A River Runs Through It

Just off the beaten path, the eighty kilometre Chilliwack River runs parallel to the mighty Fraser, providing a natural home to many of the area’s unique wildlife species on either side. This stretch of land boasts forested landscapes and beaches along the river, ending at Chilliwack Lake.

Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
 Birding
  • 1
    The Vedder River Rotary Trail
    Entry at Lickman Road

    Starting at Vedder Park, bike or walk this 21km looped trail along the Vedder River. You can also detour partway through to head up to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve.

  • 2
    Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
    5200 Sumas Prairie Rd

    Home to one of the largest heron nesting colonies in the Lower Mainland, this facility includes an interpretive centre managed by the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society and multiple trails outfitted with bird blinds. Head up to their observation tower for a “heron’s eye view”.

Field Notes

Stories from The BC Bird Trail Vol. 2

Discover the fascinating story behind Chilliwack’s Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in our latest Story from The BC Bird Trail video.
Read
 Cafe
  • 3
    Amble Coffee
    45450 Petawawa Rd

    A quaint coffee truck serving 49th Parallel coffee, nestled right in the forest of Vedder Park. Enjoy a fresh cup close to the river.

Heron-ShayneKaye-1 - BC Bird Trail
Great Blue Heron by Shayne Kaye
 Food
 Shopping
Stó:lō Gift Shop by Alicia Haque
 Accommodations

Passing Through the Valley of Many Streams

Let the quiet hum of the local waters, which often host herons and kingfishers, be your soundtrack as life slows down.

Two people birding at Cheam Lake
Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park by Hubert Kang
 Birding
  • 11
    Island 22 Regional Park
    44955 Cartmell Rd

    A 132-hectare park featuring walking trails, an off-leash dog park, and a bike skills park, as well as equestrian and boat launch facilities.

  • 12
    Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park
    Entry on Elgey Road

    A 107-hectare park made up of lake, marsh, and forested areas. Known to be home to over 180 different bird species.

Field Notes

Exploring the Fraser Valley Bird Trail

The Fraser Valley Bird Trail follows the flow of the Fraser River through four distinct communities, with ample birding opportunities around each bend. As the longest river in the province, the Fraser River’s fertile habitats include dense forest, wetland, farmland, and more. Home to many resident birds, this area also welcomes more than 200 distinct…
Read
 Cafe
  • 13
    Cultivate Cafe
    10015 Young Rd

    A family-run cafe connecting the community with refreshing brunch and lunch dishes using local ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options and a kids menu are available.

  • 14
    Harvest Store & Cafe
    9381 Mill St

    Feel right at home at this family-run bakery and cafe. Nourishing breakfast and lunch options are available, as well as freshly baked cookies and muffins.

 Food
Spotted Towhee by Shayne Kaye
 Shopping
  • 18
    District 1881
    46140 Yale Rd

    Located in downtown Chilliwack, this is a walkable, heritage, cultural hub where locals come together, and where entrepreneurs set up shop with local retail.

  • 19
    The Book Man
    45939 Wellington Ave

    A community favourite, this carbon-neutral bookstore not only has a huge selection of books and vinyl LPs, they also have two friendly store cats named Beatrix.

 Accommodations

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Learn the land with Sto:Lo Cultural Tours
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Attend monthly educational events at Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve
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