If you’re staying home this summer, consider taking a “day” vacation in a neighbouring community.
Black Press
Get out there
There are plenty of outdoor activities in Abbotsford to get your adrenaline pumping this summer.
Check out the city’s stunning aerial landscapes, cool off in one of Canada’s only dedicated waterski venues, experience the great outdoors on two wheels, or enjoy spectacular scenic views along numerous hiking trails.
Water fun
Albert Dyck Park on Walmsley Road is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts.
It was the waterski and wakeboard venue for the 2009 World Police and Fire games and has hosted the Western Waterski Championships numerous times as well as the National Waterski Championships.
The watersports are spectator-only, although the lake is accessible for swimming and fishing.
Learn more at www.hostingbc.ca/content/albert-dyck-water-ski-park
Be a trailblazer
Abbotsford is the perfect base-camp to explore an understated hub of world-class mountain biking, which has made B.C. an internationally renowned destination for the sport. The city has a multitude of biking options for all levels – from casual, family-friendly pedals around urban parklands, to technically advanced, adrenaline-inducing downhill descents and free-ride flow.
If you’re looking for rewarding technical, single-track descents, try Sumas Mountain area. Shuttling is also possible for those of you who enjoy throwing yourself down a mountain on some bigger suspension.
If you drive 15 minutes north of Abbotsford, you’ll find three B.C. cup trails along extensive networks of XC and downhill riding on Red and Bear Mountains.
Extend your drive 30 minutes and you can reach two more popular destinations: Woodlot and Vedder. They provide access to more than 30 additional trails for intermediate to advanced riders.
With more than 40 trails to choose from, there’s endless opportunity for bird watching and exploring local wetlands. Discovery Trail is a paved, all-season corridor connecting the east and west of Abbotsford. The 10-kilometre route is surrounded by trees, scenic ponds and lush meadows.
It also offers great lookout spots. While exploring the trails of Fishtrap Creek, you’ll enjoy the wetlands, native plants, and wildlife. The paved loop also passes by fish habitats - including the endangered species, the Nooksack Dace. The North Trail is 2.2 km, while the South Trail is shorter at 1.6 km.
With two main hiking trails that range from moderate to difficult, Sumas Mountain is a hiker’s paradise. The trail to Chadsey Lake requires two hours, return, while the trail leading to a viewpoint that overlooks Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley is 45 minutes.
For directions, visit www.fvrd.bc.ca
How about a little freefall?
There’s nothing like free-falling with a view of the sprawling Fraser Valley, making Abbotsford a fantastic place to skydive.
The Abbotsford Parachute Centre offers jumps and lessons for experienced jumpers and first-timers. Free-fall photography makes it even more memorable.
The centre is open seven days a week from March to October.
More info at www.vancouver-sky
diving.bc.ca