Embrace nature, thrive in community

Located in the upper Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is well known for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities, like hiking, water sports, camping, mountain-biking and fishing. With affordable real estate in well-planned neighbourhoods, Chilliwack has drawn many to its natural surroundings, rural setting and thriving agricultural, commercial and industrial economy – a prosperous community with an outstanding quality of life. 

Chilliwack waterfall
Chilliwack from the air

Come for the career, stay for the lifestyle

Chilliwack, British Columbia, is a thriving community known for its stunning natural surroundings, strong local spirit and growing opportunities. With dramatic mountain backdrops, winding rivers, and expansive green spaces, it’s a place where nature is never far from your doorstep. Chilliwack blends a laid-back lifestyle with a forward-looking mindset—home to innovative businesses, vibrant arts and a deep agricultural heritage. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend at Cultus Lake, discovering local food and craft breweries, or connecting with neighbours at community events, Chilliwack offers a lifestyle that’s active, welcoming, and full of possibility. It’s a great place to put down roots and build something meaningful.

People eating ice cream in New Westminster.

Location

Where mountain peaks, rivers and farmland paint the landscape

Nestled between rolling farmland and towering mountain ranges, Chilliwack is a place where nature and community come together. Just over an hour from Vancouver, this growing city offers a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.

Chilliwack’s distinct neighbourhoods—from the heritage charm of downtown to the lakeside leisure of Cultus Lake—each offer something unique, whether it’s local markets, outdoor recreation, or family-friendly parks. With its wide-open spaces, welcoming atmosphere, and strong local identity, Chilliwack is a place where opportunity and quality of life go hand in hand.

Chilliwack resides on on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Stó:lō [staw-low] people, particularly the Aitchelitz [a-che-leetz], Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) [chee-am], Kwaw-kwaw-a-pilt [kwa-kwa-plit], Shxwhá:y [shwhy], Skwah [skwah], Squiala [skwai-all-a], Soowahlie [soo-wall-e], Skowkale [skow-cale], Tzeachten [chee-ack-ten], and Yakweakwioose [ya-kweek-we-oos] First Nations, and is home of the Chilliwack Métis Association.

Places to live

From mountain views to market strolls

Chilliwack is a community of diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From the historic heart of Downtown Chilliwack with its vibrant shops and eateries, to the scenic beauty and rural tranquility of Greendale and Ryder Lake, to the family-friendly vibe and modern conveniences of Sardis, there’s a place for every lifestyle.

Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, a strong sense of community, or peaceful surroundings, Chilliwack offers a balanced blend of nature and urban living. With easy access to Highway 1 and regional transit, residents enjoy the comfort of small-town life with the convenience of nearby city centres.

Things to do

Where nature, adventure and local charm meet

Chilliwack offers a vibrant lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Hike the Vedder Rotary Trail or visit Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park for stunning views. Enjoy fresh produce and handmade goods at the Chilliwack Farmers Market, or explore the tulip festival—one of Canada’s largest.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take on Chilliwack River Rafting, relax at Cultus Lake or Harrison Hot Springs, and fish in the Fraser and Vedder rivers. With nearby skiing at Sasquatch Mountain Resort and countless hiking trails around Mount Cheam and Slesse Mountain, Chilliwack blends adventure, relaxation, and community—making it an ideal place to live, work, and explore.

Transportation

Pedal, paddle or drive

Getting around Chilliwack is convenient and well-supported by a growing transportation network. The city is easily accessible via Highway 1, making travel to nearby communities like Abbotsford, Langley, and Metro Vancouver straightforward. BC Transit provides local bus service throughout Chilliwack, connecting key neighbourhoods, schools, and shopping areas.

For those who prefer active travel, Chilliwack offers an expanding network of bike lanes, multi-use trails, and pedestrian-friendly routes—including the scenic Vedder Rotary Trail. Electric vehicle charging stations are available across the city, and regional transit options make it easy to explore the Fraser Valley and beyond.

Whether you’re commuting, adventuring, or simply enjoying the ride, Chilliwack makes getting around easy and enjoyable.

Schools for your children

Whether you’re seeking academic excellence, creative exploration, or community-focused learning, Chilliwack provides a strong foundation for student success.

The Chilliwack School District serves over 15,000 students across 19 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 secondary schools, along with alternate and distance learning options. Families can choose from a variety of specialized programs including French Immersion, Integrated Arts & Technology, Advanced Placement (AP), and Indigenous Education.

