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.

Pumpkins in Abbotsford
Abbotsford filed at sunrise

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.

Area Facts

Location

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.

Population

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.

School & Education

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.

Key Industries

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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See the latest news, stories and innovations in Abbotsford.

Together, we are building the future of health care.

Fraser Health is generously supported by a network of health care foundations. Donations to our health care foundations build upon government health care funding to help support priority equipment, education, research, facility enhancements and/or other projects in our hospitals and surrounding communities.

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Join our dedicated team of health professionals in Abbotsford.

Are you currently a Fraser Health employee? Browse and apply for jobs on the internal job portal.

Physiotherapist

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Home Health – Abbotsford

Manager, Patient Access & Community Transition

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Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre

Respiratory Therapist

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Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre

Registered Nurse, Emergency - Specialty Qualified

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Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre

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See what the team has to say about their experience working and/or living in the Fraser Health region

“I’ve grown in my career by having the opportunity to take on a leadership role. Being in such a supportive environment has allowed me to really explore my leadership skills and grow alongside my team.”
Corlea
Mammography Supervisor
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“My experience at Fraser Health has enriched my understanding and skills for deeper, more meaningful connections with patients, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Jeri
Registered Nurse, Emergency Psychiatric Liaison Nurse (EPLN)
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“[Staff] are encouraged to utilize Fraser Health’s learning modules and resources, and participate in activities – all of which have helped me grow in my career.”
Theresa
Mental Health Care Worker
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“I love the blend of technology and patient care. There is a ton of exciting research happening in the field of nuclear medicine right now, with new tracers being developed and new therapies being produced.”
Hayley
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
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“We have a phenomenal nursing team that works together collaboratively and are always keen for change, new technology and innovative ideas to improve patient care.”
Fiona
Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist
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“We serve patients from such a wide range geographically, and demographically. It’s so great to have amazing teammates who work well together to deliver the best possible patient care.”
Janice
Registered Nurse, Perioperative (OR)
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