Old Riverside Trail

Old Riverside Trail in Abbotsford is a short, easy outing with just enough challenge to keep it interesting. At 2.3 km out and back with about 75 m of elevation gain, it usually takes around 40 minutes, making it a solid choice for a quick walk after work or a low-key weekend stretch.

The trail winds through classic Fraser Valley forest with plenty of shade and a few peekaboo views toward the river and surrounding lowlands. You’ll walk over rooted sections, a couple of short but steeper pitches, and some stairs, so it feels more like a real hike than a flat city path, but still very manageable for most people.

Recent hikers note that some rooty and steeper spots edge Old Riverside Trail toward “easy-to-moderate” rather than pure easy, especially if it’s wet. Good shoes with some grip help, and anyone with mobility issues should be ready for stairs and uneven ground. The route is open year-round, but it’s usually most pleasant from late winter through summer; expect mud and slick roots after rain. Dogs are allowed on leash, and if you go early or on a weekday, you’ll likely find it fairly quiet despite being close to Abbotsford.