Although best known for its outdoor activities, Chilliwack also has some distinctive indoor boutique shopping that's worth investigating. Start out in the historic downtown core near the intersection of Mill Street and Wellington Avenue.
Books, Candies and Childrens' Goods
The Book Man (45939 Wellington Ave) reportedly has the largest assortment of used books in the area near Vancouver. The store stocks as many as 750,000 books in 72 different categories, including a 5,000-title children's section. This family-owned business has been in operation nearly two decades.
Teddy Bear Dreams (45903 Wellington Ave), established in 1986, specializes in baby and children's clothing and accessories, from nursing pillows to formal dress wear. Modern Love (9373 Mill St) caters to adults with a rich selection of spa products, lingerie, and jewelry.
A few blocks to the south sits Dickens Sweets (45945 Alexander Ave), which was launched in 2000 by British expatriates. The store has more than 200 candy jars, plus a selection of meat pies, cheeses, teas, and other edibles that appeal to the UK palate. A free, on-site museum includes Princess Diana memorabilia and a mural depicting The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens.
Gardening and Pottery
Those with a green thumb will enjoy visiting Minter Country Garden Store (10015 Young Rd Nrth). Affiliated with the famous Minter Gardens show garden, but located separately, this 7ha/18ac emporium sells everything from customized poinsettias and miniature Japanese golden cedars to Easter Island-style garden sculptures and aromatherapy products. Stock up on floral bouquets, view emus in the on-site nature park, or tour a huge Christmas lights display on a miniature train ride during the holiday season.
Further afield, Greendale Pottery (42245 South Sumas Rd) carries unique crystalline-glazed porcelain pots, dishes, and vases by owner Holly McKeen. The Sto:lo Artisan Centre (Unit 29, 6014 Vedder Rd.) showcases the works of more than 50 artisans from different local aboriginal communities, with silver engravings, paintings, bracelets, and much more.
For other mainstream shopping options, Chilliwack is also home to several shopping malls, like Chilliwack Mall (45585 Luckakuck Way), Cottonwood Mall (160-45610 Luckakuck Way), and Southgate Shopping Centre (45905 Yale Rd).