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Chilliwack

Quick Facts

  • Population... 69,217
  • Distance from Vancouver... 100 km (62 mi)
  • Distance from Richmond... 107 km (66 mi)
  • Distance from Whistler... 222 km (138 mi)

Chilliwack is a rural agricultural city with a laid-back country feel. The landscape surrounding the community is very picturesque with nearby rivers and mountains complementing the patchwork of farmers' fields.

Chilliwack has more than 900 farms that showcase the area's specialities including dairy, poultry and berries. Foodies who enjoy tasting and learning about fresh, local food, sustainability and how the crops are grown can take a tour at many of the farms here.

There are many outdoor recreation opportunities in Chilliwack, including river rafting, white-water kayaking, golfing, and sport fishing – all of which can be enjoyed year-round. The picturesque setting of Chilliwack includes many parks as well as the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.

For shopaholics, Chilliwack also provides all the necessary services with local boutiques and specialty stores located in its centre, and large chain retailers and two shopping malls located near the Trans-Canada Highway.

Explore Chilliwack All Cities & Towns


Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Chilliwack's public transit system provides travel within the city but does not link to Vancouver's public transit.

To Vancouver:
Driving from Chilliwack to Vancouver takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes along the multi-lane Trans-Canada Highway.

Public transit to Vancouver is not available from within Chilliwack, however those who can drive or get to the SkyTrain stations in Surrey – an hour's drive from Chilliwack – will be able to commute into Vancouver with ease.

Visitors can also take a bus coach to Vancouver from Chilliwack's Greyhound bus depot.

To Richmond:
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive from Chilliwack to Richmond.

Public transit to Richmond is not available from within Chilliwack, however those who can drive or get to the SkyTrain stations in Surrey – an hour's drive from Chilliwack – will be able to commute into Richmond by SkyTrain and/or bus. Note that the journey may require multiple transfers.

To West Vancouver:
The driving time from Chilliwack to West Vancouver is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Public transit to West Vancouver is not available from within Chilliwack, however those who can drive or get to the SkyTrain stations in Surrey – an hour's drive from Chilliwack – will be able to commute to West Vancouver via the SkyTrain to Vancouver then transfer to a bus to West Vancouver.

To Whistler:
The drive from Chilliwack to Whistler takes approximately two hours and 50 minutes and passes some spectacular scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway.

There is a coach to Whistler available from the Greyhound bus depot in Chilliwack.

Accommodation

Chilliwack has a good selection of large hotels and bed and breakfasts. Many of the hotels are conveniently located next to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), as well as in Chilliwack's centre. The bed and breakfasts are situated in quiet neighbourhoods, with a few in the Bridal Falls area.

There are also some motels, RV sites and cabin accommodation to choose from. RV parks are located off the Trans Canada Highway and a small group of cabins are located near Cultus Lake, in south Chilliwack.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Snow sports enthusiasts will be delighted by their options in this region with the renowned North Shore Mountains, 120 km (75 mi) away in Vancouver. Of the three big ski mountains here (Cypress, Seymour and Grouse), Cypress Mountain will host freestyle skiing and snowboard during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Hemlock Valley Resort is only 61 km (38 mi) north of Chilliwack and has good downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities. E.C. Manning Provincial Park has a downhill area and extensive cross-country skiing trails. It is located 118 km (73 mi) from Chilliwack.

Thrilling river-rafting experiences are available all year round on the Chilliwack River, while nature-lovers or those seeking a quiet walking trail, will enjoy the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve and interpretive centre. Set along the banks of the Vedder River, this reserve shelters a large great blue heron colony which usually begins nesting in March.

A self-guided Circle Farm Tour is a great way to experience the area's farm fresh and handmade products. Some farms offer their fare and informative staff to answer questions all year round.

History buffs should stop by the Chilliwack Museum, a National Historic Site which is housed in what was once City Hall. The museum provides a wealth of information on the history of the area and the Sto:lo First Nation peoples.

Read more about what's happening in Chilliwack.