In one of the most geographically stunning regions of British Columbia, Abbotsford is a farming city and popular stopover for travellers from the U.S. It is situated just north of the Canadian/US border and is only a couple of hours drive from Seattle. At the heart of Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is a picturesque place to begin a motorhome road tour.
Abbotsford campervan hire – bringing all the top brands together
Abbotsford is known to be a junction for all kinds of North American travellers, so there are plenty of RV companies to rent from. Motorhome Republic makes it easy to choose by comparing all the Canadian campervan rental companies in one place, so you can see the ones that suit you best. Everything you need to know is right there on the results page – just pick the perfect vehicle for you.
Abbotsford is the gateway to the wild north and sprawling, endless countryside. It’s an idyllic city to load up an RV and hit the road. RVs are plentiful and hire companies generally offer airport pick-ups to make the process easier. The vehicles have all the necessary facillities and are big enough to load up the bikes, or kids, or kayaks. Smaller, converted vans can be a good option for couples as they’re easy to drive and explore, but with only a double bed and cooking equipment it means you’ll need to stay at camping grounds and sites.
Road trips from Abbotsford
Take a day to explore Matsqui Trail Regional Park. It’s perfect for those who love the outdoors - you can go hiking, fishing and even stay the night in your camper. Driving south will take you to the Canadian/US border, and from there Seattle is a mere 2.5 hours away. You may also secure an RV rental in Langley and in Vancouver which are due west of Abbotsford.
Drive east to Chilliwack. It’s only a 30-min trip and has some nice lakefront campgrounds if you want to park up your motorhome rental. The Cultus Lake Park is a nice spot for a refreshing dip. There’s a waterpark for the kids to spend a hot summer day and vineyard and winery tours available for the older folk.
Head to Mission, north of Abbotsford. Here you can visit Westminster Abbey perched 180m above Fraser River. Benedictine monks run a monastery, seminary, college, and high school here and the views are spectacular. You can also take jet boat tours of the Mighty Fraser in Mission.
Driving from Abbotsford to Princeton you’ll travel through incredible vineyards that are worth a look. Stay in Penticton and visit the valley for wine tastings, but always nominate a sober driver. There are also plenty of options for chauffeured tours or bike tours. Penticton to Abbotsford is less than five hours if you don’t stop too many times.
Motorhome camping – the places to stay around Abbostford
Tucked away in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford is a terrific RV destination, with both the city feel and laid-back charm of a smaller community.
Aloha Trailer Park & Campground is the only campground in Abbotsford. It is minutes from attractions & shopping centres and works on a first come, first serve basis
Located on the famous Vedder River, known for amazing salmon and trout fishing, south of Chilliwack is Vedder River Campground. This is a little bit of a drive from Abbotsford, but there is plenty to see and do and the staff are lovely.
In beautiful Harrison Hot Springs is the Mighty Fraser Country Hot Springs RV & Camping, nestled in the magnificent forests and sandy beaches of Harrison Lake.
Eat local – restaurants in Abbotsford
Try the local produce by dining at Restaurant 62. The Fraser Valley duck duo is to die for – a pan-seared breast of duck over local vegetables, with hand-picked blackberry jus and confit of duck leg, over pistachio whipped potatoes. There is also an extensive wine and whisky list, so you’re sure to leave satisfied. Q Steakhouse has a menu that lives up to its name. Steaks are in abundance and the high-end cooking is delicious.
Dragon Fort is a fantastic Chinese eatery often visited by locals. The prices are reasonable and staff helpful and efficient. Tong Fei on South Fraser Way also serves some of the best Chinese cuisine in town. For a nightcap, head to Airfare Lounge. This small bar is located in the middle of downtown Abbotsford and is open every day. Drink specials start at $2 and there is often live music from local bands.
Field days – what to do in Abbotsford
Abbotsford is one of the most bountiful areas to be explored when you book an RV rental in Canada. It has expansive farmland, yet a modern urban core. Known for its rural attractions, it is certainly a place for the nature lovers. Start your visit with a Circle Farm Tour. This is an extremely popular excursion that highlights some of British Columbia’s most unique rural attractions. In the winter, Passport to Christmas takes you through the highlights with a magical winter backdrop.
Sumas Mountain is where to head if you’ve packed the mountain bikes. There are some great trails for all abilities. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can jump from an airplane over these impressive landscapes. Visit Clayburn Village Store for tea or coffee and learn about the pioneering heritage at Trethewey House Museum. The kids will love a trip to Castle Fun Park where you can play on bumper cars, go-carts, play minigolf; or Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery. Take a guided or self-guided tour or learn to fish.
Abbotsford boosts some of the finest sports facilities and parks in British Columbia which are hugely popular. Also known as “Sports Town Canada”, Abbotsford attracts dozens of provincial and national sports events annually. The Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League play at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Center from October through April.
The Abbotsford International Air Show is held the second weekend every August and attracts visitors from all over the world. The flight demonstrations are jaw-dropping and the atmosphere buzzes. Head out and watch rodeo competitions and live entertainment at the Abbotsford Exhibition Park, while the Agrifair & Rodeo brings in a happy crowd of spectators and participants every summer. The region really is perfect for a motorhome hire.
The Reach Gallery Museum features exhibitions from across Canada and around the world, as well as local artists. Pop in and discover the culture of Abbotsford. For the foodies, Lotusland Vineyards offer a wine tasting & tour of their organic local fruit. Or you could head to the berry festival at the end of July. There’s a reason Abbotsford is the “Berry Capital of Canada”.
Abbotsford motorhome guide
A couple of handy tips for your campervan holiday in British Columbia:
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Before heading out on the road, make sure all your windows are closed. This helps to keep the fumes outside and prevents dust from entering your living area.
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RVs are different to cars. Remember to keep the RV between the lines, only use gradual acceleration and braking and use side-view mirrors to see what’s behind you.
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Many RV rental companies do not allow travel on gravel or back roads. Don’t burn garbage in your campfire. The smell is unpleasant for you and your neighbours and may even attract bears into your camp.
Want to extend your Canadian adventure? Before you point your RV rental toward the north of Canada, make sure you set aside a little time to spend in a Whitehorse motorhome rental exploration. Alternatively, you can pick up RV rentals in Halifax, Edmonton, or Calgary and explore these beautiful cities. The USA is also nearby, and grabbing a motorhome rental in Anchorage or Fairbanks (AK) are equally amazing starting points for your next holidays.