for “Service card
accepted ID” - Find an ICBC office near you.
Children under 19, people 75 and older, and people with study and work permits do not have to visit an ICBC office. You will receive a BC Services Card without a photo. Click here for more information.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s health care system.
There are many real estate sites that list local rentals and sales of homes in New Westminster. Here are some to choose from:
Buyers:
Renters:
- apartments.com
- realtor.ca
- rentals.ca
- Join a local Facebook group
Tips:
- Check out the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website for information on mortgages for newcomers to B.C.
- Visit financial institutions like RBC, TD, Scotiabank or a Credit Union for newcomer mortgage programs and book a meeting with a mortgage advisor.
- BC Housing can help you find out about affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs.
Abbotsford offers a strong and inclusive public education system, with a wide range of public, private, and specialized learning options that support student needs and pathways. Learn more about local schools and programs by visiting the Abbotsford School District website.
Tip: Ensure you have all the documentation needed to register your children in school:
- Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence (home address)
The child care facilities listed here are licensed by Fraser Health. This list is regulated under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act of B.C. and is updated approximately every four months.
Parks & Recreation Facilities
Abbotsford features an abundance of parks, green spaces, and sports fields, along with two recreation centres offering swimming, skating, fitness facilities, and a wide range of arts and culture programs.
Events
Check out Abbotsford Events for a full calendar of experiences including the Abbotsford Canucks and the popular Abbotsford Air Show.
Golf Courses
Abbotsford offers a welcoming golf scene with several scenic and accessible courses suited to all skill levels. From championship layouts to relaxed 9-hole options, golfers can enjoy year-round play in a picturesque Fraser Valley setting.
Click here for a full list.
Arts & Culture
Abbotsford’s arts and culture scene is vibrant and diverse, anchored by The Reach Gallery Museum, which showcases contemporary and heritage art, and Gallery 7 Theatre, known for thought-provoking productions exploring human experience. You will also find live performances at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, community shows by Fraser Valley Stage, orchestral concerts from the Fraser Valley Symphony, and inclusive public programming through initiatives like Culture City and Culture Days.
Click here for more information.
More fun activities
Tourism Langley has compiled a list of experiences from farm, wine, brewery, and libations tours, historic and heritages attractions, museums, golf courses, parks and nature trails.
Abbotsford is a thriving “Buy Local” destination in the Fraser Valley, with vibrant areas like Historic Downtown offering locally owned boutiques, cafés and wellness shops—alongside popular markets and major retailers throughout the city. Shoppers can also explore Highstreet Shopping Centre for major retailers and entertainment, Sevenoaks Mall for everyday essentials, and the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market for fresh, local goods every Saturday (seasonal).
Check out Tourism Abbotsford for a list of places to shop.
Abbotsford is a vibrant agricultural hub bursting with farm-fresh flavours, artisanal bakeries, cozy cafés, and diverse dining—from berry wines and craft spirits to handmade pasta and gourmet dessert. Click here for a list of places Tourism Abbotsford has put together.
- Vancouver – 75 minutes by car
- Chilliwack – 30 minutes by car
- Burnaby – 55 minutes by car
- New Westminster – 50 minutes by car
- Richmond – 75 minutes by car
- Langley – 40 minutes by car
- Whistler – 2 ½ hour drive by car
Click here to find information on schedules, routes and pricing.
The only way to get to Vancouver Island from the mainland is by ferry or airplane.
Ferry
The main ferry services are run by BC Ferries, which operates vessels between these ferry terminals:
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (for Victoria)
- Tsawwassen and Duke Point (Nanaimo)
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo).
Seaplane
You can take a seaplane between the downtown Vancouver and Victoria harbours through Harbour Air.
Airplane
You can take a commercial airline and fly between Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport.
Area Facts
Abbotsford is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, one hour (70km) southeast of Vancouver’s city centre. The city borders Washington state, USA, directly to the south, which is easily accessible via the Abbotsford-Sumas border crossing.
Home to nearly 175,000 residents in the area, Abbotsford has the largest population in the Fraser Valley Regional District and the fifth largest city in BC.
Abbotsford has a number of private and public schools from kindergarten through to grade 12. Learn more about the Abbotsford School District.
University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford main campus, has a growing number of post-secondary and continuing education programs.
Career Colleges: Career Gate Community College, Sprott Shaw Community College, Vancouver Career College, Metis Skills and Employment Centre, and CDI College.
From breathtaking wineries to sprawling berry farms, Abbotsford is known as the agriculture capital of Canada. Other thriving industries are film, television and special events, niche manufacturing, transportation (aviation and aerospace) and retail.
Things To Do
Abbotsford boasts a variety of exciting activities for everyone with easy access to downhill skiing, white water rafting, sturgeon fishing, hot springs, camping, mountain-top hiking, waterslides, theme parks, scenic gardens, wineries and breweries, concerts, nightlife, shopping and much more.
Some of Abbotsford’s most well-known events and attractions include the Abbotsford Airshow, TRADEX Trade and Exhibition Centre, and Abbotsford Centre – the Fraser Valley’s premier sports and entertainment venue, and home to the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League.
Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is found just outside the city centre and is the second largest airport in the Lower Mainland after Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Explore Our Region
Abbotsford is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, one hour (70km) southeast of Vancouver’s city centre.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is a 280-bed regional hospital in Fraser Health’s integrated network of care, and provides primary, secondary, and some specialty services, including 24/7 emergency (including two critical care trauma bays and a helipad for emergency transport of critical patients), tier three maternity and neonatal intensive care services, adult psychiatry inpatient units, surgical specialties (e.g., vascular, orthopedic), nuclear medicine, a sleep lab and ambulatory care.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital also offers a range of inpatient services supported by community services (e.g., home health, public health, community mental health, etc.).
In 2016/2017, Abbotsford Regional Hospital saw 67,319 emergency room visits, provided care to 16,619 inpatient and 14,975 surgical daycare cases, delivered 2,643 newborns, and had 248,032 visits to ambulatory care.
Emergency Department Renovation and Redesign Project
The hospital has completed a renovation and redesign of its Emergency Department that now includes a dedicated area for mental health and substance use care, a new nursing substation, and a relocated ambulance bay, among other features, to help improve patient flow and experience.
Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
32900 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, B.C.
V2S 0C2
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Photo credits: Tourism Abbotsford