The traditional territories of the Sts’ailes, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Cheam, Douglas, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, Skatin and Stó:lō Coast Salish Peoples, as well as the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Semiahmoo, Semá:th, and Mathxwí First Nations.
34 kilometres northeast of Abbotsford, Chilliwack is one of the province’s most popular outdoor destinations, boasting an assortment of parks, nature reserves, and farm-fresh eateries. This agricultural region is home to farm birds like red-tailed hawks and harriers and is also a great spot for cedar waxwings.
Getting Here
By Land
By Bike
- Biking Guide: Tourism Chilliwack
- Biking South: From Harrison Hot Springs
- Biking East: From Abbotsford
By Public Transit
Spring Birding in Chilliwack
Spring brings migration to the Fraser Valley, with an ever-changing list of guest appearances all season. Kinglets and chickadees dart from branch to branch, brown creepers scale the trees in the forest, and spotted towhees alert you to their presence with their abrasive call. The red crossbill, found in coniferous forests, is a fascinating bird with its unique, overlapping beak. At a river or stream’s edge, you might catch the impressive sight of a small, round American dipper swimming through the rushing water to catch its tiny meals.
Summer Birding in Chilliwack
Summer on the Fraser features skies filled with warm-weather visitors. Several aerobatic swallow species (including tree, violet-green, cliff, and northern rough-winged) dart around over fields, lakes, and ponds – it’s quite a thrill to have one zoom past at close range! If you’re near water, you may see the coastally-specialized raptor, the osprey, scanning for fish. If you see one hovering, keep an eye on it, as it might be about to plunge into the water for a catch. In the trees, the gorgeous colours of cedar waxwings make for beautiful photos, and BC’s provincial bird, the curious and friendly Steller’s jay, can be found in the forest – especially around campgrounds. From deep in the trees, the majestic, cascading song of a Swainson’s thrush can be enjoyed, even if they rarely let themselves be seen.
Fall Birding in Chilliwack
Take a stroll through a forest in fall and follow your ears to one of our local woodpecker species drumming away on a tree. From the large, red-capped pileated woodpecker, to the hairy woodpecker and its smaller lookalike, the downy, their sounds echo through the trails. There’s even the northern flicker, a woodpecker often found foraging on the ground, which has delightful polka dots on its front. Other active park residents include kinglets and chickadees, ensuring that a walk through the trees is rarely without activity.
Winter Birding in Chilliwack
The weather may get cooler, but the forests are still buzzing with many resident species throughout the winter in the Fraser Valley. The mild climate means kinglets, chickadees, woodpeckers, and Steller’s jays can be found, even as the weather turns. The striking orange of a varied thrush can brighten up any winter day. One bird to keep an eye out for is the gyrfalcon, an uncommon but thrilling sight that occasionally visits from the arctic.
Chilliwack
34 kilometres northeast of Abbotsford, Chilliwack is one of the province’s most popular outdoor destinations, boasting an assortment of parks, nature reserves, and farm-fresh eateries. This agricultural region is home to farm birds like red-tailed hawks and harriers and is also a great spot for cedar waxwings.
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15411 Lickman Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 4P8
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.
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25200 Sumas Prairie Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 4N7
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”.
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345450 Petawawa Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 3M4
A quaint coffee truck serving 49th Parallel coffee, nestled right in the forest of Vedder Park. Enjoy a fresh cup close to the river.
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47697 Lickman Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 4A7
A sustainable local farm and market providing the community with fresh fruits and veggies. Their Market Bakery bakes fresh, organic sourdough bread and pizzas, perfect for lunch on the go.
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545555 Market Way, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 5S1
A friendly neighbourhood bistro using local ingredients and products to serve comfort food with a twist. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
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66385 Lickman Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 4A9
Socialize while you enjoy a delicious craft beer and meal in a friendly and welcoming environment.
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75643 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 3N5
Gear up for your adventures at this premier outdoor retailer that also offers rentals on backpacks, tents, and more for easy outdoor exploration.
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87201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 4G5
A curated selection of unique Stó:lō and Aboriginal arts, crafts, and gifts.
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95788 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 1C4
Located in the central Vedder Crossing neighbourhood, enjoy modern suites and close access to the natural beauty of Chilliwack.
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108050 Lickman Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2R 0Y3
Only a half-mile from Chilliwack restaurants, the Hampton Inn is located just off Highway 1 – close to the famed Chilliwack Heritage Park, Coliseum, and Cultural Centre.
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1144955 Cartmell Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA
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.
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1253480 Elgey Road, BC, CA, V0X 1X1
A great spot to see a variety of birds. Easy walking trails go through forest and marsh habitats and a floating boardwalk leads to a viewing platform on the lake.
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1310015 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 4V4
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.
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149381 Mill Street, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 4N3
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.
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1546140 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2P1
Enjoy good food and drinks while socializing in a fun, welcoming, and enjoyable atmosphere, in this locally owned and family-run restaurant.
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1646224 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2P5
Pacific Northwest cuisine in a casual, yet elegant atmosphere. Enjoy shared plates, mouthwatering mains, or try the Chef’s five-course tasting menu.
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178835 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 4P6
Family-owned and operated, this North Indian inspired restaurant has dishes that are prepared with care that use fresh, local ingredients.
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1846140 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2P1
Located in downtown Chilliwack, this is a walkable, heritage, cultural hub where locals come together, and where entrepreneurs set up shop with local retail.
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1945939 Wellington Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2C6
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 and Nietzsche.
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2045886 Wellington Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 2C7
Established in 1908, this historic boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Chilliwack, conveniently close to many restaurants and coffee shops.
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2145920 First Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, CA, V2P 7K1
This beautifully renovated full-service hotel provides a refreshingly local downtown Chilliwack experience, close-by to some of the regions most noteworthy points of interest.
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.
In the fall of 2022, we spoke with several experts and leaders at the Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Chilliwack to discuss the work they are achieving in habitat restoration. In our newest Stories from The BC Bird Trail video, we dive deep into the value of rehabilitating and maintaining Canada’s wetlands, and the animals that thrive in these essential ecosystems.
Let the quiet hum of the local waters, which often host herons and kingfishers, be your soundtrack as life slows down.
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 species each year who use the Pacific Flyway during migration.
