The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Sumas Mountain Regional Park

The Fraser River is the longest in British Columbia, flowing more than 1,300 kilometres from the Rocky Mountains to the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver. Along this section, the river cuts through a wide valley backed by forested hills and mountain views, creating a picturesque natural setting along the trail. The Fraser is also home to salmon, sturgeon, and plenty of birdlife, so keep an eye out as you walk along its banks.

Matsqui Trail is an easy, flat riverside gravel path that follows the Fraser River through Matsqui Trail Regional Park. The trail passes towering cottonwoods and along wetlands, with plenty of views across the river and opportunities to spot eagles, herons, and other wildlife. It’s a peaceful path to enjoy the natural beauty of the Fraser Valley, whether you’re walking, cycling, or simply taking in the scenery.

This small community park is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods with lots of open grassy areas and mature trees, perfect for a picnic on the lawn. The park includes a large figure-8 paved walkway with a few scattered benches, and is a local favourite spot for walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy spending time outdoors away from the high traffic in this area. There are no washrooms here, but it’s a lovely place for a short walk or a break if you are hiking on one of the nearby trails.

Stoney Creek is a small stream that flows through eastern Abbotsford, through forested and urban areas, before it joins Clayburn Creek and the larger Matsqui Slough watershed. The creek corridor is lined with mature trees, shrubs, and wetland vegetation that provide refuge for birds and other wildlife within the city. There are multiple trails and green spaces along portions of the creek that offer great places to enjoy nature along its banks.

Discovery Trail is a lovely multi-use route that stretches across Abbotsford, connecting parks, neighbourhoods, schools, and natural areas through the heart of the city. This paved trail is mostly flat and follows a mix of urban greenspace and creekside corridors, making it popular for walking, running, and cycling. Along the way, you’ll pass public art, viewpoints, wetlands, and forested sections, making this an ideal route to experience a little bit of everything that Abbotsford’s natural and cultural landscapes have to offer.

This is a relatively short, easy creekside trail that winds through a wooded ravine, connecting Bateman Park with Stoney Creek Park along a picturesque urban greenbelt. It’s a wide gravel path, with small bridges and gentle elevation changes, making it a lovely route for a casual stroll, birdwatching, or a family outing, with the peaceful backdrop of the creek along the way.

Bateman Park is a popular, dog-friendly green space in Abbotsford with an off-leash enclosure, sports fields, picnic tables, a playground, and washrooms along the banks of Stoney Creek. There is plenty of parking, and it connects to the wider Stoney Creek Trail network, making it an ideal base for families, walkers, and pet owners looking for a balance of recreation and tranquility.

Stoney Creek Park is a forested neighbourhood park centred around Stoney Creek, with ravine trails, bridges, and shaded pathways that follow right along the water. The dense trees and creekside habitat create a quiet natural setting where you'll likely see plenty of birds and other small wildlife while you're here. The park connects with the Stoney Creek Trail and nearby sections of the Discovery Trail, making it a popular place for short walks and nature outings.