November 26, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, Hiking
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Had to share with you the best hiking experience I encountered during my stay in Western Canada. I spent the last 3 months touring BC and Alberta and some of the best hiking trails I experienced were in Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley.
Upon arriving in the city, we checked out the local Visitor Centre which was easy to find by following the yellow and blue 'I' signs posted all over BC. These became very familiar during my travels and were always a good source of information.
I picked up a Chilliwack Hiking Trail guide and was advised to check out the hike up Elk mountain and the Lindeman Lake trail. I decided to do the Lindeman trail first following a morning visit to Cultus Lake which was beautiful. The Lindeman trailhead was easy to find and parking was on the Chilliwack Lake Road which was right by the trailhead. The trail itself was well marked and involved a little scrambling over fallen trees and over rocks which added to the sense of adventure. After about an hour and a quarter I arrived at this glacial lake with a beautiful green glow similar to that of which I saw at Lake Louise but in natural surroundings which were truly unspoilt.
Blessed with 2 days good weather in a row I headed up Elk mountain which after about an hours steady hiking and another 20 minutes slightly more challenging climbing I arrived at an opening which provided me with a view of Mount Baker in the US which I will never forget! The climb to the summit is so close at this point and more rewards awaited me as I made the last few challenging steps to the summit. The view of the Fraser Valley was exceptional - I could see for miles! I spent a good hour taking in the view with the best picnic spot in town.
For anyone visiting Chilliwack, I highly recommend these 2 hikes and make sure you climb Elk on a good weather day for the best views. Please note that the map location is for the hike up Elk Mountain.