As might be expected in bountiful, agricultural lands, walking and hiking paths are numerous around Abbotsford.
Many are flat, easy-to-walk, cycling and jogging routes along the dykes such as the Sumas River and Arnold Dyke trails, both off Hwy 1. Sumas Mountain presents much more challenging hikes. Be aware that many trails and access roads are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Whether it's for fishing, swimming or picnicking, Chadsey Lake is a popular destination for hikers who don't mind a bit of a scramble. The route is frequently muddy and log steps along the way can be slippery. The trail head is about 2km/1.2mi from the upper gate, and is also about 2km/1.2mi in length; allow two hours for the round trip.
Sumas Peak
For those wanting a full-day hike, continue on to Sumas Peak. The route gets more challenging but the rewards are great viewpoints over the Valley. Return via a gravel forestry road. The full loop covers 13.5km/8.4mi and gains an elevation of 735m/2,400ft.
The trail leading to the viewpoint overlooking Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley is a short, moderate climb of about 800m in distance (round trip). Allow about 45 minutes for this hike. An option exists to connect with the Chadsey Lake Trail for a 7-hour, day-long hike.
Getting to Sumas Mountain
To get to the park, take exit 95 off Hwy 1, and follow the signs to Sumas Mountain Regional Park. Parking is located about 4.2km/2.6mi past the lower gate, just outside the upper gate which is locked and managed by BC Hydro.
Chadsey Lake trailhead is approximately 2km/1.2mi from the upper gate while Sumas Peak trailhead is about 3km/1.8mi away.
The Sumas Mountain Trail (difficult)
As part of the Centennial Trail, trailheads on the eastern and western sides of the park access this challenging hike. From the east, the trail is 16km/10mi long and will take approximately 9 hours for the round trip. Hiking from the west, the trail is 12km/7.5 mi round trip (5 to 6 hours). The elevation gain is 700m/2,296ft and there are some steep sections. Much of the trail passes through Sumas Mountain Regional Park where it joins the Chadsey Lake loop trail.
The Discovery Trail (easy/wheelchair accessible)
The Discovery Trail is a paved, three-metre-wide all-season corridor spanning more than 30km/18.6mi of the community, connecting the east and west side of Abbotsford. Accessible to a wide range of recreational activities such as walking, running, rollerblading and bicycling, the trail passes through many natural habitats including towering trees, scenic ponds and lush meadows.
Look for trailheads at Exhibition Park, Willband Creek, Clearbrook Park and Townline Hill Park.
Willband Creek Park (easy)
Located off Hwy 11, this park has two large retention ponds that encourage a diverse waterfowl population and various species of migratory birds. An easy interpretive walk weaves around the ponds, for a full loop that covers about 2.6km/1.6mi.
Matsqui Trail Regional Park (easy)
Located on the south shore of the Fraser River, there's over 10km/6mi of level trail that meanders along the river and is ideal for all levels of fitness. Across from Mission, views include everything from riverside industry to quiet farms and fields dotted with black-and-white Holsteins, snowcapped Cascade Mountains and fisherman throwing a cast or two. The trail has long stretches that are great for cycling and paths lead down to picnic areas by the river's edge.
For more information on hiking trails, contact the Abbotsford Visitor Centre at 34561 Delair Road, Abbotsford, V2S 2E1.
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