When I moved to Chilliwack, I figured I’d spend most of my time escaping to nearby places like Vancouver or the Okanagan. Instead, I found myself falling in love with the town itself and all the things to do nearby. Whether you’re into hiking, chilling by the lake, or grabbing a craft beer after a long day, Chilliwack has a little bit of everything. After living there for 10 months, here are my favourite things to do in and around Chilliwack.
District 1881
If you’re new to Chilliwack, District 1881 is the perfect place to start. It’s a revitalized historic block downtown with restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and breweries all tucked into historic brick buildings. On weekends, it feels like the heart of the city – people walking their dogs, grabbing brunch, or checking out the local markets.
I loved wandering through here for coffee at Smoking Gun or grabbing tacos at Field House Brewing. It’s small, but the atmosphere makes it worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a cozy evening out without leaving Chilliwack.
Chilliwack Lake
Chilliwack Lake doesn’t get the same hype as Cultus or Harrison, which makes it even better. Surrounded by mountains, the water here has that glacier-fed blue that looks unreal on a sunny day. You can kayak, paddleboard, or just enjoy the views.
It’s also a gateway to some great hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. But honestly, even just sitting on the beach with a picnic feels like a proper escape. If you don’t love crowds, this is your lake.
Hiking
Chilliwack is surrounded by hiking trails for all levels. You can go full-on alpine with options like Mount Cheam, or keep it casual with shorter walks along the Vedder Rotary Trail. During my time here, I made it a goal to check out a variety many Fraser Valley hikes. There’s something for every mood and energy level.
Here’s a link to my full post on Fraser Valley Waterfall Hikes.
Whether you want waterfalls, wildflowers, or panoramic views, you don’t have to drive far to find them.
Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake is a summer hotspot, and for good reason. It’s close to town, but it feels like a proper lake getaway. You can swim, rent paddleboards, go boating, or just set up a beach chair for the day.
My absolute favourite restaurant in the Cultus Lake area is Lakeside Beach Club. Delicious food and drinks, live music, friendly people. Best caesar salad I’ve ever had!
Tip: get there early if you’re visiting on a hot weekend. Parking fills up fast, and the beach can get packed by noon. If you don’t like crowds, aim for weekdays or late afternoons when it’s much quieter.
Cultus Lake Waterpark
This one is strictly for summer but worth mentioning. Cultus Lake Waterpark is BC’s largest waterpark, and it’s a blast whether you’re with kids or just want to feel like a kid again. Think huge slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
It’s definitely more of a full-day activity, so plan ahead and bring snacks (though there are food options inside too).
Harrison Hot Springs
Although Harrison isn’t technically in Chilliwack, it’s close enough to count. Just a 30 minute drive and you’re at one of BC’s most famous hot spring spots. The town itself is very cute, with lakeside walks, cafes, and the public mineral pool if you’re not staying at the resort.
I loved visiting in the fall when the mountain air was crisp, and soaking in the hot water felt extra cozy. It’s also a fun winter escape when most of the other outdoor activities quiet down.
Breweries and Wineries
Chilliwack’s craft beer scene is smaller than Vancouver’s, but it’s growing fast. Field House Brewing and Bricklayer Brewing are two of my favourites for unique beers and great patios. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the atmosphere at these places makes them worth a stop. They often have food trucks, live music, or trivia nights.
Chilliwack isn’t as famous for wine as the Okanagan, but you can still sip some local pours without leaving the Fraser Valley. Places like Whispering Horse Winery in nearby Yarrow or Ripples Estate Winery on the edge of town make for a fun afternoon outing. Both offer tastings in beautiful settings, and Ripples even has a bistro if you want to linger over lunch with a glass.
If you’re already planning a brewery stop, it’s easy to add a winery visit into the mix. It gives you a taste of Chilliwack’s growing food and drink scene.
The Vedder River
The Vedder River is one of those places you’ll keep going back to. The Vedder Rotary Trail runs along the river for over 20 km, and it’s perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. You’ll see everything from fishermen casting lines to families walking their dogs.
In the summer, you can even find little swimming holes along the river to cool off. For me, this was the best everyday escape while living in Chilliwack. It was close, free, and always beautiful.
Local Fruit Stands
The Fraser Valley is farming country, which means roadside fruit and veggie stands are everywhere in the summer and early fall. Cherries, blueberries, corn, peaches, you name it.
One of my favourite parts of living in Chilliwack was driving past fields and pulling over for fresh produce. It’s simple, but it doesn’t get more local than this.
Sunflower Festival
If you’re in Chilliwack in late summer, don’t miss the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. It usually runs from late August through September. Fields of sunflowers with Mount Cheam in the background.
Even if you’re not into taking photos, walking through rows of flowers taller than you is a unique experience. It’s seasonal, but it’s one of those “only in Chilliwack” things that makes the area special.
Final Thoughts
Living in Chilliwack for 10 months gave me the chance to explore beyond the usual “lake and mountains” vibe and really appreciate the mix of nature, community, and small-town charm. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or spending more time in the Fraser Valley, these spots show off the best of what the area has to offer.
From lazy days at the lake to hot springs getaways and flower-filled festivals, Chilliwack has way more to do than most people realize! And it’s all wrapped up in stunning scenery.
