Chilliwack Lake

SURFACE AREA: 1210 ha (2,990 ac)
MAX. DEPTH: 114m (374ft)
MEAN DEPTH: 67 m (220 ft)
ELEVATION: 625 m (2,050 ft)
Nestled in the majestic Coast Mountains south of Vancouver, Chilliwack Lake Park protects a rare patch of old-growth forest. Besides its main attraction, Chilliwack Lake, this 9,122 hectare park also encompasses several pristine lakes and rugged mountain peaks.

Situated on a bluff at the narrow lake’s north end, the park has 146 vehicle/tent sites, the most attractive of which are located beneath some large ponderosa pines at lakeside. Basic facilities are provided – pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, firewood and water – as well a sani-station and a children’s playground. The campground is open from May-October and fees are collected during this time. Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There are six (6) backcountry campsites located at each of the four (4) camping areas: Greendrop (5.5 km), Lindeman (1.5 km), Flora (7 km), and Radium Lakes (6.5 km). There is one pit toilet located at the Lindeman camping area. No other facilities exist.

A wide, sandy beach spreads out below the bluff while, high above, the snowfields of Mount Corriveau present themselves like the Great Wall of China. There’s a soothing sound from the nearby Chilliwack River, which drains north out of the lake and immediately turns to whitewater. The lake and river form the park’s southern and western perimeter, respectively. An old trail follows the river to its confluence with Post Creek.

Post Creek is the trailhead for a popular Fraser Valley route that leads to both Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, which have recently been given provincial-park status. For more information on these trails and many more, see our Hiking Trail Guide in the Brochure Downloads section of this site.

Swimming and boating are permitted on Chilliwack Lake, there is a boat launch provided at the park campground, but no recreational powerboats are permitted on the lake. The sand here is a very fine quality, which is a good thing because you’ll spend more time stretched out on it than in the chilly waters of the big lake. No matter which beach you choose, there are awesome views on all sides as the ramrod-straight fir forest rises to icefields and scissor-cut peaks.

Owing to Chilliwack Lake’s year-round chilly water, it attracts serious anglers in pursuit of various species of surface-feeding trout, including rainbow, cutthroat, kokanee, and dolly varden char. Be cautious when out in a small boat as Chilliwack Lake’s sparkling waters are prone to being whipped up by winds that funnel out to the coast. Lakeside casting is possible from the sandbars at Paleface and Depot Creeks on the lake’s east side.

Species Guide: Trout including Rainbow, Coho, Cutthroat, Kokanee, Dolly Varden, Black Crappie
Lat: 49.053 Long: -121.4141