Flower fields have been attracting huge numbers of tourists around the world in the past few years. The idea is catching and spreading like seeds in the wind because more and more people are flocking with their cameras to experience natures most beautiful gifts. The Abbotsford Sunflower Festival is celebrating homegrown tourism with FIVE different sunflower field locations that you can visit. Read on to find out about each farm’s unique take on fall plus how to get to Abbotsford and where to stay while you are there!
Abbotsford Sunflower Festival
If you’re thinking to yourself, weren’t you just in Abbotsford, Kiki? Well, you’re definitely right! I visited the Fraser Valley in April to experience Tulip Festival season. Abbotsford has a hard time keeping me away. This charming city, less than an hour’s drive from the busy metropolis of Vancouver, has won me over with their hospitality and charm. I’m consistently blown away by the level of kindness I’m shown on each visit and how it has that wonderful small-town feel. One that hasn’t forgotten about taking care of their friends and customers.
This season, Abbotsford has four different sunflower fields that you can visit and another that’s not too far in Chilliwack. Each one is different but has the same underlying local and “farm-to-table” values. Fellow blogger and friend Shayna @shayna_apopofcolour and I were so fortunate to be hosted on this trip and being some of the first bloggers to ever cover it, we didn’t know what to expect. Now that we’re back, I just can’t wait to share everything about this experience with you so that you can plan your own visit. Read about each farm below, choose one that’s right for you, or better yet, just go visit them all! The Abbotsford Sunflower Festival is best visited during the last week of August until the third week of September. So there is still time left!
A few important notes that I should mention for all flower fields: there are many bees that love to pollinate these patches. They are not there to bother you but just be mindful of them, especially if you or your children have an allergy. There is an admission fee to pay to experience these farms so please visit their websites for hours and rates.
How to Visit with Flair Airlines
Abbotsford is even easier to access with easy flights on Flair Airlines. Flair is a low-cost airline that is taking Canadians across Canada for less. You can book flights from Calgary, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Winnipeg. Fares from Calgary to Abbotsford, start for as low as $59! Yep, can you believe that? When Shayna and I flew last week, we found the check-in process super quick and easy, plus there were no delays. If you want to be a savvy traveler with Flair, then I highly recommend pre-paying and booking for your luggage online with your reservation. Flair’s website offers great tips on how to save so take a few minutes to explore before you book. Shayna and I took advantage of the Big Bundle and saved big by booking this luggage option ahead of time!
Where to Stay with the Brookside Inn
This was my second stay at the Brookside Inn and to be honest, there is no other place I’d rather stay in Abbotsford than this boutique hotel. It’s the kind of accommodation that has you racing to TripAdvisor to brag about your experience. It’s obvious that the owners Chris and Sandy absolutely love what they do and take pride in their superb hospitality. The three-story hotel is located in a beautiful quiet suburb on Chardonnay Lane. Each room is elegantly themed after classic movies like Under the Tuscan Sun, Midnight in Paris and the Thomas Crown Affair. Voted the most romantic hotel in Canada, it’s a perfect getaway for tourists or locals who need a staycation. Sandy is an absolutely unbelievable cook and will have you looking forward to your gourmet breakfast every morning that is included in your stay! Even though you are receiving 5-star, luxury accommodation, the prices are also very reasonable!
Taves Family Farms
Looking for the ultimate fall experience? Taves Family Farms is it. Bring your whole family here to enjoy all of the kid-friendly activities this gem has to offer. Apple picking, zipline, pedal carts, tractor rides, corn maze, petting barn, and their newest addition: the sunflower patch! Get the perfect fall photos in their apple orchard, pumpkin patch or of course, the sunflower field. Explore a half-acre of every variety of sunflower that you can imagine. There is so much to do that it’s easy to spend hours hanging out at Taves. Make sure to try the apple cider slushies!
Maan Farms
Looking to have a little photography fun? Make Maan Farms your next stop! This family-owned farm has had a lot of fun with their first year hosting a sunflower field. You can capture some fantastic photos here with all of the great props that they’ve added. A bright-yellow door will lead you through the cornfield and into the sunflowers. You’ll find a rope swing, pick-up truck, floating picture frames and even the contents of a living room to help inspire your Instagram photos. After you’re done frolicking in the fields, stop by their fresh fruit stand and enjoy lunch at their on-site restaurant. There is even wine-tasting at the Maan’s Estate Winery. This is one place that you won’t want to miss!
Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm
The next stop on the Fraser Sunflower Trail is the Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery. This place is all about the bees and they are nothing short of fascinating! Take a tour guided tour of the property to see the bees in action on the vibrant-yellow sunflowers. 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.
EcoDairy
Bring a picnic and settles down between the rows of blackberry and blueberry bushes. EcoDairy is the one place on this tour that is entirely free to visit! Their park is open to the public and that includes their half-acre sunflower patch! You’ll feel small compared to these giant flower stalks. Guests of EcoDairy can enjoy a U-Pick berry area as well. For an admission price, you and your kids can enjoy their Discovery Centre and barn tours where calves, goats, pigs and turkeys reside.
Chilliwack Sunflower Fest
Flower fields are a photographers dream. Our last stop on the trip brought us to the Chilliwack Sunflower Fest, about a half an hour drive east from Abbotsford. We were so pleasantly surprised when we stumbled upon a 3-acre field of blooming Dahlias! There are over 54 varieties to explore and it’s a beautiful way to catch some brilliant colour in your photos.
This location offers the largest field of sunflowers, so big that it will feel like an Alice in Wonderland maze. You’ll discover multiple places to catch the perfect photo while you explore. There are multiple swing sets, cute signs, flower stands, photo frames, a wooden bridge, and even an old-fashioned windmill! If you love photography, check out their sunset hours to capture these flowers in the most beautiful lighting.
Fraser Valley Sunflower Trail Map
Want an easy way to find all of these great locations? Find all five sunflower patches pinned on the map below.
Do you have any questions about the Abbotsford Sunflower Festival? I’d love to answer them! Leave your comments below.
Love, Kiki
Disclaimer: This post was made possible through the accommodations of Tourism Abbotsford and Flair Airlines. All thoughts, opinions, and photographs are my own.
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