Why We Love Living in British Columbia
We have always loved living on Canada’s west coast, for a number of reasons. But one of the things we love most about British Columbia is its ability to consistently surprise us with its never-ending supply of natural beauty.
When we received a text message from our friends to join them on a camping trip to Chilliwack Lake, our first response was, “Where the heck is Chilliwack Lake?” Followed quickly by an “absolutely!”
Of course we know where the city of Chilliwack is, we pass it all the time on the way to the Okanagan Valley or Banff National Park. But we had never heard of Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, which is shocking because the park is only a 2.5 hour drive from our home in Vancouver.
Check out a few photos from our weekend at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
The morning view from our campground at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park
3-minutes from our campground, we are presented with snow-capped mountains that rise above the lake. It reminded us of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, minus the radiant turquoise colour.
There’s no better way to experience a Canadian lake then in a friend’s speedboat!
We launched the boat and began exploring the lake…
…and found our own slice of paradise!
We found a perfect 25-foot stretch of isolated lakeside beach and set up for an afternoon of summer fun
Nicole sporting the 26-week baby bump!
Of course, summer time on a British Columbia lake must be accompanied by a cold beer!
We were pleasantly surprised by how big and beautiful the provincial park is. It was a great reminder that we don’t need to take a plane to find a slice of paradise, our own backyard still has plenty to discover. Our only regret was not having enough time to take advantage of all the outdoor adventures that are available!
Where is Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park?
The park is located 150km east of Vancouver and 64km southeast of Chilliwack (40km in from the Vedder Crossing). To get there, take Exit 104 from Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy) and follow the signs for Cultus Lake until you reach Cultus Lake Road. Instead of turning there, follow Vedder Road across the bridge and turn right onto Chilliwack Lake Road. Follow this road for another 40 km to the lake and campground – visit BC Parks website for up-to-date information.
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Where is your favourite place to enjoy the summer? Do you prefer Lakes or Ocean?
Share your story in the comments section below!
Awesome! …And I somehow missed that Nicole was preggers! Congrats!
Dan
Thanks Dan – yuppers, we’re expecting a baby Canuck in November! Pretty exciting times on the horizon 😉
Nice for you to feature my home province. I haven’t lived in BC since 99 but I spent my first 18 years of my life on Vancouver Island. The town was quite small (Gold River) not far from Comox and Campbell River. Have your traveled much on VI? BTW, the beer of choice was the cheapest – Lucky Lager…LOL
Hey Samuel – yes, we actually met while going to university on Vancouver Island.
We love it in Victoria and have thoughts about moving back there one day. We’ll be visiting Victoria in a few weeks and will be adding some posts shortly!
As for the beer, you’re close – it’s Hells Gate, not as rough as the Lucky Lager (but not far off either). It’s camping beer! 😉
I’m usually an ocean girl myself, but I do love the peacefulness of lakes, and I can’t believe there are so many in Canada! BC is calling.
Answer the call! 😉
I am not surprised after looking at all the beautiful pictures.
Thank you!
That’s awesome – and not TOO far from us in Seattle. So glad we all live in a great corner of the world.
We love Seattle too. It’s a great place to go for a weekend getaway.
As much as the Toronto snob in me wants to say that Ontario is just as nice, I’d be lying.
Toronto is pretty awesome too! Cameron actually grew up in Ontario, while Nicole has always been a BC girl
Those hidden nooks and crannies of BC’s landscape will continue to hold my heart hostage until the day I return. Big. Sigh.
Hidden is right. So much to explore here in BC. We didn’t even know it existed until this past weekend. BC continues to amaze us.
I like lakes and oceans. I need both during my summer 🙂 My family has been spending a week on a houseboat at Dale Hollow Lake (Kentucky/ Tennessee border) since before I was born. It’s such a peaceful place and a great family tradition.
Houseboating sounds amazing. In the interior of BC, there are a couple places to rent houseboats. We always think about it..maybe next year.
You guys– these photos are awesome!!! It totally makes me miss Vail, and I just returned from the past weekend. It’s such a joy to follow your adventures.
We might visit Vail next summer. We’ve heard great things about it.
We also live in Vancouver but have never been to Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. Obviously a ‘must do’ now that we have sunshine!
Yes, now that summer has arrived….its a great place to checkout.
I’d love to get lost in a park like this for awhile – looks like there is plenty to see and do. Love the bump! =)
Thanks! We are very excited about the new arrival. There were many hikes in and around the camping area.
Isn’t it awesome when you love where you live? Travel really makes me appreciate how lucky I am to live where I do. And baby bump? Wow… congrats!
Thank you! We can’t think of a better place than BC! Although, we love to visit other countries too 🙂
Looks like an incredible trip. I’ve wanted to get it up to BC for a while now, but haven’t made it, yet. Normally, I prefer the ocean; though, I do have a soft spot for crisp, mountain lakes.
You should come to visit. All seasons are great, but we especially love summer and winter.
Is that Nicole’s beer? KIDDING! Looks like a great spot to spend a day or two… 🙂
It is. Next time we plan to spend longer.
Nice! Looks like a place I would like to be in right now! Hey, Nicole is showing the belly bump! 🙂
Yes, she is and it’s getting bigger each day. Only 12 more weeks to go! Getting excited to meet the little man.
It really does look like a little slice of paradise! You live in a gorgeous part of the world — I’m sure there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in easy driving distance. Love the pics — especially the one with Nicole. You both must be so excited!
We are! We just hope he loves to travel as much as we do because he’s soon to be the newest travelingcanuck!
Overall I would probably have to prefer the ocean, but lakes can be just as beautiful. Growing up on the coast, I have a lot more experience with oceans than lakes. You guys definitely discovered a slice of paradise and awesome that it is so close to home!
We are very lucky!
That’s beautiful! Wish I had been able to explore more of this area. Love the outdoors and lakes and mountains are my favorites. Would love to do some hiking as well. However, I like the temps a little warmer though! Beautiful area with spectacular views!
Next time 😉 Thanks Jeremy!
Thanks. very beautiful places. I want to visit there.
Likely only a plane ride away!
The only time I’ve been to British Columbia was when I visited Hornby Island to see some random relatives of my partner. The whole area was breathtakingly beautiful, and the island is remote (it took two ferry hops to get there!) and quite hippie-esque. I’d definitely love to go back.
We have never been to Hornby but hear it’s beautiful. We plan to visit a couple of the islands next summer, so we’ll have to add Hornby to the list.
Nice photography! Chilliwack Lake is a little piece of paradise. Another spot to check out is Jones Lake nearby. It’s my favourite spot to camp on the BC Coast. It’s a little off-the-beaten path, but the camping is free at different beaches and spots along the lake…and there is a paid campground at the south end run by BC Hydro if you want more services like washrooms and firewood.
Thanks for the tip. We have friends who always camp at Jones lake. We’ll have to check it out next summer.
That is a stunning park and fabulous pics! Definitely on my list when I get out there. I love all vacations near water, but probably prefer lakes to oceans because there is more opportunity for boating, plus I like being able to see the landscape across the lake.
Hi,
Currently I m in India, but got opportunity to work in Vancouver,BC, Canada. I am having 4 yrs old son. Could u please help me to take decision about should I go or not? Because I should get good school for my child and also little bit worried about climatic conditions\cool weather\storms.
Please guide!!