The self-proclaimed nickname Abbotsford, the "City in the Country" evokes all the urban amenities that include sophisticated cuisine, shops and the arts in a landscape of farms, art studios and renovated historic communities. With its temperate climate, Abbotsford is a year-round destination, overflowing with activities for the whole family including golf, fishing, hiking and ATVing. With several provincial parks, rivers and lakes in and around Abbotsford, there are many outdoor activities to experience. Discover the countryside to a multitude of farms selling everything from apples and preserves to gourmet ice cream. Many offer picnic parks, playgrounds and barns with animals. The country roads around Sumas Prairie are a delight for a one-hour bike ride, or for a full 40 km tour that takes almost all day. Meanwhile, the wild forests on Sumas and McKee Mountain are the Mecca of destinations for mountain bikers. Here is where to find a single and double track track for all levels, especially the technical courses that will challenge the most expert riders. Many trails are shared with hikers who walk the mountain network, easy walking trails and day trips. Pay attention to wildlife and be aware that this is bear and cougar territory; even though they tend to stay in the backcountry. Also supervise climbers and hang gliders. For more airborne adventures, Abbotsford Skydive Centre offers the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Abbotsford Skydive Centre is open for jumps up to 12,500 feet, seven days a week, weather permitting and also offers freefall, tandem and solo opportunities. Winter sports enthusiasts will find their happiness in Hemlock Valley (62 km from Abbotsford, or in North Vancouver's three renowned ski areas, the Seymour, Grouse and Cypress Mountains). Abbotsford has a very full calendar of events, thanks to the TradeX complex. Some of the main events are the following: Eat!Fraser Valley: Abbotsford's central valley location has made it a must for many large-scale trade shows that cover the entire range from the popular Motorcycle Show to the Eat!Fraser Valley gourmet nirvana. Abbotsford International Airshow: Abbotsford International Airshow attracts aircraft and participants from around the world and is by far the largest event, occupying the entire TradeX complex as well as the adjacent Abbotsford Airport. Children of all ages love aerobatics shows as much as the still aircraft on display. BerryBeat Festival and Agri-Fair: Other family-focused activities include the BerryBeat Festival that fills the historic downtown with entertainment, outdoor artists, vegetable and strawberry tea stalls; and Abbotsford Agri-Fair. Here's where to enjoy a showcase of early agricultural products from the region while enjoying entertainment, with exhibitions of old farm machinery, and a rodeo. If the corn maze of the Circle Farm Tour, barns with tamed animals, pumpkin guns and pony rides are not enough, a visit to Castle Fun Park will satisfy everyone. This year-round family play centre features 18 outdoor holes and two indoor mini-golf courses, baseball cages, a Go Kart track and over 130 video and skill games. There's no better way to fuel a child's enthusiasm for fishing than to start his trout line at Abbotsford's two trout farms. The Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery Fish Farm adds fishing education to exhibitions with a beaver lodge, which generally inspires young people with the desire (and the means) to explore the outdoors long after their visit.