My perfect day trip from Chilliwack

Here is my recipe for a perfect day trip from Chilliwack...in addition to the obvious ingredient of sunshine; my recipe includes walking through tunnels, traversing the mighty Fraser River via a tram, hopping over train tracks, and picnicking in the middle of an old bridge.

My day began with a drive from Chilliwack to Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park in Hope. Having lived in Chilliwack since I was three and never visiting the Othello Tunnels, I figured it was about time that I took a walk through history. The abandoned railway tunnels are all amazing engineering achievements dating back to 1911. The railway line, which opened in 1916, was only operational until 1959. The tunnels that remain, however, provide a spectacular setting for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

After my walk through the tunnels, I took the Trans-Canada Highway from Hope to Hell’s Gate, which is past the towns of Yale and Spuzzum. The drive up the Fraser Canyon took me through four more tunnels before I boarded the tram and rose 150m above the narrowest part of the Fraser River. The view was spectacular! Once I crossed over Hell’s Gate I found many things and activities to occupy me. The fisheries exhibit and video were very informative, the fudge I purchased was delicious and I was able to consume it while admiring the Fraser River, the history of Hell’s Gate provided was very interesting, and the locations to pose for photos were endless.

Following my return tram trip, I headed back south down the Trans-Canada Highway until I reached Alexandra Bridge. I grabbed my lunch, jumped out of the car, walked down the trail, hopped over some train tracks, continued down the trail, and sat down in the middle of the bridge for a picnic lunch. The bridge was originally built in 1863 but was replaced in 1926. It has not been in used by vehicles since 1964, which, was great for me, as I did not have to worry about having my lunch interrupted and the only ‘noise’ I had to endure was from the rushing water of the Fraser River.

Just wanted to share...

By profession I am in design and printing. I recently received the Chilliwack Great Outside tourism brochure. I have to tell you, of all the tourism pieces I have seen from all around the U.S. it by far stood out at the top. Yes it was nicely designed, clean, and covered all the basics. But, the beauty in which it was written, coupled with the photography and layout. Oh. It was as if cupid shot me with an arrow. Felt it deep down inside I did. It was as if you took a piece of Chilliwack and planted it into my soul with just what was inside the brochure. Granted I am not the average reader. I am a very intuitive and visual person. I can read a book and place myself in the scene. But I shared the brochure with a few others and they agreed, it is terrific. From my other, business and marketing side - in short - it sells Chilliwack.

Mark B. PA, USA
Tourism Chilliwack Visitor Guide

Vedder Mountain Ridge Trail

The first photo is the north-east side of the Vedder Mountain Ridge Trail I hiked on Easter Sunday 2010. The peak in the distance left of tree in the center is cheam. At this elevation the wind cuts through unobstructed so the temperature drops off quite a bit compaired to the rest of the trail.

My second photo shows me on the west side of the first summit - from this angle on a clearer day you can see the island and boundry bay.
Third photo is a skyward view of a part of the trail I like to call the Magic Forest. A very quiet section of the trail and that day there was a light dusting of snow and no wind, it was so quiet I could hear my heart beating!
Fourth shot is of a pond at the 3/4 stage of the trail about 20 mins past the Magic Forest. Closer to the end of the trail are 2 more ponds that are similar.

From a techinal point if your not driving a 4x4 you will have to trek a busy gravel road to get to the 1st trail head used by mountain bikes, ATV's and dirt bikes. The next step of the journey to the second trail head is not as busy but still shared with dirt bikes and mountain bikes, the 3rd trailhead is the jewel as once your on this stage your off on a wonderful journey which is well worth the effort!
Walter Hardinge.

Hiking East of Chilliwack

The Baby Munday Area is a spectacular hiking area just East of Chilliwack. To reach this incredible alpine wilderness, it is best to plan an overnight hike. The trail is very steep and requires about 720m of elevation gain. Access is from the Foley Lake Forestry Service Road (just off the Chilliwack Lake Road). A good route description can be found in a book called 'Scrambles in SW BC' by Matt Gunn. Once up in the alpine, several peaks can be climbed, including Knight Peak (an intermediate hike), Baby Munday North Peak (moderate scramble), and Stewart Peak (moderate scramble with some exposure).

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

In May I went camping at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. The hiking trails were closed by snow, and water levels so high that the boat launch was inaccessible. My neighbour suggested we drive to the south end of the lake and hike in to the reserve. The 11.5 km. road is not suitable for cars, but a 2 wheel drive truck is no problem (use caution). As we neared the end of the road, Depot Creek was washing over the road, so we decided to add an extra kilometer to the hike and not drive through as the ability to drive out would be uncertain. The easy trail is normally 5.4 km. return. Along the way there is a visible line where 2nd growth forest meets old growth. There is a beautiful sandy beach here, but it was under 1 meter of water. The trail ends opposite the mouth of the south Chilliwack River. This part is a narrow peninsula with an old beaver pond to the south and lake to north. Near here my hiking partner walked right past a rare and endangered spotted owl. It was napping about 3 meters off the trail, and resembled a boulder. On the return trip it had moved to better cover about 10 meters off the trail. This place is so beautiful I wish I could post all the photos.