Pose, click, repeat… We spent the day clicking our way through Abbotsford with our Community Visitor Experiences Coordinator, Chandni (@lifeofchandnii), and asked her about what she likes to do in her free time when she isn’t working and of course where she enjoys taking aesthetic photos for the gram at local Abbotsford businesses. Keep reading to find out where you can go to take pictures, grab a drink, or a bite to eat with a friend, and explore Abbotsford. 

First, tell us about yourself! 

I was born and raised in Abbotsford, BC, and have lived here ever since except when I’m away for school. I’m currently completing my internship at Tourism Abbotsford as a Community Visitor Experiences Coordinator before I go back to school in the fall for Marketing Communications. My passions include taking pictures everywhere I go so I’m able to capture life’s moments, feminist theories, and new experiences! 

Singletree Domes 

Chandni loves the recent installation of Singletree Winery‘s domes. “I’m always heading out of Abbotsford to find unique places and experiences so I was excited to see that we have something so magical in our hometown”. There are two Di Vine domes at Singletree Winery that can be reserved online. Pick a dome that best fits your aesthetic and enjoy a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. Chandni says “Although I enjoy taking pictures in such a unique atmosphere, the wonderful owners and staff made the experience unforgettable for me and I will definitely be going back for a special occasion!’’ There is a unique wine for everyone and on weekends there are gourmet dinners that can be pre-ordered. If the domes are fully booked, don’t worry, pack a picnic and enjoy their wine from farm to table in their pet-friendly picnic area.

What do you love about living in Abbotsford? 

It’s funny I’ve lived here my whole life and feel like because of Covid-19 I’ve just rediscovered this city and truly appreciate it for what it is.  Although I’m a city girl at heart, there’s just something special about the peacefulness and space you get here.  As a twenty-one year old my first instinct used to be to leave Abbotsford on the weekend and go to nearby cities, but now it’s to explore and support local businesses in Abbotsford as we have so many great ones to love here!

Highstreet Murals

As much as Chandni enjoys taking pictures, her friends would describe her as a shopaholic. Highstreet is perfect to get some retail therapy and pictures for the gram. From all-white walls, parking garage pictures, to their new ‘Abby Strong’ mural done by Alex Svarez there are countless photo ops. Highstreet is an ideal location to take capture gorgeous shots for your Instagram, enjoy some premium shopping, and grab a coffee from Smoking Gun Coffee‘s pop-up until July 31st, 2021.

Tell us why you chose these Instagramable spots we visited and what you love about them? 

I chose these locations because not only are they Instagram hot spots but they all have something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an experience, good eats, drinks, or a chill day out shopping. Secondly, these places all have something unique and are all locally owned businesses. All these local businesses not only provide you with something to do but they also give you an experience that you won’t forget. It’s a hometown feeling you can only find in Abbotsford.

Lakeland Flowers 

Looking for a pop of colour to add to your Instagram feed? Chandni recommends visiting Lakeland Flowers sunflower u-pick that recently opened July 10, 2021, and will be around until mid-September 2021. This is a perfect spot for any flower lover as you feel like you’re walking on sunshine while looking out at the beautiful view of the mountains. “I could spend hours here walking through the fields, picking sunflowers, and taking photos with the adorable vintage bikes,” says Chandni. Lakeland has also recently added a platform to capture all the angles you want of the flowers while they’re in full bloom. Grab a friend and head out there to pick some flowers, take pictures and enjoy the picturesque views. Click here to purchase tickets.

Downtown Abbotsford 

Chandni enjoys exploring Downtown Abbotsford for its local restaurants, shopping and inspiring art displays. This beautiful mural stood out to Chandni with its bright colour scheme and powerful text. The text comes from Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “The Brook”, click here for more details about this mural. Chandni’s birthday falls on International Women’s Day (March 8), which is why she is particularly drawn to the text: For men may come and men may go. But I go on forever. Chandni recommends checking out Oldhand Coffee for a beverage or Common Good Ice Cream for anyone with a sweet tooth. Be sure to grab a treat or shop till you drop while taking photos in Historic Downtown’s alleyways. 

The lead artist: Tara-Lynn Kozma-Perrin 

Contributing Artists: Madeleine Hildebrandt, Joshua Koole, Alayna Tam & Rio Zapata.

Ripples Winery & New Wave Distilling

Chandni loves finding unique places to check out. Ripples Estate Winery and New Wave Distilling is one that caught her eye, “it transports you to an enchanted forest in Abbotsford’s countryside”. Not only do they have amazing wine, but they also have a variety of bougie drinks that are insta-worthy. Her personal favourite is the Charcuterie Caesar. “It’s a whole meal,” says Chandni. Ripples Estate Winery is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a girls’ night out, date night, or a family affair with the pets. Did we mention they are pet-friendly and even have a ‘barcuterie’ board on the menu so your pup can enjoy it with you? The picture-perfect shot is by the bridge where their fish are jumping out of the koi pond!

Describe your perfect day in Abbotsford.

My ideal day in Abbotsford would be to grab some friends and head over to downtown Abbotsford to get some lunch from Bow & Stern; their Mac’n Cheese is amazing! From there I would head to Birchwood Dairy for some ice cream while enjoying the swings and scenic mountain views. While in East Abbotsford I would head to Lakeland Flowers for their sunflower u-pick, take some pictures, and take some fresh flowers home for the family. It’s nice to have a little sunshine at home. I would end off the day at Ripples Estate Winery for their one-of-a-kind cocktails & appetizers in their secret garden!