Circle routes are self-guided driving tours that enable visitors to check out multiple farms, artisans' workshops, fairs, markets or other noteworthy sites within a day, or a matter of hours. Chilliwack, whose rural landscape is populated with more than 900 farms, offers several enjoyable circle routes, courtesy of Tourism Chilliwack.
Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour
The Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour offers eight year-round destinations that showcase the natural bounty of this Fraser Valley region. Most are clustered south of the Trans-Canada Highway, facing Chilliwack Mountain. Shop for natural soaps and candles at Rustic Soap Co. (42537 South Sumas Rd.), sample fresh goat's milk and cheese at Happy Days Dairies (7350 A Barrow Rd.), or explore Honeyview Farm (10609 McGrath Rd), the largest beekeeping operation in British Columbia, whose Observation Hive alone holds more than 50,000 bees. Downtown, savour what top chefs create with local produce at Bravo Restaurant (46224 Yale Rd).
Additional seasonal highlights of the Chilliwack Circle Farm Tour include the Chilliwack Corn Maze (mid-August to end of October, 41905 Yale Rd Wst), the Saturday Market in the Park at Cultus Lake (mid-June to early September), and the famous 13-hectare (32-acre) show gardens at Minter Gardens (late March to mid-October).
Chilliwack Artisan Tours
From pottery and paintings to aboriginal art and massive metal sculptures, experiencing the self-guided Chilliwack Artisan Tours is always memorable. The tours include 12 suggested stops all over Chilliwack. Highlights include the brightly coloured, crystalline-glazed porcelain pottery of Holly McKeen at Greendale Pottery & Country Guest House (42245 South Sumas Rd), the diverse masks, prints, jewelry, and other native art at the Sto:lo Artisan Centre (Unit 29, 6014 Vedder Rd), and the awe-inspiring stainless steel sculptures of eagles and dragons (weighing upwards of 5,000lbs) by Kevin Stone at Metal Animation Studio (8501 Upper Prairie Rd).
There are also special seasonal shows and events, like the annual three-day Chilliwack Christmas Craft Crawl (end of November).
Printed Itineraries
Pick up printed circle route itineraries at Tourism Chilliwack's Visitor Centre. It's located at 44150 Luckakuck Way (next to Exit 116 off the Trans-Canada Highway), and it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.