With its gorgeous rural setting, fast-growing business sector, low taxes, diverse leisure opportunities, beautiful weather, and affordable real estate, Chilliwack BC has become one of the most popular cities in British Columbia among home buyers.
Surrounded by farmlands, swaths of mountains, and a lake that played a major role in the city’s history, Chilliwack’s abundant natural wonders offer a steady stream of jobs in relevant industries including agriculture and manufacturing. For the adventurous, this equates to a never-ending supply of outdoor activities, from fishing and kayaking to hiking and paragliding.
Plus, with many masterfully planned, family-friendly neighbourhoods and a superb road network that easily connects Chilliwack to other cities, including Vancouver which is around 70 kilometres away via Highway 1, it continues to attract a good mix of families, retirees, immigrants, and a rising population of young professionals.
Discover all the advantages of living in this charming city, as well as the neighbourhoods to keep in mind when looking for houses for sale in Chilliwack.
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CHILLIWACK IN A NUTSHELL
Location
The fourth largest city in the Fraser Valley based on the 2021 Census, Chilliwack is home to the Regional District. It is situated in the upper reaches of the Valley, with the northern sections lying along the Fraser River and the southern parts along the US border in Washington. Here, the massive Chilliwack Batholith, estimated to be up to 29 million years old, outcrops beautifully into the North Cascades National Park. It is bound by the Vedder Canal to the west and the Eastern Hillsides to the east.
Chilliwack’s location in the Valley allows the area to enjoy temperate weather year-round – the warmest in Canada, averaging between 9°C and 10°C, especially between July and September.
Brief history
Indigenous people have been living in the Fraser Valley as early as 10,000 years ago. Europeans who came to the Stó:lō (People of the River) territory estimated up to 60,000 Stó:lō inhabitants during their first contact in 1782. The term, “Chilliwack” itself is of Salish origin, from the word, “Ts’elxwéyeqw” which roughly translates to “valley of many streams” in Halq’eméylem – the language of the Stó:lō. Traditionally, it means “going as far as you can go upriver,” which refers to the olden means of going up to Soowahlie from Chilliwack River via canoe.
In 1858, the Cariboo Gold Rush brought around 40,000 gold miners to the Cariboo gold fields. Some of them built small farms near river landings, particularly along the Fraser River. Apart from serving as the main hub for the arrival and transport of commodities across town to New Westminster, these settlements further increased the population.
By 1873, the Township of Chilliwack was established and became known as Centreville in 1881. But just as its development was taking off, Chilliwack and other areas of the Fraser Valley were inundated by the 1894 Fraser River Flood. Recorded in history as the most destructive natural catastrophe to date, it became the catalyst for the creation of flood control measures and the construction of dikes and levees to prevent a repeat of the devastation.
In 1908, the municipality was divided into the township and Chilliwack City then merged again in the 1980s as the District of Chilliwack. Finally, in 1999, it was declared as the City of Chilliwack.
What the area is known for
Thanks to its suitable weather, fertile land, and ample rain, Chilliwack ranks among Canada’s most prolific agricultural producers, particularly of corn. In the summer, many tourists and locals troop to the city for the annual corn harvest. Boasting 42,800 acres of farmland, the city also supplies milk and dairy items to the lower mainland.
Those traveling from or within Southwestern British Columbia or exploring North Cascades National Park will not miss the Chilliwack Batholith, the city’s most discernible geologic formation. Jutting from within the Coast Mountains Range, this batholith is considered the biggest rock mass in the Canadian Cascade Arc.
Apart from its agricultural offerings and stunning scenery, Chilliwack is also known for The Book Man, British Columbia’s second-largest indie book shop and a local cultural gem. Carrying more than 500,000 book titles, many of them pre-loved, this family-run bookstore is a must-visit for voracious readers.
Basic facts
At 261.3 square kilometres, Chilliwack is British Columbia’s seventh-largest city and is home to approximately 101,700 individuals, per 2022 estimates.
Home to Cultus Lake and various mountains, the city is known for its peaceful rural environment juxtaposed with a lively urban core. The Trans-Canada Highway runs from north to south through this urban area, conveniently linking Chilliwack to other key cities, including Vancouver which is a 70 to 90-minute drive away. Various neighbouring cities and attractions take from around 20 to 45 minutes via this route: Sumas, Mission, Nooksack, Hope, and Langley.
Meanwhile, Everson, Clearbrook, and Lynden can be accessed in approximately 45 minutes; and in a little less than an hour, Maple Falls, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Deminhg, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, and New Westminster.
Along the way, you can feast your eyes on several majestic peaks, including Slesse Mountain, Vedder Mountain, Church Mountain, and Cheam Peak – one of Chilliwack’s most iconic sights.
THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Housing market
Over the past years since 2020, prices of real estate in Chilliwack, BC have been on the rise –up by 35% in 2022 – with properties in the area being snapped up fast.
