Chilliwack City Guide

Food options include local farm produce and several international cuisines. Vegetarian and vegan options exist. Most places close by 9-10 PM; late-night options are limited.

Nightlife is basic, with pubs and sports bars. No big club scene.

Growing coffee scene with local and chain cafes offering good coffee and atmosphere.

Tipping is expected for service. Restaurants usually 15-20%. Taxi and salons 10-20%. Not expected for takeout.

SIM cards are sold at Telus, Rogers, Bell, and Freedom Mobile stores. Telus, Rogers, and Bell offer the best coverage. ID is needed to buy.

The city is generally clean with regular waste and recycling services.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies and minimarts open late. Emergency room available after hours.

Supermarkets like Save-On-Foods and Walmart offer good international products, especially Asian and South Asian. Stores open roughly 7 AM to 10 PM, including most Sundays.

Most businesses accept card payments. Cash is rarely needed but useful for small vendors or services.

ATMs from major banks like RBC, TD, and CIBC are common across the city. Fees of about CAD $2-3 may apply if you use an ATM outside your bank.

Public schools teach in English under SD33. No international schools. Admission follows the Canadian school calendar.

Small and informal nomad community, with some online groups. Work-friendly cafes exist but no dedicated nomad hubs.

Lots of parks and trails provide easy green space access, good for walking and running.

Good running routes along Vedder River and parks. Air quality is usually good but can be affected by wildfire smoke.

Multiple gyms and sports leagues for hockey, soccer, and baseball.

Public tennis courts in parks are available, usually first-come, first-served.

No padel courts in Chilliwack.

Several yoga studios offer classes like Hatha and Vinyasa, with English-speaking instructors.

Dojos offer Taekwondo, Karate, BJJ, and boxing, with English-speaking instructors.

Skiing at Hemlock Valley (Sasquatch Mountain Resort) is about 1 hour away, open December to April.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on Cultus Lake and Fraser River, mostly seasonal rentals.

Surfing isn't available locally. Nearest ocean surf is on Vancouver Island, several hours away.

Limited diving nearby. Better ocean spots are far away and require travel.

Chilliwack General Hospital provides good care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart are common. Emergency number is 911.

Tap water meets all health standards and is safe to drink.

Parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants are common. Attractions include local waterparks and farms.

Generally safe and accepting. No specific LGBTQ+ venues but legal protections are strong.

Pet-friendly city with parks and dog areas. Veterinary care and pet stores are easy to find.