Step Into Summer: The Best Abbotsford Trails for Getting Your Steps In

If the most walking you did over the past couple of months was from the living room to the kitchen, that’s okay! Your gym might be closed or maybe you aren’t quite ready to venture back into an indoor fitness routine, but we’re here to help. Get yourself into the great outdoors and hit up one of the many world class hikes and trails in Abbotsford. We’ve rounded up the most popular walking trails in Abbotsford and included the average amount of steps you’ll get so you know exactly which one to check out to get the most bang for your buck.

Please remember when visiting our local parks and trails to maintain your social distancing and follow all local government guidelines to ensure the health and safety of yourself and our community. Click here for COVID-19 parks and trails information from the City of Abbotsford.

(Discovery Trail by @viccunha)

Discovery Trail

This trail spans throughout Abbotsford, so you can really pack in a lot of steps if you choose to do the whole thing. But if you are short on time, we’ve broken it into sections! Winding through natural habitats like forests and ponds, the paved interpretive trails allow for exercise, learning, and observing. Discovery Trail has many entry and exit points so we recommend downloading the AllTrails app and planning your route in advance.

• Gardner Park to Clearbrook Park – 4.6km 6,036 steps
• Gladwin Park to Willband Creek Park – 3.3km 4,330 steps
• Hazelwood Cemetery to Lower Sumas Mt. Park – 6.2km 8,136 steps
• Lower Sumas Mt. Park to McKay Creek Trail – 5.5km 7,217 steps

(Matsqui Trail by @skytheaussieheeler)

Matsqui Trail

Enjoy a leisurely six kilometre walk along the Fraser River on the well-groomed trails at Matsqui Trail Regional Park. This flat and low-level hike gives visitors views of riverbanks overlooking Mission, tranquil farmland, and the surrounding Cascade mountains. This section, from the entrance of the park at Walter Road to the Abbotsford-Mission Bridge and back is 8,398 steps. For a longer trek you can do the full length of the trail, a whopping 26.9km and 35,301 steps!

(Willband Creek Park by @rachelolivia787)

Willband Creek Park

Perfect for birders (139 different bird species have been seen at this site!), this flat 2.6 kilometre looped trail begins from the parking lot, circles two retention ponds, and will give you 3,412 steps. Features include beautiful prairie views with mountain ranges in back and urban wetlands. You can find Willband Creek Park at 34350 Bateman Road.

(Fishtrap Creek Park by @hannah_bonnieman)

Fishtrap Creek Park

Developed around Abbotsford’s storm-water system, enjoy the 3.5 kilometre forested hike winding past wetlands and marshes. The paved trails, benches, gazebos, and picnic tables allow people of all ages to enjoy the local flora and fauna and make pit stops along the way.Walking Fishtrap Creek Park will net you 4,593 steps and you can find it at 31580 Maclure Road.

(Mill Lake Park by @christawani)

Mill Lake Loop Trail

Located in central Abbotsford at 2310 Emerson Street and with multiple parking lots, Mill Lake is a very accessible trail. Enjoy the flat, paved 2.3 kilometre trail circling the lake at your own pace, with ample benches providing spots to rest or to simply admire the beauty of nature. The 3,018 steps you’ll earn here are perfect for a mid afternoon work break!