Destination 2010 - Visitors' Guide

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• Cities & Towns
  • Vancouver (Host City)
  • Whistler (Host Mountain Resort)
  • Richmond (Venue City)
  • West Vancouver (Venue City)
  • Abbotsford
  • Burnaby
  • Chemainus
  • Chilliwack
  • Delta
  • Gibsons
  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Hope
  • Langley
  • Mission
  • Nanaimo
  • Nanoose Bay
  • New Westminster
  • North Vancouver
  • Parksville
  • Pemberton
  • Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge

  • Qualicum Beach
  • Saanichton
  • Sechelt & Pender Harbour
  • Sidney
  • Southern Gulf Islands
  • Squamish
  • Surrey
  • TriCities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
  • Victoria
  • White Rock
• Transportation
• Accommodation

Abbotsford

Abbotsford is the largest city in the lush agricultural Fraser Valley. It is flanked by the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges and has excellent views of Mount Baker, a prominent volcanic peak in the Cascades. Abbotsford is known as the "City in the Country" with its attractive blend of urban amenities and rural surroundings.

Abbotsford is a thriving agri-tourism destination and visitors who enjoy fresh produce will find the "circle farm tour" a particularly enjoyable way to explore Abbotsford's large variety of farms.

Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

To Vancouver:
The drive from Abbotsford to Vancouver is approximately one hour, but may be longer during peak Games times. There are also several options for those without their own transport. 

Abbotsford's local public transit system, ValleyMAX, connects to Vancouver's SkyTrain rapid transit system, via the Aldergrove Connector bus. The SkyTrain takes passengers into downtown Vancouver with multiple stops on the way.

Another alternative is the ValleyMAX Valley Connector bus to the West Coast Express train which travels to downtown Vancouver's Waterfront Station. 

Passengers can also take a coach to Vancouver from the Greyhound bus depot in Abbotsford.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To Richmond:
Driving time from Abbotsford to Richmond is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Abbotsford's local public transit system, ValleyMAX, links with Vancouver's public transit system, TransLink, via the Aldergrove Connector bus. TransLink's SkyTrain and buses transport passengers to Richmond, including direct service to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) via the Canada Line rapid transit system.

The Richmond Olympic Oval can be accessed by the Canada Line rapid transit system and connecting public buses.

To West Vancouver:
The drive from Abbotsford to West Vancouver takes approximately one hour.

Access to Olympic events on Cypress Mountain is via the Olympic Bus Network.  Ticket holders to events on Cypress Mountain can view travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

Those taking public transit can travel to Vancouver as described above then transfer to West Vancouver via bus.

To Whistler:
Driving time from Abbotsford to Whistler is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network.  This bus network features departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.

Passengers can take a Greyhound bus to Whistler from the bus depot in Abbotsford.

Accommodation

Visitors to Abbotsford have the choice of staying in bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, or even a manor-style resort in the countryside.

Many hotels and motels are conveniently located off of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), just a short drive from the Abbotsford Airport. Some accommodation operators provide a free transfer service to and from the Abbotsford Airport, while a shuttle service operates to other locations.

Visitors seeking a less busy environment will find that the bed and breakfasts in Abbotsford are suitable as they are located in either quiet residential neighbourhoods or the countryside.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Winter enthusiasts can get their fix of snow sports at Hemlock Valley Resort, located 62 km (39 mi) from Abbotsford, or at North Vancouver's three renowned ski areas, Cypress, Seymour and Grouse Mountains. One of these – Cypress Mountain— will host freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The relatively mild winter of the Fraser Valley means that golf enthusiasts can play outdoors all year round, or golf or try the indoor golf simulation centre.

Those interested in specialty, local produce will find some venues on Abbotsford's self-guided "circle farm tour" open throughout the year, and allow visitors to explore the source of products such as artisan cheeses, goat milk, honeys and gourmet ice cream.

To entertain children, families will want to spend a day at the Castle Fun Park with its go-kart track, bumper cars and games, or try horseback riding along the scenic local trails.

Find out more about what's on in Abbotsford.