More often than not, a big city like Vancouver is considered the destination: the place you save up for and plan a whole weekend around. But some of the best day trips aren’t happening in the city at all. They’re happening in the small towns most people only ever see from the highway, on their way somewhere else.
Abbotsford is one of these towns. Just over an hour from downtown Vancouver, Abbotsford is the kind of place that has everything a great day trip actually needs:
- Walkable streets
- Local shops worth browsing
- Food worth planning a trip around
The best part? All it takes is one Saturday and a ticket with Ebus.
A Day in Abbotsford
Content creator Veronica Beltran put this to the test with a trip from Vancouver to Abbotsford and the math alone makes the case. A one-way ticket on Ebus runs about $52 (less if booked early), which already beats the cost of both gas and parking and alleviates the mental stress of splitting a rideshare.
Upon Veronica’s arrival in Abbotsford, a day in town unfolded on foot:
- Quick Uber from the airport into downtown
- A scoop of Cinnamon Toast Crunch ice cream at locally-owned Banter Ice Cream
- An evening spent in the park at the Jam in Jubilee music festival
Other stops in Abbotsford that Veronica recommends include:
- Pastry Portal to grab a fresh, seasonal pastry made in-house
- Spruce Collective for a locally-made gift
- Fox Glove Floral Cafe for craft coffee, seasonal food items and a fresh flower bouquet
All said and done, Veronica spent less than what most people spend just getting around downtown Vancouver.
One Type of Trip, Countless Destinations
Just like Abbotsford, there are small towns across BC and Alberta that have exactly the kind of walkable downtowns, independent shops and signature charm that make for an unforgettable trip.
Discover some of the stops across BC and Alberta that Ebus services:
Kamloops trades city noise for river views and a downtown worth wandering, with easy access to patios and local coffee shops.
Armstrong is an effortlessly whimsical small town in BC, the kind of place where an afternoon easily disappears into antique shops and bakeries.
Chilliwack puts mountains at the end of every street, with a downtown core that rewards a slow wander.
Revelstoke is tucked away in the mountains for a true city escape, with equal parts outdoor scenery and local shops worth browsing.
Vernon pairs lake views with a downtown that’s easy to spend a full afternoon walking around in, without ever needing a car.
Claresholm, just south of Calgary, is a quieter stop with classic Alberta character and a calm pace that’s impossible to find in the city.
Red Deer is proof that the towns between Calgary and Edmonton deserve more than just a gas station stop, with lush river trails and countless family-friendly activities.
Your Next Escape Is Less Than an Hour Away
Somewhere between the highway exits you’ve never taken is a whole day trip waiting to happen. Going from a big city like Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton to a mid-size city like Abbotsford, Kelowna or Red Deer is easy with Ebus.
Grab your window seat: https://www.myebus.ca/