The city of Chilliwack comes alive as its gardens and city parks blossom and bloom throughout the seasons.
Minter Gardens
Minter Gardens is considered the crown jewel among Chilliwack's gardens and city parks. Located near Exit 135 off the Trans-Canada Highway, these privately operated, 13ha/32ac show gardens are sometimes compared to the world-famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Created by passionate gardening expert Brian Minter, Minter Gardens opened in 1980, and currently attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year. Want gardens within a garden? Against the backdrop of 2,130m/7,000ft Mt. Cheam, discover 11 different themed gardens, including an enormous rose garden (there are 750-plus rose plants at Minter Gardens), a lake garden, scent garden, children's garden, arbour garden, and formal garden. Azaleas and rhododendrons flourish in spring, while late-blooming perennials delight the eye in September and October.
The landscaping frequently and elegantly incorporates water features, from the pond beneath Japanese maple trees that opens the walking tour to the big Water Wall at the end of the Arbour Walk, with water tumbling from an aqueduct with classical columns.
Practical Points
A sumptuous buffet lunch is served at the Trillium Restaurant in high season, and there's also casual fare at the Garden Café in the Envision Conservatory. Minter Gardens is a popular venue for weddings, garden parties, and other events. Minter Gardens is open daily between April and mid-October.
The nearby Minter Country Garden Centre (10015 Young Rd) sells a huge array of specialty garden products. With its on-site nature park and huge greenhouses, it's an attraction in itself.
Other City Parks
Chilliwack also has a well-developed network of public city parks. In total, the city has 80-plus parks that occupy nearly 140ha/346ac of green space. Some appealing 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 extended 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.