Waterside camping near Chilliwack with a private bathroom

One-hundred kilometres east of Vancouver along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), Chilliwack feels suburban, with a population approaching 100,000. Yet it’s a base for outdoor adventures in several provincial and regional parks. Trek the hiking trails in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park or climb Mount Cheam for views across the Fraser Valley. Go kayaking, canoeing, or boating on Cultus Lake, rafting along the Chilliwack River, or biking from farm to farm. Campers can find sites at Cultus Lake or Chilliwack Lake provincial parks, along the Chilliwack River in campgrounds like Vedder River, and in RV parks around the area.

Located near BC’s west coast, Chilliwack has warm dry summers and cool wet winters, with temperate spring and fall weather in between. Campers should come mid-week in summer, if possible, since weekends are usually quite busy. You might find campsites more easily in the spring or fall. Although winters can be rainy with temperatures above freezing, be prepared for snow at higher elevations.

• As British Columbia’s seventh-largest city, Chilliwack has plenty of stores where you can buy food and drink, camping supplies, and other outdoor gear.
• British Columbia’s Fraser Valley is an agricultural region, so stock up on fresh produce at local farm stands. Blueberries are a highlight during the summer, as is fresh corn in the late summer or early fall.
• Planning to camp in one of the provincial parks? Both Cultus Lake and Chilliwack Lake get very busy in summer, so reserve your campsite in advance.