24 Hours in Chilliwack, BC: The Perfect Escape Between Matches
Arts & Culture, Attractions, Dining, Itineraries, Outdoor Adventure, Summer
Escape the Crowds. Explore The Great Outside.
Need a breather between football matches in Vancouver? Chilliwack is calling.
Just 90 minutes from Vancouver in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, you’ll find riverside trails, mountain views, farm-fresh flavours, and plenty of room to roam.
Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip or an overnight stay, Chilliwack offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, recharge, and experience BC’s Great Outside.
Here’s how to spend the perfect 24 hours in Chilliwack between matches:
Morning: Coffee, Fresh Air & Your Choice of Trail
Start Slow at Land Studio & Cafe
102-45530 Vedder Mountain Road
Ease into your day beside the Chilliwack River at Land Studio & Cafe, a bright and welcoming café known for nourishing brunches, quality coffee, and peaceful riverside views.
Grab a coffee, settle onto the patio, and enjoy a slower pace for the morning. Looking for a deeper reset? Book a yoga class at their onsite studio before breakfast and stretch out those travel legs before a day of exploring.
What’s Our Order?
To Eat: Surfers’ Brekky Burrito
To Drink: Blue Sky Mind Smoothie
- Find Them Here: @landstudioandcafe | Land Studio & Cafe
Choose Your Pace
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed riverside stroll or a peaceful nature escape, Chilliwack has plenty of room to roam.
Option 1: Walk the Vedder Rotary Trail
45450 Petawawa Road
One of Chilliwack’s most beloved outdoor spaces, the Vedder Rotary Trail, a 21-kilometre loop, follows the Vedder River and offers stunning views of the cascade mountains, fresh air, and a chance to reconnect with nature.
Along the trail, stop at the Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project Welcome Portal and Gathering Place at Peach Park, an Indigenous-led community space that celebrates connection, culture, and stewardship along the river corridor. Curious about the Indigenous history of this land? Scan the interactive QR codes to discover the stories behind the place names and hear them spoken in Halq’eméylem.
Keep an Eye Out For
- Eagles soaring overhead
- Fly fishers casting into the river
- Horses along select trail sections
- Stunning mountain views around every bend
Looking for a little more elevation? Head to Qoqó:lem Park Trail (45076 Vedder Mountain Road). This 4.8-kilometre gravel trail winds through lush forest to scenic viewpoints overlooking the Vedder River and valley below.
Option 2: Explore the Experience the Fraser Trail
Island 22 Regional Park | 44955 Cartmell Road
Looking for a quieter way to explore?
Head north to the Experience the Fraser Trail near Island 22 Regional Park, where 18 km of scenic pathway hugs the Fraser River through forests, farmland, and natural areas — connecting all the way to Ferry Island Provincial Park for a peaceful way to experience the Fraser Valley.
Did you know the Canyon to Coast – Experience the Fraser Trail stretches all the way from Hope to Richmond? That means cyclists can ride the full route — and back into the city if they’re feeling adventurous!
Use this Downloadable Map for Parking + Trailheads to plan your route.
Good to Know
- Flat, wide, family-friendly pathways
- Great for cycling and casual walks
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Picnic spots along the river
Looking for more ways to explore? Download the Chilliwack Parks & Trails Guide and Hiking Guide before your visit.
Midday: Explore Downtown Chilliwack & District 1881
Wander Chilliwack’s Most Walkable Neighbourhood
After your morning outdoors, spend the afternoon exploring Historic Downtown Chilliwack and District 1881—a vibrant collection of pedestrian-friendly streets, historic storefronts, patios, cafés, boutiques, and local businesses.
This isn’t a place of big-box stores or cookie-cutter shopping experiences. Nearly every storefront is locally owned, creating a unique neighbourhood full of personality and charm.
Take your time wandering the streets, discovering hidden alleyways, and admiring colourful works from the Chilliwack Mural Festival woven throughout downtown.
Local Favourites
- The Local Space — Locally made gifts and Canadian brands, perfect for finding something meaningful to bring home
- Raquel Rosalie Jewelry — Timeless, handcrafted pieces tucked into the charming courtyard lanes of District 1881
- Smoking Gun Coffee — Specialty espresso, delicious eats, and the kind of neighbourhood coffee shop vibe that makes you want to stay for just one more cup
- Spruce Collective — A beautifully curated lifestyle shop with home goods and gifts for everyone
- CR Sabers — Collectibles, giftware, and full-on fandom immersion — Star Wars fans, this is the place you’ve been looking for
- Fraser & Co. Modern Vintage — Vintage finds and modern gems spanning clothing, stationery, and home décor
- Marais Tea Co. — Parisian-inspired teas, an espresso bar, and fresh French pastries — a little taste of Europe right in Downtown Chilliwack
- The Book Man — New and used books, adoptable cats, giftware, and plenty of local charm
Need a midday snack break? Grab a patio seat at one of the many restaurants or cafes, order something local, and enjoy a slower afternoon in the heart of Chilliwack.
- Social Channels: @downtownchwk | @district1881
- Plan Your Visit: Downtown Chilliwack | District 1881
Afternoon Patio Reset
Relax at Amato Trattoria
45959 Wellington Avenue
After an afternoon exploring Downtown Chilliwack, settle in at Amato Trattoria, Chilliwack’s newest Italian neighbourhood eatery located in the heart of downtown.
