Downes Bowl Park

As avid trail-goers we visit Downs bowl rather regularly. This place is magical! If you take the gravel trail on the left side of the baseball fields and follow it into the forest, there are several side trails in there that go to wonderful places! We have hiked these trails over 20 times and we still find new routes. It is like a spider-web of trails in there that would take hours to get through all of them. Make sure to bring a map or a friend so you don't get lost. Almost every path will eventually lead you out though. In the first picture here you see a fallen tree has recently destroyed one of the many wooden bridges. Be careful if you decide to climb over it as the trunk is pretty slippery.

Good trail network. Well maintained even since my childhood. The marsh could do with some birdhouses and nature signage would be nice for educational purposes. The maps have never been accurate, but that adds adventure.

One of the sketchiest, but coolest trail areas in Abbotsford. Nothing better than a woodsy spot to take a dump right in the middle of town.

Great trail for taking the kids (in backpack carrier) or a serene jog under a forest canopy.

I love Downes Bowl. It has multiple dirt trails that wind through the lush forest. It's so big you can almost get lost exploring in it, though there are trail guides to point you on your way. There are trail exits in a few places, so be sure to have a bit of an idea where you came from as you go. Do your part to keep it clean and the streams and ecologically sensitive areas protected by staying on the trails (at least for the most part). This, in my opinion, is a true hidden treasure in Abbotsford. If you've never been, and you love nature, you'll love it. Lots of hills to climb, so dress appropriately.