Located in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, this agricultural city sits beneath Mount Cheam, with working farms, hiking trails and the winding Chilliwack River.
Chilliwack, a city of 100,000 residents in British Columbia's Fraser Valley, sits 100 kilometers east of Vancouver amid Mount Cheam and the Fraser River. Walk through rows of rainbow-colored tulips at the spring festival, swim in Cultus Lake's warm waters, or climb mountain trails to photograph the valley below. More than 800 working farms fill the surrounding countryside, producing everything from corn and berries to dairy products that supply much of British Columbia.
Getting to Chilliwack
Drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway from Vancouver for one hour to reach Chilliwack. You can fly into Vancouver International Airport or Abbotsford International Airport, which is 21 miles west of the city. Chilliwack Airport handles small aircraft only.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
With an average year-round temperature of 10.51°C, Chilliwack is Canada's warmest city. Summer days reach 25°C (77°F) in July and August, perfect for swimming and hiking. The mild springs and falls, combined with regular rainfall, create excellent growing conditions for local farms.
Natural Landmarks
Climb Mount Cheam's challenging 5-kilometer trail, gaining 700 meters in elevation to reach views across the Fraser Valley. Walk or cycle the Vedder River Rotary Trail along the river's edge. At Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, take a 15-minute forest walk to reach the 60-meter waterfall. Set up camp at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park's waterfront sites and explore the Lindeman Lake and Greendrop Lake trails.
Agricultural Experience
Visit more than 800 farms throughout the Fraser Valley on the Circle Farm Tour. Stop at Klassen Farms to pick your own berries, watch cheese-making at Smits & Co.w Farm, or sample fresh corn at Local Harvest. The Chilliwack Fair in August brings together farmers, livestock competitions, and food vendors.
Seasonal Festivals
Visit the Tulip Festival in April to see 20 acres of flowers in full bloom. The Garlic Festival in August lets you taste local garlic varieties and watch cooking demonstrations. From June to September, Party in the Park brings free concerts to Central Community Park every Friday night. The Sunflower Festival in August and September creates opportunities for photography among 50 varieties of sunflowers.
Arts and Culture
Watch theater productions and concerts at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, or join one of their art workshops. Learn about local development at the Chilliwack Museum, located in a 1912 Edwardian building. Local bands perform regularly at venues like Major League Pub and Tractorgrease Bar, with rock and punk music being particularly popular.
