Chilliwack: A Lot More Than Corn.

Neighbourhoods matter a lot. And not just for resale value, either. In their own way, they are alive. They live, breathe, grow and develop. And there’s a sense of each of these places, something that’s impossible to engineer; a certain feeling that comes from knowing the people in your community, and of feeling like you’re a part of it.

If you’ve never had your butcher offer you a free bag of bones for your dog, or had your barista warmly welcome you by your first name, you’re missing out on that neighbourhood that everyone should be searching for. We’re here to help you find it.

Out in the country.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC is a growing city surrounded by natural beauty. But there’s more to Chilliwack than meets the eye.

The Township of Chilliwack stepped onto the map back in 1873, marking its place as the third oldest municipality in British Columbia. In its early days, it was a hub for miners making their way into the area. A handful of pioneers, however, decided to set up small farms to cater to the gold rush frenzy, clustering around the Fraser River at Chilliwack Landing. This is where the steamboats, the primary mode of travel between Chilliwack and New Westminster, arrived and departed with goods and passengers.

As the small community found itself limited by the river's edge, the town's primary commercial hub shifted uphill to Five Corners, a junction with a name that echoed its geographical layout. You can still stop in to take a look at Five Corners on a trip to District 1881 and Chilliwack’s redeveloped downtown core.

South of the downtown core and across the Trans-Canada Highway is Sardis, one of the fastest-growing communities in Chilliwack. Sports fields and greenspace are in abundance here, with large single-family detached homes and big lots being the norm. There’s a bit more hustle and bustle north of the highway, but head to the south if it’s peace and quiet you’re after.

As you continue south on Vedder Road, the popular Garrison Village sits just north of the Chilliwack River, home to one of the most family-friendly communities in the Fraser Valley and some incredible architecture. Old-growth trees and stunning architecture are the highlights of the neighbourhood, along with proximity to the popular Rotary Trail that runs along the river.

In Series One of RealTours, Host Stephen Tadgh and local real estate expert Kristina Legault take us on a tour of Chilliwack’s hottest communities and explore its amenities, local businesses and real estate.

On the house.

Legault believes now is a great time to invest in Chilliwack.

“While there’s quite a few homes in the area, there’s a low amount of turnover,” she says in RealTours. “In the last 13 years, [prices] in Chilliwack have almost doubled, and we’re still seeing prices increase in the area.”

Search traffic on REW is suggesting interest in the market is growing, up over 20% over the first six months of 2023. Detached homes currently account for the vast majority of homes for sale. The remaining listings are an even split between apartments and townhomes, available at a wide range of price points.

Not sure where to start? Check out Garrison Village, a growing community in Sardis full of old-growth trees, unique architecture, and character for days.

Room for activities.

Chilliwack offers an array of recreational activities to suit all tastes. Take in the good old hockey game and cheer on the Chilliwack Chiefs at the Cheam Leisure Centre, or explore some of the many scenic community trails.

One of the best parts about living in Chilliwack is your access to the great outdoors. Whether you’re a mountain biker, golfer, fly-fisher, whitewater rafter or hiker, you’re not far from your outdoor activity of choice. Webster is a popular neighbourhood amongst home seekers, in large part due to its proximity to the Rotary Trail (and the Vedder River). Walk, bike, and spot the occasional horse on one of the area’s most popular trails.

Embark on a hiking expedition to Elk Mountain or Mount Thom, where breathtaking vistas await. For a stunning retreat, take a trip to Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park. It’s just a 15-minute drive away when you live in Chilliwack. Hello, mountain living. If only they’d bring back the water slides.

And while we’re on the subject of water slides, the growing neighbourhood of Sardis is less than 15 minutes (in the opposite direction) to Cultus Lake, home to BC’s biggest waterpark and numerous beaches. Take your real estate savings straight to the boat dealership and set sail next summer.

Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters

When Vancouver Coffee Snob names you the best coffee roaster of the year, people start to pay attention. But to be honest, residents of Chilliwack were already fully aware of how incredible Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters is, and how lucky they are to have it as part of the community.

Smoking Gun takes the mighty coffee bean on a transformative journey, roasting each bean to reveal its distinct flavours and origins. Through small-batch roasting, they ensure top quality, freshness, and an ever-changing selection. It's a captivating coffee experience that tells a story with every sip.

Minter Country Garden

Step into Sidekick Brewing, a local watering hole that’s, as they put it, “here to celebrate your greatest adventures and fondest memories.” This riverfront brewery takes pride in producing a diverse range of handcrafted beers, each brew named after a friend of Sidekick. From hoppy IPAs to patio sippers like the Carla Hefeweizen, Sidekick Brewing has a beverage to suit every palate.

Pull up a chair, indulge in a flight of their finest brews, and raise your tiny little tasting glass to the spirit of Chilliwack.

Payton & Buckle Fine Footwear

For over 30 years, Payton & Buckle Fine Footwear on Wellington Avenue has been providing the neighbourhood with top-quality shoes and exceptional customer service. Owner John Laanstra has been in the shoe business for over 40 years; those are some big shoes (pun intended) for his daughter Larissa to fill, who also works at the Chilliwack location and has probably heard that joke before.

Step inside this boutique shop and explore a curated selection of footwear, where style and comfort come together in perfect harmony. Like a sock in a sandal, as my dad would say.