With a population of 66,000 Chilliwack is the first urban centre west of Hope. The geography is the most diverse in the Fraser Valley due to its proximity to the the Skatgit Mountain Range on the south and the general narrowing of the valley at this point. This provides for a greater range of recreational activities for those individuals looking for a more challenging outdoor experience.
Chilliwack came to the attention of large numbers of people during the Gold Rush of 1858 when most of the miners travelled through it to reach the goldfields. Within ten years settlements had developed along the Fraser River at various steamboat landings (Miller's Landing, Sumas Landing and Chilliwack Landing). The Township of Chilliwack was incorporated in 1873 making it the third oldest municipality in British Columbia. The commercial component of the settlement eventually moved south to the junction of the New West - Yale Wagon Road, Wellington Avenue and Young Road (Five Corners). This area came to be known as Centreville which was renamed to the City of Chilliwack (incorporated in 1908). The Township and City merged in 1980. This area includes the communities of Rosedale, Popkum, Ryder Lake and Yarrow (the first Mennonite community in BC).
The economy in this area is pretty well divided amongst agricultural, light industrial, commercial and recreational activity. This diversity supports an eclectic range of attractions and cultural events that await visitors.
Recommended sites for lots of quality information on Chilliwack B.C.
Each of these well designed sites provides information on many topics related to the Chilliwack area.
History, attractions, maps, directions, services for visitors, suggestions, you will find them all here. Enjoy.
The official site for the City of Chilliwack - www.chilliwack.com
The Chamber of Commerce serving Chilliwack (1 page info) - www.chilliwack.com/services/chamber.htm
Local newspaper "The Chilliwack Progress" - www.theprogress.com
Local newspaper "Chilliwack Times" - www.chilliwacktimes.com
Sites for visitors to the Chilliwack area
www.tourismchilliwack.com
www.chilliwackmyhome.com
"Fraser Valley Guide" website: a useful collection of links & pages for the valley - www.fraservalleyguide.com
Photo galleries of Chilliwack and area
Downtown Chilliwack Chilliwack River Cultus Lake
Aerial Photographs On the Road in Chilliwack
Home Page
Photographer: Maurice Jassak
Web page design: Maurice Jassak
Images West Marketing
www.vancouverbccards.com
maurice@vancouverbccards.com
