Chilliwack, British Columbia, is a city nestled in the heart of Canada's stunning mountainous landscape. Known for its recreational areas, annual corn harvest, and rich history, Chilliwack offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks.
The name Chilliwack originates from the Halq'eméylem language of the Stó:lō communities, meaning "valley of many streams". This name also applies to the Chilliwack River and the Ts'elxwéyeqw, a group of aboriginal people. The city's spelling was standardized after the amalgamation of the City of Chilliwack and the Municipality of Chilliwhack.
The history of Chilliwack dates back to the Stó:lō people's presence in the Fraser Valley around 10,000 years ago. The city saw significant growth during the mid-1860s gold rush, leading to the establishment of several farms and the incorporation of the Township of Chilliwhack in 1873.
The city experienced two major floods in 1894 and 1948, leading to significant changes in the city's infrastructure. In 1980, the Township of Chilliwhack and the City of Chilliwack merged to form the District of Chilliwack, which later became the City of Chilliwack in 1999.
Located in the Upper Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and large rivers. The city is 100 kilometres east of Vancouver on the Trans-Canada Highway, bordered by the Fraser River to the north and the Canada-United States border to the south.
The Chilliwack Batholith, a significant geological feature, forms much of the North Cascades in southwestern British Columbia. This structure is part of the Pemberton Volcanic Belt and is the largest mass of exposed intrusive rock in the Cascade Volcanic Arc.
Chilliwack comprises several amalgamated villages and communities, with the urban core bisected by the Trans-Canada Highway. The city is home to 939 farms, making farming an integral part of the Chilliwack landscape.
Chilliwack boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with an active rock music community and a flourishing classical music community. The city hosts several community events and classes throughout the year, including the Chilliwack Mural Festival and various music festivals.
Chilliwack is home to several museums, including the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Military Education Centre. The Chilliwack Museum and Archives, located in the 1912 former Chilliwack City Hall, is a National Historic Site of Canada.
Chilliwack enjoys a typical oceanic climate with limited extremes, providing excellent growing conditions for a wide variety of crops and agricultural products. The city is known for having one of the warmest mean temperatures for any city in Canada.
According to the 2021 census, the Chilliwack Census Metropolitan Area has a population of 113,767 people, while the City of Chilliwack has a population of 93,203.
Chilliwack offers various transportation options, including airports, active transportation routes, highways, mass transit, and passenger rail. The city is served by the Chilliwack Transit System and is connected to other cities through the Trans-Canada Highway.
Discover the beauty, history, and culture of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and experience the unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical landmarks that this city has to offer.