In addition to public schools, Chilliwack is home to several independent and faith-based institutions, providing a range of educational choices.

Visit the Chilliwack School District website for more information on schools and registration.

Arriving in B.C.

Making your move easy

While you wait for your moving day, there are a few things you can do to ensure your arrival in B.C. is smooth and you can settle in quickly.  

WelcomeBC has information to prepare you for your arrival to B.C. and outlines steps you can take in the first few days to help you settle in.

You’ll also find the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide helpful with tips and information on healthcare, finding a place to live, education, money & banking, and  much more. It is available in 13 languages.

FAQs

Area Facts

Location

Located in the Upper Fraser Valley, about 75 minutes (100 km) east of Vancouver city centre, Chilliwack neighbours the city of Abbotsford, and is located off the TransCanada Highway (Highway 1). Being located in the easten part of the Fraser Valley, it allows for quick and easy access into the scenic surrounding mountains, with nearby Abbotsford / Washington state USA border crossings.

Population

Chilliwack is the third fastest growing city in British Columbia (BC) with over 100,000 residents in the area, making it the second largest city in the Fraser Valley Regional District after Abbotsford.

Many smaller neighbouring communities of Chilliwack, such as Agassiz and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, contribute to the community’s total population.

School & Education

Chilliwack has a number of public and private schools from kindergarten through to grade 12.

The Canada Education Park houses several post-secondary institutions such as the University of the Fraser Valley (Chilliwack campus), the Trades and Technology Centre, the RCMP Pacific Region Training Centre, the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Canada Border Services Agency, and others.

Key Industries

Chilliwack is famous for its locally grown Chilliwack corn and its rich agricultural roots. The wide range of growing industries and sectors in the area include technology, manufacturing, film and digital media, complement Chilliwack’s world-renowned reputation in the tourism and fishing industries.

Things To Do

Chilliwack is surrounded by tall mountain peaks, such as Mount Cheam and Slesse Mountain, and beautiful lakes, such as Cultus Lake, with many of these areas providing access to countless walking and hiking trails. Chilliwack also offers activities including white water rafting, relaxing at nearby Harrison hot springs, camping, water and theme parks at Cultus Lake, and, world-class freshwater fishing in the Fraser and Vedder rivers. Spend a weekend skiing or tubing with the family at Sasquatch Mountain Resort – a snow resort praised for having some of the top snowfall records – only one hour from Chilliwack.

Explore Our Region

Located in the Upper Fraser Valley, about 75 minutes (100 km) east of Vancouver city centre.

Chilliwack General Hospital

Chilliwack General Hospital (CGH) is a University of British Columbia affiliated community hospital, whose role is to provide primary, core secondary, and some specialty services. These include services such as 24/7 emergency and acute care, general and internal medicine, cardiac care, obstetrics, general surgery and certain surgical subspecialties, inpatient and outpatient care. Chilliwack General Hospital provides inpatient psychiatric care for adults along with outpatient detox for adults with substance use issues.

Offering a range of primary, secondary and specialty services, Chilliwack General Hospital has 169 acute care beds. In 2016/17, Chilliwack General Hospital saw 54,092 emergency room visits, provided care to 8,051 inpatient and 10,497 surgical daycare cases, delivered 821 newborns, and had 139,123 visits to ambulatory care.

Chilliwack General Hospital 

Chilliwack General Hospital
45600 Menholm Rd, Chilliwack, BC, V2P 1P7, Canada

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See what the team has to say about their experience working and/or living in the Fraser Health region

“Chilliwack General Hospital has offered me the ability to provide excellent respiratory care to patients while also allowing me to teach residents and fellow staff. I find teaching to be incredibly rewarding and a great addition to my regular position.”
Megan
Respiratory Therapist
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“I love that I get to work with a diverse group of coworkers, clients, as well as different organizations and members of the community. We all come from all different backgrounds and bring our own cultures, strengths, shared circumstances and varying levels of experience in delivering compassionate care.”
Bailey
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“We work hard to support community members struggling with substance use, while also building community rapport and engagement.”
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“I love the unity and mutual respect amongst my colleagues. It helps foster a strong sense of belonging and trust within our team.”
Kaitie
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“My role is important because I advocate for my clients, help them navigate the health care system, connect them to resources and refer them to cultural supports.”
Peggy
Licensed Practical Nurse, Indigenous Health Liaison
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“What I love most about my career is that every day is different with infinite opportunities to learn and grow.”
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Photo credits: Tourism Chilliwack