Abbotsford, one of the three districts that make up the Fraser Valley, is labelled “city in the country.” It stands unique with its small town luminosity, cultural flair, and growing farmland.
If you’re looking for something different to do, take a look at these museums and soak up some culture.
RELATED: The Best Things To Do in Abbotsford
Must Visit Museums in Abbotsford
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Canadian Sikh Heritage Museum
This Museum has been named one of the most culturally impactful museums in all of British Columbia. A National Historic Site with over 100 years of history, it also doubles as a Gur Sikh Temple.
Its aim is to educate the community about the Sikh culture and its impact on Canada. Past exhibitions have included: Canadian-Sikh Identity: The Evolution of the Sikh Turban, Ghadar: 100 Years Later, & Sikhism and Women.
The current exhibition on is entitled ‘Desis in the Diaspora’, and discusses Canadian South Asian’s experiences in relation to cultural embodiments, religious symbols, and aesthetics.
Metzger Collection
The Metzger Collection is a museum that brings the biblical past within human history to light for the current community.
Inspired by Fred Metzger, who the collection is named after, the collection has featured exhibits in the past such as: Maps & The Age Of Exploration, Getting Our Hands On The Bible, and others.
The current exhibit is entitled Reformation or Reformations, and discusses the Reformation movement that Martin Luther started. It follows his journey and the movements that pop up throughout the 16th century, as well as their consequences.
The Reach
Based in Abbotsford, entirely dedicated to the Fraser Valley’s rich cultural heritage and creative innovation, The Reach displays various selections of the arts from all across Canada. The Reach building includes a multi-purpose studio, art and museum artifact collections, archives, and more.
Past 2017 exhibitions include: Out Of The Current, 2017 Fraser Valley Regional Biennale, Mi’kwite’tmn (Do You Remember), Sq’éwlets: A Stó:lō-Coast Salish Community In The Fraser River Valley, and Stretchers, Headers, and Footnotes.
Current and upcoming exhibitions include Voices Of The Valley, Salt Water Skin Boats, and Touch.
Clayburn Village Museum
British Columbia’s first company town, Clayburn Village, holds an abundance of historic value and is now considered a municipal Heritage Conservation area.
The schoolhouse was built between 1907-08, and is one of the rare landmarks that remains standing to this day, along with the village store and the church. Paired with various artifacts and historic stories, you’ll get transported back instantly.
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Kariton Art Gallery
An enthusiastic promoter of local work, Kariton Art Gallery was initiated by Abbotsford Arts Council in 1995.
Over 100 local artists showcase their talent and sell their work at the gallery annually, and that number is continually growing. With over 10-12 exhibitions per year, the Kariton Art Gallery has proudly been able to feature up to 3000 artists.
Exhibits last around three and a half weeks. The current exhibition is LIFE, a photographic journey, which takes you on the journey of life from eight different perspectives.
Mennonite Historical Society
Formed in 1972 as a non-profit society, the Mennonite Historical Society of British Columbia aims to promote awareness of Mennonite culture, preserve historical records, and sponsor events about the culture.
The Heritage Centre Archives are a way to observe and educate the community about the Mennonite culture. Currently, there is a thematic exhibit about Conscientious Objectors during World War Two.
Abbotsford Sports Hall Of Fame
Created as a part of the Legacy Sports Centre, the Sports Hall of Fame is meant to acknowledge, recognize and honour local athletes and coaches who have made it to national and international levels.
The Hall of Fame also features an annual ‘wall of fame’ that honours junior athletes between the ages of 14-24 that have gone above and beyond in their sport.
Tretheway House Heritage Site Museum
Built in 1919 for Lumber Baron Joseph Ogle Tretheway, the house was restored in 1925 and designated a municipal heritage site in 1983.
Designed in a true arts and crafts fashion, the house is constructed primarily from old-growth Abbotsford fir lumber in addition to bricks made from clay processed at Clayburn Village — two of Abbotsford’s earliest industries.
As well as the Tretheway House, the heritage site also has several other features on display, such as the Carriage House, Joey’s Playhouse, the Upper Sumas Train Station and the Sylvia Pincott Heritage Gardens.
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