The future for Chilliwack’s property market remains bright as experts see the continuation of the upward trend across all residential types as land becomes more in demand and an increasing number of people are moving from other parts of the country and beyond to enjoy Chilliwack BC’s real estate benefits: excellent housing, high quality of life, and plentiful work opportunities.
REAL ESTATE OVERVIEW
Chilliwack features a harmonious blend of villages with residential properties consisting of single-family homes, condominiums, ranches, and townhouses. Most abundant among the city’s residential structures are spacious three to four-bedroom, single-detached homes. A majority of these homes (72.1%) are owned, while the rest are rentals.
If you are currently on the market seeking homes for sale, Chilliwack offers an affordable alternative to most cities in British Columbia, including Langley, Vancouver, and Richmond, while offering room for professional growth and leisure opportunities.
As more home buyers gravitate toward the upper reaches of the Fraser Valley and into Chilliwack, the higher demand is boosting the values of houses for sale in the area. Given the city’s desirability, not just as a profitable real estate asset but also as a wonderful place to live, it makes perfect sense to purchase one of the homes for sale in Chilliwack.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
Chilliwack’s green spaces are dotted with charming ranches and heritage homes, some dating back to the early 1900s. More than a hundred of these stately structures are found across the city. Some feature timeless Georgian architecture, while some Neoclassical structures take inspiration from the romanticism of the Medieval Period.
Noteworthy neighbourhoods
PROMONTORY
Nestled in Promontory Hill, this emerging community is where you’ll find a mix of heritage farms and contemporary eco-friendly homes. Just outside their doorstep are winding paths that go through old forests. Going up the slopes, you can marvel at quaint country homes, spectacular sunsets, and a bird’s eye view of the Fraser Valley. Parks, daycare, walkable streets and trails, and playgrounds are abundant, making it a suitable option for young families with kids. Vedder Crossing and Sardis are a short drive down the hill, bringing you close to shopping centres, churches, and other community amenities.
CULTUS LAKE PARK
Those who love a small-town vibe while surrounded by the Great Outdoors will feel right at home in Cultus Lake Park. Lying 11 kilometres south of Cultus Lake – one of Fraser Valley’s most renowned provincial parks – amid towering mountains, residents are promised great opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding, and vistas everywhere they go. Lakeside trails, the abundance of leisure facilities (including a state-of-the-art waterpark and a pub), and proximity to several shopping hubs in the area make Cultus Lake Park worth noting for individuals exploring Chilliwack BC real estate options.
SARDIS PARK
On the way to Cultus Lake, you’ll find Sardis Park. A former agricultural community, it is now considered Chilliwack’s urban core and serves as the link between Chilliwack and neighbouring Abbotsford. Its residential inventory consists of single detached homes sitting on expansive lots, historic homes, plus a few apartments. On the fringes are panoramic views of the Vedder and Baker Mountains. Sardis Park is also home to the Artisan & Farm Market, a seasonal market that opens every May to August from 4 to 8 P.M. This makes Sardis one of the best places for those who like a bit of everything: privacy, nature, convenience, and unbeatable location.
ROSEDALE
Located along Fraser River, Rosedale is a famous jump-off point for several outdoor activities. During the summer months, the suburbs are abuzz with activity as visitors arrive to enjoy whitewater rafting in Chilliwack River Provincial Park, as well as fishing and pleasant strolls at the Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park. In the winter, tourists use Rosedale as a base for skiing and snowboarding in the surrounding mountains.
CHILLIWACK RIVER VALLEY
While not exactly part of the city, this unincorporated section of the Fraser Valley Regional District can be found near Chilliwack Lake, putting it on the city’s east side. Its proximity allows Chilliwack residents easy access to the area and lets them enjoy its various amenities and offerings. Famous for a plethora of year-round recreational activities from camping and hiking to fishing and rafting, Chilliwack River Valley is home to lovely cabins and vacation rentals.
LIVING IN CHILLIWACK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Dining
Chilliwack’s lakes and rivers teem with at least five species of wild salmon. That’s why it’s not uncommon for salmon to be served either at residents’ family tables or in the many dining spots in the city. Some of these dining establishments serving this savory fish include the classy Bravo Restaurant and Lounge on Yale Road and The Greek Islands Restaurant along Hocking Avenue. Try one of the sushi houses on Vedder Road for a Japanese take.
The city is also popular for its vibrant beer culture with top-notch breweries dotting every nook and cranny. Farmhouse Brewing Co. on Lickman Road is an ultra-popular beer hangout that serves winning beers and stone oven pizzas in a family-friendly setting while nearby mountains serve as a backdrop. Yale Road, meanwhile is the location of Bricklayer Brewing and its wide selection of beers on tap. Fieldhouse Brewing in Downtown Chilliwack, for its part, has a grand selection of craft beers, including the award-winning Salted Black Porter and the citrusy Field House IPA.
