Gentle Traveller: Three Days of Mindful Movement in Chilliwack

BC Ale Trail, Farm Experiences, Indigenous Experiences, Itineraries, Outdoor Adventure, Shop, Summer

You’re an explorer who discovers with intention – you believe in leaving a place better than you found it. Every footprint, every meal, every choice matters.

If sustainability, wellness, and cultural connection guide the way you travel, then Chilliwack is ready to welcome you with open arms and wide open spaces.

Before You Explore:

• Check road conditions HERE, find out the right gear for your adventure HERE, and share your plans with someone you trust.
• Stay on the marked trails, leave nature untouched, and return it exactly as you found it. Pack out all waste!
• Prioritize safety around water, wildlife, and fire.
• Honour the land you travel through—move with care, awareness, and gratitude.

This is how we Protect This Gift—together. Learn more HERE.

Day 1: Stretch, Learn, and Live Local

Your mindful journey begins gently, with a nourishing breakfast at Land Studio & Café (102-45530 Vedder Mountain Road), set right along the banks of the Chilliwack River. The coffee is strong, the food is wholesome, and the vibe is peaceful — the perfect setting for easing your way into the magic of Chilliwack. Before the adventure begins, join a morning yoga class right in the café’s cozy studio, aligning mind and body to the sounds of the rushing river outside.

Fully grounded, you’re ready to dive deeper into the region’s stories. Begin with a Guided Tour at the Stó:lō Resource Centre (7201 Vedder Road) with Stó:lō Tourism, where the Coqualeetza Grounds Tour offers a meaningful connection to the rich culture and enduring history of the Stó:lō people—the original stewards of this land. It’s a powerful experience that highlights the profound bond between people and place.

Discover the origins of local place names, explore cultural artifacts like woven baskets and stone tools, and listen to traditional songs and stories. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of how the Stó:lō have lived here for thousands of years, shaping the region’s past and present.

When lunchtime arrives, choose a spot where nature frames every moment: Island 22 Regional Park (44955 Cartmell Road). Spread out on the grass with a picnic blanket, by the mighty Fraser River, shaded by towering cottonwoods, with the river’s gentle current flowing nearby.

Your picnic, gathered from Local Harvest Market (7697 Lickman Road), is a delicious reflection of the region — farm-fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and rustic sourdough from their grocery, paired with ready-made sandwiches, vibrant salads, and bakery delights crafted with organic flours from Anita’s Organic Mill. Many of these treats are also suitable for vegan tastes. And if you wander in on a Saturday between 11 and 3, a wood-fired pizza is the crowning touch.

Time to hunt for the perfect souvenir! Stop by PickEco Refills, an eco-friendly refillery and zero-waste shop that specializes in sustainable, natural products. Their larger store is located near the Vedder Bridge (100-5580 Vedder Road), while their boutique-style apothecary shop can be found in the heart of District 1881 (105- 45922 Thunderbird Lane).

Browse a wide range of handmade treasures, including soaps, essential oils, bath bombs, sweet treats, teas, textiles, baskets, and much more. Whether you’re treating yourself or picking up a thoughtful gift for someone back home, it’s the perfect place to find something truly special!

As evening settles in, head to Farmhouse Brewing Co. (6385 Lickman Road), a rustic, family-farm brewery with cozy barn vibes, wooden beams, and a welcoming community feel. Their incredible outdoor patio is perfect for soaking up a summer night under wide open skies. Here, local and seasonal ingredients shine, with a strong commitment to sustainability and nearby farmers in every bite and sip.

Try the Greendale Golden Ale, an easy-drinking brew with malty sweetness and bright local hops, or their famous Chook Pizza — a little spicy, topped with ancho roasted chicken, spinach, grana padano, jalapeños, and smoked salt on a creamy white sauce.

Day 2: Self-Care, Savour, and Spot Birds

Today is all about a deep reset. Start with a visit to Wódr Thermal Spa (45434 Timberwolf Road), a peaceful retreat set inside an industrial-style, refurbished shipping container. Following the Scandinavian practice of hot, cold, and warm exposure, this experience will leave you feeling truly renewed.

Settle into a cedar sauna lined with Himalayan salt rocks, then awaken your senses with an invigorating cold plunge. Slip into a cedar-plank warm bath to soothe your nervous system, and repeat the cycle as often as you like. In your private room, unwind with locally brewed tea served in handmade teapots and mugs, crafted from clay gathered along the Chilliwack River by artisan Cathy Terepocki.

Refreshed and glowing, head to Harvest Store + Café (9345 Mill Street) in Historic Downtown Chilliwack for a late breakfast that’s guaranteed to hit the spot. This bright, bustling café is where community vibes meet seriously crave-worthy comfort food. Go for the Birkenstock — a golden, fluffy waffle piled high with house-made granola and fresh, juicy fruit. It’s a feel-good dish that tastes just as amazing as it looks!

Your connection to nature deepens at Soiul Wellness at Ryder Lake Farms (49388 Elk View Road), where you ease into a Yoga & Breathwork Session beneath bundles of freshly harvested lavender drying from the rafters of a farm’s barn. Moving slowly and intentionally under this fragrant canopy of purple, you breathe deeply and listen completely — a beautiful reminder that true wellness can be as simple as being fully present.

