Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwack
Chilliwack is located at Greater Vancouver’s rugged edge, with bucolic farmland butting up against craggy mountains and rugged rivers. It’s a great place to get outside to hit the beach, go for a hike, go fishing, and lots more.
Hike Elk Mountain
Chilliwack’s Elk Mountain is a steep climb, but the panoramic views from the summit are worth it. The trail climbs up through the trees to emerge on an open ridge top where you can look west to the Fraser Valley and south to the snow-capped mountains across the border in Washington State. Use our Elk Mountain hiking guide to plan your trip.
View from Elk Mountain Lookout. Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwack
Stop to Smell the Flowers
Agricultural Chilliwack has lots of gorgeous farms and gardens where you can enjoy blooming flowers. In the spring, head to the Chilliwack Tulip Festival to enjoy row upon row of colourful buds. In the summer, Chilliwack is home to the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival.
Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. Photo: Gardens BC/Daniel Mosquin
Go Whitewater Rafting
Brave the rapids with Chilliwack River Rafting. They have several different trips on the Chilliwack River in class 2, 3, and 4 rapids. They also offer whitewater kayaking with an expert guide.
Whitewater rafting in Chilliwack. Photo: Destination BC/Hubert Kang
Go Fishing
Fishing can be a meditative experience as you focus on your technique with each cast. Sign up for a fishing trip on the Fraser River with Chromer Sport Fishing or Great River Fishing to have a guide take you to the best spots and help you perfect your cast.
Fishing in the Vedder River. Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwack/Jennifer Kleingeltink
Hike Part of the Trans Canada Trail
Fully connected in 2017, the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) stretches across Canada from coast to coast. You may not have time to hike the entire length, but the route passes right through Chilliwack. Walk a small section of the TCT by following the Vedder River Rotary Trail. It’s a flat and easy hike on the north side of the river.
Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwac
Go Bird Watching
The wetlands near the Vedder River in Chilliwack are home to one of British Columbia’s largest great blue heron colonies, so it should be no surprise that the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is a stop on the BC Bird Trail. The colony is most active in spring and summer, but you can spot herons and water birds year-round. Quietly spy on our feathered friends from inside the bird blinds or climb the viewing tower for an amazing overhead view.
Photo: Tourism Ch’illiwack/Courtney Styba
Hit the Beach at Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake in Chilliwack is pretty picturesque. It’s a warm lake, surrounded by mountains. There are a few different beaches to choose from. Popular Main Beach is at the north end of the lake near the waterpark. Entrance Bay and Maple Bay in Cultus Lake Provincial Park are a little quieter.
The dock at Cultus Lake. Photo: Destination BC/Local Wanderer
Hike to Lindeman Lake
This sparkling blue lake in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a popular summer destination that’s worth the drive. The water is icy cold, but many people dive in anyway. The hike takes about two hours. The first part of the trail is mostly flat, but there are some steep sections near the lake, so take your time.
Lindeman Lake. Photo: M Rezaie/Unsplash
Visit Bridal Veil Falls
Find spectacular Bridal Veil Falls a few minutes east of Chilliwack just off Highway 1. The 60-metre-tall waterfall spreads out in a cascade across a broad rock face that some people say looks like a bride’s veil. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot.
Bridal Veil Falls. Photo: Christine Ellsay/Unsplash
