Colourful tulip fields in Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada

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A splash of spring. Abbotsford, British Columbia

The countdown to the official start of spring has begun, accompanied by constantly emerging blooms. The tulips of the Fraser Valley, seen in today's image, are bursting with vibrant colour in preparation for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival in April. Abbotsford's fertile soil is fed by the Fraser River, which runs through the northern border of the city.

The first residents of Abbotsford were the Stó:lō Nation about 4,000-10,000 years ago. European settlers arrived during the gold rush in the 19th century. Today, the city is a hub for high-tech businesses and educational institutions. If you're in Abbotsford, don't miss the heritage museums and public art sites that tell stories of early pioneers and cultural changes.