Step inside one of Chilliwack’s most lovingly restored historic buildings — a former menswear store turned Italian gem — and discover Amato’s handmade pastas, seasonal ingredients, and warm hospitality that makes every visit feel like home.
Grab a seat on the patio and savour a leisurely meal while watching downtown come to life around you.
Good to Know
- Book your table in advance — this place fills up fast and for good reason! Reserve your seats now.
- Gluten-free pasta options available.
- Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The Tiramisu? Pure magic.
Our Favourites
To Drink: Sicilian Sunset
To Eat: Tagliatelle Bolognese
To Share: Burrata Bar: Calabrese
- Find Them Here: @amatotrattoria | Amato Trattoria
Evening: Stay & Recharge
Stay Somewhere with Room to Breathe
One of the best parts about staying in Chilliwack during the FIFA World Cup 2026™?…Space.
Here in Chilliwack you’ll find:
- Free Downtown parking — yes, really!
- Stunning mountain views no matter which way you look
- Comfortable accommodations for every kind of traveller
- World-class nature just minutes from your front door
Whether you’re looking for boutique accommodations, family-friendly hotels, riverside stays, or campgrounds under the stars, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your travel style.
Popular Places to Stay
- Hotel Morado — a romantic boutique hideaway overlooking the lanes of District 1881
- Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA — stunning views, an on-site restaurant, and a short stroll to Downtown Chilliwack
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chilliwack — reliable comfort with an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, spacious rooms, and easy Highway 1 access
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chilliwack East — modern rooms near the city centre with quick Highway 1 access, great for match-day travel
- Vedder River Inn — your basecamp for the best of Chilliwack’s outdoors, steps from the Vedder River and minutes from world-class fishing, hiking, and trail riding
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack — a fantastic family-friendly stay complete with a waterslide, indoor pool, and convenient Highway 1 access
- Hazelnut Inn — a one-of-a-kind fantasy-themed boutique hotel in the charming neighbourhood of Yarrow, with three immersive themes to choose from
- Local Campgrounds — reconnect with nature under the stars at one of Chilliwack’s many campgrounds
More options await! Browse all Places to Stay and snag an exclusive Hotel Deal before you book.
Getting Here is Easier Than You Think
Visiting Chilliwack during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is easier than you think. Escape the city for a slower pace and more open space.
Located in the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack is close enough for a spontaneous day trip from Vancouver, but far enough away to truly feel like a reset between match days.
Driving Times
- Vancouver → Chilliwack: Approximately 1.5–2 hours (via Highway 1)
- Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) → Chilliwack: Approximately 25 minutes (via Highway 1)
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) → Chilliwack: Approximately 1.5 hours (via Highway 1)
Transit Options
Visitors can also travel to Chilliwack via:
Learn more about getting into Chilliwack using public transit by visiting TransLink and BC Transit.
Beyond the Pitch: Protecting This Gift
The rivers, trails, farmland, and mountain landscapes that draw you here between games are places worth protecting — for every visitor, and every generation to come
As you explore BC’s Great Outside, please help leave these places better than you found them.
Do Your Part By:
- Staying on designated trails
- Packing out all garbage
- Respect ingwildlife and natural habitats
- Respecting cultural and historical sites
- Being prepared for changing outdoor conditions
Together, we can help protect the places that make moments like these possible. Learn more about our Protecting This Gift initiative before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities in Chilliwack, BC?
Chilliwack offers an abundance of outdoor activities like whitewater rafting with Chilliwack River Rafting, hiking on popular trails like Elk Mountain Trail, mountain biking on Vedder Mountain, and guided adventures such as paragliding, packrafting, and climbing through Ascent Guides. Chilliwack is one of BC’s top outdoor adventure destinations, all within easy reach of Vancouver.
Is whitewater rafting available near Vancouver for a day trip?
Yes! Chilliwack River Rafting (49704 Chilliwack Lake Road) offers guided whitewater rafting tours year-round on the Chilliwack River, approximately 90 minutes from Vancouver. It’s one of the Fraser Valley’s most exciting summer adventures and an unforgettable day trip experience.
Can I do a full adventure day trip from Vancouver to Chilliwack between FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches?
Absolutely! With matches spread across multiple weeks, visitors will have plenty of time to explore beyond Vancouver. Chilliwack is just 90 minutes away by car and offers the perfect adventure-filled itinerary—whether that means rafting, hiking, biking, exploring District 1881, or relaxing on a sunny patio.
What are the best free things to do in Chilliwack?
Birding at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, discovering the public art from The Chilliwack Arts Council and murals from the Chilliwack Mural Festival in Downtown Chilliwack and District 1881, and visiting the Tourism Ch’illiwack Visitor & Info Centre are all excellent free experiences!
Where can I find outdoor recreation information?
You can start by downloading Tourism Ch’illiwack’s Guides!
Or stop by the Visitor & Info Centre located at 44150 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack, BC – check out our Google Listing for operational hours!
Ready to Discover Chilliwack?
Whether you’re wandering riverside trails, browsing local boutiques, enjoying a patio in District 1881, or watching the sun set over the valley, Chilliwack offers the kind of experiences that invite you to slow down and stay a little longer.
Start planning your visit at tourismchilliwack.com — Share your adventure with @tourismchilliwack and show us your favourite way to experience The Great Outside that is Chilliwack, BC!
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