You can brunch, lunch, and savor scrumptious dishes from the menu up to the late hours at local bistro, The Offy. For sinfully good cinnamon buns and other sweet treats, go to SinAmen Bun Co. between Young Road and Chilliwack Central Road. For freshly baked bread every day, Anita’s Bread and Coffee on South Sumas Road does not disappoint. The same bakery is also home to Anita’s Organic Mill which works hand-in-hand with farm and marketplace, Local Harvest, to offer a variety of organic products like grains, coffees, teas, pastries, and homegrown produce.
Meanwhile, if you are biking, hiking, or camping at the Vedder, you might also want to check out the food trucks along the Vedder Rotary Trail for a quick shot of caffeine, healthy smoothie bowls, yummy poutine, and other snacks to get you fueled for your day on the trail.
Shopping
Touted as Chilliwack’s primary retail hub, Vedder Crossing Plaza provides a good selection of brand-name stores, grocery stores, local specialty shops, and food spots spread across more than 50,000 square feet of space. Downtown Chilliwack, for its part, boasts a good number of local stores and national retailers selling anything from fashion apparel to antiques. The Sardis Secondary School area also has its fair share of local shops. Another open-air shopping option in Chilliwack is the Promontory Shopping Centre which has a Safeway branch for locals’ grocery needs.
Outdoor recreation
With multiple bodies of water and mountains in Chilliwack and lovely weather for most of the year, outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat!
For birders, a visit to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve should be in order. The 130-hectare wetlands include a 10-kilometer trail that leads to a lookout and 90 Great Blue Heron nests where around 200 nesting pairs come to roost.
Chilliwack Lake Park located near Chilliwack Mountain is another worthy visit for bird lovers. A 40-kilometre trail takes you to old-growth forests, snow-capped ridges, and crystal-clear waters. More than 180 campsites are available for those planning to stay overnight.
However, if you prefer day trips, Cultus Lake might be a more suitable spot. Accessible via an 11-kilometre drive south, the lake provides ample hiking and water activities such as paddleboarding.
Those craving a breezy walk can visit the 20-kilometre Vedder Rotary Trail or the Elk Mountain Hiking Trail. Intermediate to advanced hikers often take to Mount Cheam, where trails lead to a jaw-dropping 360-degree vista of the Fraser Valley. During winter, these areas turn into a winter wonderland where you can ski at Mount Cheam and go snowshoeing along the Vedder Rotary Trail.
Meanwhile, only 15 minutes north of the center is Bridal Veil Falls, a scenic cascade formed from snowmelt running down the surrounding mountains of Chilliwack like Mount Slesse and Pierce Peak.
Local attractions
There is no attraction in Downtown Chilliwack that’s more striking than the Chilliwack Clock Tower. Located at the point where Yale and Salton Roads intersect, known as Five Corners, the clock and the plaza surrounding it were built as the city’s way of ushering in the new millennium and marking a new chapter in its development.
Downtown Chilliwack also houses government structures, including BC’s Provincial Court, as well as other beloved landmarks like the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and pre-loved bookshop, The Book Man. Performing arts events are often held at the Chilliwack Culture Center or the 10-acre Chilliwack Heritage Park.
There are numerous skate and bike parks and natural parks for joggers, bikers, and families, as well as dog off-leash spaces for enjoying downtime with your canine buddy.
For a glimpse into Chilliwack’s rich history and culture, visit the Chilliwack Museum & Archives which houses a collection of mementos depicting the strong ties between the early settlers and the indigenous people of the area. Meanwhile, an interesting village on the southwest border of Sardis –the territory of the Aitchelitz First Nation – offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history. The Atchelitz Threshermens Assoc. Pioneer Village has a well-preserved collection of steam and gas engines, tractors, farming implements, and vintage buildings that allow visitors to learn about the lives of early settlers and the rich heritage of the Aitchelitz people.
Festivals and events
Every March, female business owners gather at the Fraser Valley Women’s Expo, which provides exposure to small female-led businesses through exhibits; workshops covering topics like marketing, finance, and leadership; resource sharing; and other career-enhancing events.
Meanwhile, wineries come together every May amid art exhibits and live music for the Chilliwack Art of Wine Festival. In June, every street and alley turns vibrant as thousands of attendees from the LGBTQIA+ community march together and celebrate the Pride Festival. The succeeding month sees the city celebrating Canada Day with amazing live performances, food vendors, and fireworks to cap the event.
September signifies two important festivals: the Chilliwack Mural Festival, a gathering of artists and music makers, and the Fraser Valley Culture and Craft Beer Festival, where local microbreweries congregate to serve the community their best brews.
FIND YOUR NEXT HOME IN CHILLIWACK, BC
There’s no doubt that Chilliwack, BC is the ideal place for settling in or investing in real estate, especially with the many treasures in its midst. Allow me, top Fraser Valley Realtor Don Munro, to guide you as you seek your next home in Chilliwack and nearby areas of the remarkable Fraser Valley, as well as urban centers Vancouver and Surrey.
Let’s collaborate! Contact me at 604.817.7338 or send an email here.