Provincial parks near Chilliwack offer dynamic scenery and myriad recreation options including camping, hiking and biking.
Recreational opportunities also abound in a well developed network of city parks. Chilliwack has more than 80 parks that occupy nearly 140ha/346ac of green space.
Cultus Lake Provincial Park is hugely popular for summer fun. Located 10km/6.2mi south of Chilliwack (take Exit 119 off the Trans-Canada Highway), the 2,561-ha/6,330-ac region was designated as a provincial park in 1948. It centers on a large freshwater lake lined with sandy beaches and forests.
Cultus Lake is popular for trout fishing, and also accommodates swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, and boating. Boats can be launched from ramps at Maple Bay and Jade Bay. Lakeside picnic grounds with adjacent parking are located at Maple Bay, as well as Entrance Bay and Spring Bay.
There are four campgrounds situated near the lake. Visitors can camp at Cultus Lake between late March and mid-October. Rental properties are also available.
Five hiking trails amid Douglas fir and western hemlock trees offer treks anywhere between 30 minutes and five hours. The longest trail is the Cultus Lake Horse Trail, popular among horseback riders; this 20km/12mi round-trip circuit connects the park's north and south ends.
Nearby, golfers can play at the Cultus Lake Golf Club, head to an 18-hole putting course, or try some mini-golf. The Cultus Lake Waterpark (open from Victoria Day in mid-May to Labour Day in early September) features waterslides, including a 22m/72ft "freefall" experience, and has snack bars, a grill, and a swimwear shop.
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park
Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park is the home of Bridal Falls, which stands an imposing 122m/400ft high. The park is situated 16km/10mi east of Chilliwack (take Exit 135 off the Trans-Canada Highway). A native village called Popkum originally existed here, with settlement records that go back to the 18th century.
Today, hikers stroll through 32ha/79ac of forested terrain that includes red cedars, maples and alders, as well as local songbirds. There is on-site picnicking in the summer. The park is closed in the winter.
Summertime fun abounds at attractions near the provincial park. Bridal Falls Waterpark features waterslides like the Black Hole and Rapids River Ride. There are also two golf courses, paragliding, an RV park and a motel.
Chilliwack City Parks
Chilliwack has lots of city parks to choose from. Some examples include Sardis Park on Manuel Road with its ponds and children's playground; the tennis courts, big turtles and majestic totem pole downtown at Salish Park; and the century-old heritage home and well-maintained garden plots nearby at Gwynne-Vaughan Park.
For an outdoor experience not too far from civilization, one popular option is the Rotary Vedder River Trail, extending for 15.5km/9.7mi along the north dyke of the Vedder River. Walkers, runners, cyclists, and horseback riders enjoy this route, and picnic facilities are available.
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