Abbotsford is well known for its thriving agri-tourism industry, and one of the most popular and endearing aspects of that is meeting the adorable farm animals! An afternoon spent interacting with and learning about the cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and other hairy, furry, or feathered farm residents is not only educational but a whole lot of fun for the whole family. We’ve compiled a list of must-stop farms where you can not only shop for the freshest farm products, but also meet the unofficial stars of the show – the delightful farm animals!
Maan Farms provides an incredibly engaging farm experience, jam-packed with activities and seasonal events for all ages. Well known for their juicy, flavour-packed berries, incredible u-pick fields, award-winning estate winery, and Mama Maan’s delicious cooking, it’s also a place where the farm animals are a huge part of the adventure. Barnyard Adventureland features seven lively farm attractions including a zipline, pedal go-karts, and petting zoo: meet baby chicks, pigs, and goats! And for a yoga session like no other, sign up for their Goat Yoga! The sweet baby goats love interacting with people, and will happily cuddle, snuggle, and jump from back to back, elevating this one hour Hatha Yoga class to an incredibly giggle-inducing and memorable level!
790 McKenzie Road
This award-winning family farm produces organic goat milk, yogurt and cheeses. Visit the farm shop to purchase their products as well as delicious Mt. Lehman buffalo and goat cheese, all produced with care and attention to detail by son Jason. You’ll also find honey, goat milk soap, eggs and more. Stop by during operating hours (Monday to Saturday, 9am – 6pm) for a self-guided tour and to visit the adorable goats. Fun fact: they also have a salmon stream on the property!
30854 Olund Road
Besides being a dairy farm, Birchwood is also a processing plant, ice cream parlour, and home to approximately 120 happy cows! Stop by and browse their fresh dairy products, including 50 mouthwatering flavours of gourmet ice cream and frozen yogurt, as well as milk, cream, European-style tart yogurts, a wide assortment of cheeses and so much more. Open to the public seven days a week, the petting zoo area – open seasonally from June to September – is loads of fun for adults and children alike. You can also watch the cows being milked daily from 3:30 – 5:00pm in the observation room. You’ll find lots of picnic tables and lawn space to sit back, relax, enjoy a velvety smooth ice cream and enjoy the ambience of the country!
1154 Fadden Road
Photo Credit: @colignycreekeggco
Coligny Creek is dedicated to ethical farming practices and to nurturing their cherished, outdoor-roaming hens with free-range freedom and a premium vegetarian diet. This results in exceptional eggs and happy hens! Come by to meet the hens and learn lots of fascinating facts about them – did you know you can tell what colour the eggs will be by the colour of the hen’s earlobes? And don’t forget to visit the adorable farm goats when you stop by the Farm Shop! They are super social and love when people stop in to say hello! The Farm Shop is open Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm.
4808 Mt. Lehman Road.
Sipping fresh and fruity cider alongside cuddly goats? Count us in! Stop by the Tasting Barn (or book online to save your spot) and try a tasty flight of four hard ciders or cider-based cocktails, or try their soft ciders (non-alcoholic). Hang out in the picnic area and love on the goats while sipping! Using berries and fruit grown right on the farm, you’ll love the wide variety of fresh, orchard-to-bottle ciders. Watch their Taves Family Farms website for announcements on their Applebarn activities for the upcoming summer and fall seasons (including a petting barn and Farmville). In July and August, you can enjoy animal time with Marley the alpaca, Billy the goat, Jelly Bean the donkey, Toasty the bunny, Arthur the goose, as well as sheep and chickens!
333 Gladwin Road
Offering a unique, highly interactive learning environment, the EcoFarm experience has been developed in partnership with Science World British Columbia. Take a barn tour, meet the cows, see the cow brush and robotic milker in action and spend time in the Discovery Zone, which includes educational hands-on displays, and a mini-theatre with movies. Choose from a variety of tours that offer the authentic farm experience, including the Dairy Barn Tour and VIP Behind the Scenes Tour. Shop for fresh and delicious EcoDiary milk and ice cream. Explore the farm animal exhibit and picnic grounds with a stunning view of Mt. Baker!
1356 Sumas Way
Visit Devan Greenhouses and enjoy both plant and animal therapy! Browse their incredible selection of plants, florals, bulbs, seeds, shrubs, gardening supplies and more, then visit their petting zoo, open from March to early October. With consideration and care for the environment around us, Devan grows all their plants and flowers without the use of pesticides. Their holistic growing practices include the use of natural bio-stimulants such as marine algae and beneficial micro-organisms, producing hardy and resilient plants! Stock up on your spring and summer plants while enjoying some joyful animal time!
28904 Fraser Highway
Now get out there and enjoy all the furry and feathered farm experiences you can fit in! Tag your photos with @tourismabbotsford and use #ExploreAbbotsford in your hashtags to share your experiences with us!