Chilliwack

During the nineteen fifties, when gold was discovered within the Fraser Canyon, gold miners numbering roughly 30,000 individuals hiked to the goldfields, passing through the Chilliwack area in their travels. This caused the expansion of several steamboat landings on the banks of the Fraser River. They include the Sumas landing, Miller's Landing and Chilliwack Landing, which likewise helped to the development of Chilliwack. Chilliwack was incorporated in the year 1873, making it the third municipality within British Columbia.

The city of Chilliwack has several attractions to choose from. The Minter Gardens has wonderful tulips that are imported from Holland. There are likewise roughly 100,000 rhododendrons which provide gorgeous scenery in the rock wall and cedar trees terraces. The Rotary Outdoor Pool provides visitors swimming lessons, special events, and public swimming. Promontory Park West is located between Cedar Creek Drive and Teskey Road. This 4.8 hectare park has a full circuit walking trail, two small soccer fields, a playground and two baseball diamonds. Mount Cheam is the best site to go to for hiking. Its trail zig zags to verdant meadows to rough terrain on the top, and those who climb its peak would be rewarded by incredible views of the park. Chilliwack River Rafting is only fifteen minutes from the town centre, and those who like rafting could select a challenging or moderate rafting trip.

One alternative for families is to ask for a more family-oriented program. Located on Yale Rd East and Old Yale Rd is the Rosedale Sportsfield and Park, that is a 5.8 hectare park that offers washroom facilities, playgrounds, ball fields, and cozy picnic spots. The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve is a 325-acre location that is situated on the floodplain of the Veddar River. It contains hundreds of Great Blue Heron nests and several other species of wildlife, plant life, and other uncommon animals, like Salish Suckers, Painted Turtles and Bald Eagles. T-Rex Motorsports provides vehicles for riding, like for instance ATV's and bikes. Cheam Lake Wetlands is generally known for hikes, bird watching and picnics. Its trails are estimated to be two kilometers, and the park also boasts of raised walkways and elevated viewing platform. Gwyne Vaughan Park has about six acres of prime land and a heritage home given to Chilliwack. Chilliwack Corn Maze attracts various families. This annual affair creates a maze out of the corn fields and visitors are challenged to find their way out. Portage Park is perfect for those who want to spend their afternoons in a relaxed picnic.

The major industries of Chilliwack is tourism, wholesale and retail trade (Overwaitea Food Group, Real Canadian Superstore, Canada Safeway, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Sears Canada), agriculture (Unifeed, Rainbow Greenhouses, Inline Nurseries, Canfor Nurseries, Fraser Valley Duck and Goose), food processing (Vantage Foods, Johnston Packers, Fraser Valley Meats, Natrel, Coast Mountain Dairy, Roger Foods) and manufacturing (Masonite International, Uneeda Wood Products, TY-CROP Manufacturing, IMW Industries, Westeck Windows, Visscher Lumber). The most economically-lucrative and popular tourist attractions in the area are whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing and golfing.