Step Into A Storybook At Taves Family Farms This Fall

Summer flowers will soon give way to pumpkins, corn mazes and apple picking as Taves Family Farms opens another season of family fun in Abbotsford.

 

The farm’s autumn celebrations begin with the Magic of Sunflowers, running from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6, before the Magic of Fall takes over from Sept. 12 through Oct. 31.

Visitors to the Magic of Sunflowers will enter through a secret doorway and follow pathways lined with sunflowers and zinnias while old-world melodies play in the background. Along the way, a weathered wooden bridge, vintage bicycles, gnome characters and a hidden gnome home provide plenty of opportunities for whimsical family photos.

 

“Opening the gates for another season is always a deep, soul-touching experience. What started 36 years ago as a small family dream, when we first opened our farm to the community, has grown into something we never could have imagined. Over the years, the land has been shaped by our family, but also by all the visitors who have made the farm part of their own traditions,” says Loren Taves, co-owner of Taves Farms.

 

The sunflower season will also feature several special events. Butterfly releases are planned from Aug. 21 to 23, while after-hours golden-hour access will be available on Aug. 22, 23, 29 and 30. Adults aged 19 and older can pair an evening walk with a visit to Taves Estate Cidery during Sip ’n Stroll events on Aug. 21 and 28.

When September arrives, the farm will trade its summer blooms for rich fall colours and more than 30 acres of seasonal attractions.

 

This year’s Magic of Fall introduces Autumn’s Lane, a new foliage-draped passage illuminated by vintage chandeliers. The Most Magical Pumpkin Garden in Canada will also return, inviting visitors to wander through an enchanting pumpkin patch complete with meandering pathways, a princess carriage, mythical faces carved into the trees and storybook details tucked throughout the farm.

 

Beyond the pumpkin garden, families can explore three corn mazes, take a hayride, bounce on giant jumping pillows, ride pedal karts and visit the farm’s playgrounds. The Mystical Meadow will feature a new 150-foot slide, while alpacas, goats and a miniature horse are among the resident animals waiting to meet visitors.

 

Fall is also apple-picking season, and guests can head into the farm’s vibrant u-pick orchards to fill their own bags. Taves Family Farms encompasses 50 acres of apples, pears, plums, pumpkins, corn, currants, goji berries and other crops.

The seasonal flavours continue at the farm’s concessions, where offerings will range from freshly roasted corn with toppings to pumpkin-spiced lattés. Food trucks will also be available on select dates.

 

At Taves Estate Cidery, adults can sample seasonal pumpkin and apple ciders, while cocktails and mocktails offer options for a range of visitors. Drinks can be enjoyed on the covered, heated patio or at the Barnyard Booths, where firepits and s’mores add a cozy finish to a crisp fall day.

 

Taves Family Farms grew from a venture started by third-generation farmer Loren Taves and his brother in the 1980s, when the pair recognized the potential of niche crops and began growing gooseberries and currants. Loren and his wife, Corinne, later pursued their dream of welcoming the community onto the farm, opening it to visitors 36 years ago.

Tickets for the Magic of Sunflowers, Sip ’n Stroll and the Magic of Fall can be purchased through the Taves Family Farms ticket page. Visit the Taves Family Farms website or follow the farm on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for updates.