Lunch takes you to District 1881, a vibrant outdoor hub with European street charm. Here, you’ll find Shauna’s Kitchen (106-45950 Thunderbird Lane) — a small, charming, strictly grab-and-go spot with a bustling kitchen turning out nutritious, macro-balanced meals that never skimp on flavour. It’s the perfect place to pick up a healthy, satisfying lunch to fuel the rest of your day. Order your meal ahead HERE.

We recommend the Lemongrass Miso Coconut Tofu Curry: a fragrant coconut curry brimming with tofu, yams, brown rice, and fresh veggies, all simmered in a bright lemongrass-miso broth. Once you’ve grabbed your meal, settle in at one of the courtyard’s picnic tables and soak up the lively atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind district.

After lunch, head to Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park (53480 Elgey Road, Rosedale) for a refreshing walk through this buzzing ecosystem. Keep your eyes open for birds, bring a camera (and binoculars!), and see what you can spot. If you’re a Fraser Valley resident with an FVRL library card, you can even borrow a Birding Backpack for the day from the Chilliwack Fraser Valley Regional Library (45860 First Avenue).

Each Birding Backpack comes with:

• Vortex Crossfire binoculars with a soft case
• The National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Birds of North America
• British Columbia Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species
• A laminated birding guide with tips and a parts list

Click HERE to see availability.

Soak up the views and breathe in the fresh air with a sense of calm and wonder at all the life around you. And remember — pack out whatever you pack in, leaving nature just as you found it.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Shandhar Hut Indian Cuisine (8835 Young Road, Downtown Chilliwack) — a local favourite known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes brimming with rich, layered flavours. Their menu is a delicious journey through India, featuring everything from sizzling tandoor-grilled meats and seafood to aromatic curries and crisp, handcrafted appetizers. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, and a kitchen mindful of all spice tolerances, there’s something for every palate.

For a true treat, try the Chole Bhature: chickpeas slow-cooked in a masala of tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and onions, served with deep-fried breads, raita, and onion salad. Pair it with an Iced Masala Chai — sweet, spiced black tea blended with milk — for the perfect finish.

Day 3: Thrift and Treasure the Journey Home

Your final day in Chilliwack is all about mindful indulgence — slowing down and hunting for second-hand treasures at these local gems:

Thrifty Boutique | 101-7955 Evans Road

• An upscale thrift store where new finds arrive daily. Shop quality clothing, accessories, home décor, and books, all while supporting the Chilliwack Hospice Society’s vital community programs. Visit them HERE.

Switzer’s Vintage Decor | 10015 Young Road North

• A treasure trove next door to the infamous Minter Country Garden, filled with vintage signs, kitchenware, cameras, collectible toys, and more. Perfect for finding unique gifts or adding character to your space. Visit them HERE.

The Bookman | 45939 Wellington Avenue, Downtown Chilliwack

• This downtown favourite offers shelves of new and used books across every genre. Friendly staff have great recommendations, and you might even meet a cat ready for adoption. Visit them HERE.

Chilliwax Records | 45895 Wellington Avenue, Downtown Chilliwack

• A welcoming spot to dig through used & new vinyl, explore audio gear, and swap music stories. Ideal for collectors or anyone looking to grow their playlist. Visit them HERE.

Unika | 6-45575 Keith Wilson Road

• A fresh take on resale, blending new and nearly new clothing, accessories, and shoes. Discover “products with a purpose” that give back to both local and global causes. Visit them HERE.

For more secondhand shops in Chilliwack, click HERE.

Let’s Get Going!

Now that you’ve got your itinerary set, let’s find you a place to rest your head each night!

Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA | 45920 First Avenue

• The Coast Chilliwack Hotel by APA blends comfort with sustainability through its Refreshingly Green™ program. They’ve reduced plastics, expanded recycling and composting, installed energy-efficient lighting and low-flow fixtures, and offer EV charging stations. The hotel is Green Key certified, part of the UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge, and uses eco-friendly amenities from refillable dispensers to biodegradable products, making your stay both welcoming and eco-conscious. Book your stay HERE.

For a full list of our local Campgrounds/RV Parks, click HERE.

Pro Tips for Mindful Exploring:

• EV Charging: Stations are available in the parking lot of District 1881 (46037 Princess Avenue) and the Tourism Ch’illiwack Visitor & Info Centre (44150 Luckakuck Way).
• Eco-Shopping: Many shops in downtown emphasize local, sustainable goods — look for certifications and refill options while exploring. Also, bring your reusable tote bags! Don’t have one? Grab one from The Chilliwack Shop HERE.
• Reservations: Book your Guided Tour and Spa Visits early — spots fill up fast!
  • Book with Stó:lō Tourism HERE.
  • Book with Wódr Thermal Spa HERE.
  • Book with Soiul Wellness HERE.
• Pack In, Pack Out: Especially important at natural spots like Island 22 Regional Park and Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park — leave no trace except footprints. Again, read over our Protecting This Gift initiative HERE.

So, what do you think? Pretty much the perfect day, right? We sure think so.

We’d love to come along for the ride — so don’t forget to tag us @tourismchilliwack and use #ShareChilliwack to show us your adventures.

Catch you out there — in The Great Outside!

Learn more about The Great Outside, click HERE.