Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford, BC
Mill Lake Park located in the center of Abbotsford is the perfect place for the whole family to spend time all year round! Listen to music in the park during summer, try your hand at fishing, toss a frisbee with friends, or perhaps check out some of Abbotsford’s heritage. Located only a 20 min walk or a 4 min drive from Midtown Club Suites this is the perfect place to spend an evening or a Saturday afternoon!
Heritage House & History
Mill Lake was originally named Bais Lake, after a pioneer farmer, and then named Abbotsford Lake because of it’s location. Around the turn of the nineteenth century a sawmill was opened on it’s shores and produced over 50,000 railway ties for the Canadian Pacific Railway and it was later renamed Mill Lake. Interested in learning more? You can head to the Trethewey House Heritage Site and join one of their staff members for a guided walking tour around the Lake! Learn about Mill Lake’s storied past as a local and provincial lumber hub, discover the history of the Lake’s development and learn about the history of the surrounding community!
Walking & Swimming
There are several entrances, all with free parking, around the 2.3 km long paved path. All entrances and paths are wheelchair and stroller friendly. Around the lake you will find several public bathrooms, half a dozen large green spaces, benches along the path, baseball diamonds, gazebos, and a beautiful maze garden. The wood bridge and floating boardwalk is also one of the favorites! From there you can keep an eye out for the turtles – Mill Lake is home to the Red Eared Slider Turtles as well as the endangered Western Painted Turtle. The lake isn’t swim worthy but on the west side you will find the Centennial Outdoor Pool home of the Abbotsford Whalers Swim Club. There is a spray water park there for everyone to enjoy, with benches and picnic areas which work beautifully for kids birthday parties.
Concerts & Music
Bring your friends or family and enjoy musical talents of local artist amidst the beauty of Mill Lake Park. Spread out a blanket or bring a lawn chair and come down each Saturday from July 8 – September 23, 2018.
Family Friendly Concerts at Mill Lake Park:
When: Saturdays
Time: 7pm
Where: Kariton Gallery Stage in Mill Lake Park
Address: 2387 Ware Street, Abbotsford
Website: www.abbotsfordartscouncil.com
Cascadia Wind Ensemble – July 8
Big City Soul – July 15
Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers – July 22
The Other Big Band – July 29
The Frank David Jazz Band – August 5
Bruce James Orchestra – August 12
Rachel ‘N Ted – August 19
Her Brothers – August 26
Madflower – September 2
Thistle Dew – September 9
Gibson & Gretsch Combo – September 16
Jackson Hollow – September 23
Fishing & Boating
Mill lake is a non-motorized lake but people use various flotation devices to fish and explore the lake from row boats to fishing float tubes. There is also plenty of easy shoreline access, perfect for families. Fish for rainbow trout with is regularly stocked in spring and fall or explore the many birds and water animals around the lake. During hotter months large mouth bass can be abundant. Fishing can be done year round but the best period is between March and November – check out when the stocking takes place.
