While dog sitting for the week, we take the opportunity to explore the area.
A short 15 minutes south of Sardis, we drive to the Chilliwack River and park at Vedder Park (free parking) where there is a walking, biking, & horse trail along the river for a few Km. called the Vedder River Trails. It is an easy and very nice walk where we see tons of fisherman in the river fishing for salmon (Chinook and Coho). The trail is well marked with maps – garbage bins and washrooms are available.
A few km. further south is Cultus Lake, a popular destination for outdoor activities of all sorts. At the lake head, there is a small community complete with a school and parks, a waterpark, adventure park, marina with boat rentals, and the usual village stores. Most of the lakeside though is provincial parkland with several campgrounds and hiking trails. At the end of the lake is another small community Lindell Beach which has prefab, and trailer park type homes, and a whole lot of cabin rentals. There is also a gated community still being built which looks like an adult only place.
Old forest with tall moss covered trees
We choose to do a hike called Teapot Hill. It is a very popular trail for families as we found out when trying to find a parking spot. The trail starts off with an easy gradual uphill climb, then branches off to a more narrow and steeper trail to the top of the hill overlooking the lake. The views of the lake are so-so from the top, but the scenery on the trail with moss covered fir trees and lichen is very pretty. Because of the name of the trail there are teapots in various spots along the trail which is fun and entertaining for kids to find as they go along.
Can you spot it?
Another very popular hike is the falls at Bridal Veil Provincial Park, about 30 minute drive east of Chilliwack. The park is closed for the season (with signs saying it can be dangerous in winter due to mudslides and avalanches), but there is a road leading to the gate where cars can park, with a short walk into the park. The hike is only 10 minutes and easy, and the falls are spectacular. An adventurous person can climb to the pool at the base of the falls but there was a slide there, so the climb up is over large boulders and trees. The park would be a great place to spend a few hours and have a picnic. There are pit toilets and picnic tables everywhere.
Continuing on from Bridal Veil we head to Harrison Lake which is about 30 minutes north. It is one of the largest lakes in BC, about 250 sq. km. and 900 feet deep in some spots. The lake is sparsely populated, except at the southern end where Harrison Hot Springs is located – a very popular tourist destination. Harrison Hot Springs is a small village with hotels, condos, marina, and the usual shops and restaurants, as well as the hot springs themselves. The hotel houses 5 hot springs which guests can use, and there is a less modern public hot springs pool. There is a very nice walking trail along the lakes edge, a well maintained public washroom (change room), and picnic areas as well as boat or helicopter tours, golf, hiking, etc.
Charlotte enjoys a swim in the lake before we head back.
