Abbotsford: Come for the Tulips, Stay for the Food and Wine.

A must-read travel guide to the bests of Abbotsford, British Columbia! Here is a detailed itinerary of the yummiest restaurants, prettiest wineries and the best Boutique hotel in the area! If you’re planning a visit to Tulip Festival next year or just in need of a relaxing vacation, make sure to bookmark this post!

Where to Stay, Eat and Drink in Abbotsford

I am still smiling from memories of my trip to Tulip Festival last month. The hospitality we experienced in Abbotsford was overwhelmingly gracious and friendly. My travel friend Kaley and I discussed at length how welcomed we felt at each destination. The owners of these places would sit down with us, eager to tell their story and give us a history of their town. It’s something you would just never experience in a big city. Abbotsford may have a population of 140,000 people but there is no mistaking that this city has a small town feel. The Historical Downtown has all the charm you could want with picturesque storefronts. It’s one of the most popular places for shooting Hallmark movies! Kaley and I were trying to weave our way around the rolling cameras and busy crew members as we explored all of the different shops. You won’t find any chain stores here, everything is family or friend owned by local entrepreneurs who are passionate about sharing their visions with others.

Dress: Pink Blush

Abbotsford Accommodations

Brookside Inn

I truly cannot say enough good things about this boutique hotel called the Brookside Inn. The three-story hotel is located in a beautiful quiet suburb on Chardonnay Lane. The owners Chris and Sandy were so welcoming and friendly. Each room is elegantly themed after classic movies like Under the Tuscan Sun, Midnight in Paris and the Thomas Crown Affair. During our stay, we felt like we were coming home. It’s a personalized feel that you would never experience at a chain hotel. Voted the most romantic hotel in Canada, it’s a perfect getaway for tourists or locals who need a staycation. Whatever you do, do not miss breakfast in their sun-drenched dining room. Even though you are receiving 5-star, luxury accommodation, the prices are also very reasonable! We cantt wait to stay here again!

Abbotsford Food

Bow & Stern

Looking for some craft beers, classic cocktails and seafood? We ate at the Bow & Stern our first night in Abbotsford. We loved the vibe of this modern rustic restaurant and enjoyed some locally brewed grapefruit beer and ordered the charcuterie board. If you’re looking for an instagrammable meal, this is it! The board was plentiful of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and spreads. Charcuterie boards are my favourite thing to order when I go out and this was one of the best I’ve ever had!

What to Order: Oysters or the Charcuterie Board

Old Hand

A bakery and bistro in the heart of historic downtown Abbotsford. Kaley and I loved relaxing here after the Tulip Festival where we enjoyed some unbelievably delicious baked goods and speciality coffees. Old Hand is family owned and operated by Kristina and Johannes. The decor is pretty and personal with old photos of their family tree on the white timber walls. It’s inviting and the kind of place you could spend an afternoon catching up with friends. Get inspired by their adorable Instagram page.

What to Order: Blueberry Scone with Earl Grey icing and a colourful Beetroot, Maccha or Turmeric latte.

Polly Fox

Owners and long-time friends Kelsey and Kaitlin opened the Polly Fox because they felt there was a need for more gluten-free options in their town. Not only that, their kitchen is free of any peanut or soy as well. You can pop in for a coffee, grab a delicious vegan snack and also purchase your gluten-free bread at their location. It’s evident these women are passionate about providing the best quality ingredients to their customers, who keep coming back for more!

What to Order: A Bulletproof Coffee, Cloud 9 Tea latte, Avocado Toast and the Vegan Cashew Bar.

Duft & Co. Brickhouse

When I travel, I like to find out where the locals eat because you know that’s where to get the best meals. Duft & Co. Brickhouse is that place. You’ll find friendly and charismatic owner Tyler dressed in his white chef’s coat greeting customers, telling stories and firing up the wood oven. Like their boss, the staff was also very friendly and personable. We learned so much about the history of Abbotsford by chatting with Tyler and also how he came to create this establishment and the bakery across the street with his wife Cassie. We loved this place so much we headed back a second time to try the mushroom pizza before heading back to the airport to go home to Calgary.

What to Order: Caesar Salad, Onion Rings and any of their Pizzas (or “pies” as Tyler would call it.)

Abbotsford Wineries

Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm & Meadery

Bees are nothing short of fascinating! Stop in to the beautiful Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery to sample dozens of kinds of honey and mead wine. Owners Mike and Judy Campbell are so sweet and eager to answer all of your questions. Take a tour guided tour of the property to see the bees in action. Learn about beehives, the bee lifecycle and pollination. If you’re traveling with kids, they would absolutely love this too! They even offer a beekeeping beginner course for people interested in starting their own honey hive. Kaley and I took home so many jars of honey and wine that our suitcases were almost over the allowed airline weight!

Seaside Pearl Winery

This final stop on our trip was the perfect way to end our weekend. What a hidden gem! Seaside Pearl Winery is located off a peaceful country road in the rolling hills of the Fraser Valley. Take in the vineyard with the majestic snow-capped Mount Lehman in the distance. We loved touring the property and sipping wine so much that we didn’t want to leave! The elegant chapel tasting room is gorgeous and definitely Instagram-worthy.

Wine tastings are $12 but they are waived with the purchase of wine. During the warmer months, their patio is open for wine by the glass and they encourage guests to bring their own picnic. If we lived closer, I would be there every weekend soaking in the sun, enjoying the countryside vineyard and sipping chardonnay. Their special event room is just about complete, decorated with oak wine barrels, giant chandeliers and elegant rustic details. It would be the most unbelievable spot for a wedding or special event.