Chilliwack Flight Fest

This year’s Chilliwack Flight Fest is presented by the RE/MAX Realtors of the Lower Mainland.  Check HERE for all the information on this years event.

An action packed weekend was planned for aviation enthusiasts young and old to celebrate the Annual Flight Fest held at Chilliwack Municipal Airport. The celebrations had begun with a Hangar Dance and Twilight Show on the Saturday evening followed by a packed day of events on the Sunday including an early morning Pancake Breakfast and the eagerly anticipated Air show in the afternoon. This was when we arrived, in the blistering heat not really knowing what to expect. We soon realised that we most definitely had not planned or researched well enough for the day. It was by far, one of the hottest days of the summer and we were ill prepared for the scorching heat. We also arrived with puppy in tow only to realise that dogs were not permitted onsite.  Therefore we took it in turns to ‘puppy sit’ outside the main gate.

There were a large number of magnificent aircraft on display, lovingly cared for and maintained by their dedicated custodians.  The male members of the family took great delight exploring the cockpit of an ‘air sea rescue’ helicopter, marvelling at the vast complexity of the instrument panel and grilling the on hand crew member for tales of intrepid rescues.  For those patrons wishing to get a more ‘hands on’ experience a flight simulator was on site to satisfy their need for speed.  The Air show started with all eyes directed to the four parachutes descending from the sky, where we were treated to the breathtaking sight of smoke trails and patriotic flags billowing from the legs of the daring parachutists. Aircraft of different varieties then proceeded to wow the crowd with jaw dropping displays of amazing skill and bravery. Such a delight to see so many aircraft that are only normally seen in old films and history books, take flight and dazzle the crowd.

For an admission free event Chilliwack Annual Flightfest was truly worth a visit, especially for those with an interest in aviation. Chilliwack Municipal Airport is easy to find simply head out of the city on Young Road and turn left into Airport Road. Parking is available on site and also along Airport Road. For those not wishing to drive buses were provided from the UCFV Campus. So for a great day out pack a picnic, bring the folding chairs, slap on the sunscreen, leave the dogs at home and head for the airport.

Julie and Family attended the 2009 Flightfest. Watch for the 19th Annual edition coming in August 2010!

Harrison Hot Springs

Oh Harrison how I love it so, rain or shine I am drawn to its staggering beauty. The 60km lake that stretches from Harrison to the Lillooet River is fed by ice and snow melt and is over 800 feet deep in places.  I think my heart was lost to Harrison the very first time we visited, back in May of 2008. We were still only visitors then but were blown away by the peace and serenity of the lake, the majestic beauty of the mountains and the funky little town itself.  At that time there was a cordoned off section that housed the amazing World Championship Sand Sculptures. Having never seen much more than my children’s ’sand sculptures’ before, the sight of these amazing creations was one not to be missed.  Dragons, princesses, fairytales scenes and abstract designs all from deep within the sculptor’s talented minds, adorned the shoreline.

Those first memories of Harrison stayed with us, so much so it was the first place we visited once we landed in Canada. The wind was fierce coming off the lake that January day but the sky was clear and the sun shone.  My eyes are always drawn to the magnificent mountain backdrop and I’m always enthralled by the subtle changes each month or season brings. The children didn’t seem too worried about the cold wind as they explored the lakes shoreline. Whereas hubby and I snuggled against the wind and just marvelled at the scenery, wishing we had brought a flask of hot tea with us!

I have now lost count of the times we have returned to Harrison, always, always being drawn back to the beautiful scenery. It was where we took puppy for his first ever day out and learned the hard way that puppies and sand are not always a great combination. We’ve had ‘date nights’ there where we watched the sun set behind the mountains after having a gorgeous sushi dinner nearby. We loved watching the Dragon Boat Festival with all of us vowing to join a team and be back next year! Harrison was also where we decided we wanted to end our first ever Canada Day and we were not disappointed.  To see the fireworks lighting up the skyline with the by now, shadowy mysterious mountains as a backdrop was well worth the rush over (we’d already been to Chilliwack Heritage Park and Cultus Lake that day!!!).

I also couldn’t wait to share Harrison with my father on his first trip to the Fraser Valley. He loved it so much he arranged for us to take a boat trip on the lake…. and I thought it was beautiful from the shoreline! Being out on the lake itself was even more breathtaking.  When we hired the boat we’d been told about Rainbow Falls. A vision to behold from the lake but to see it in its full glory you need to take the short walk from the boat launch. Unfortunately for us we were not the only ones looking to experience the falls beauty that day as there was no room on the boat launch for us. But we did get plenty of opportunity to explore the lake, marvel at its sheer size and majesty and I’m ashamed to say we all became a little envious of anyone lucky enough to live on the lakeshore.

As you can tell Harrison has a very special place in our hearts and we will still return time and again as there is still so much we have yet to do.  We still want to try kayaking and windsurfing, the male members of the family talk about parasailing though I’m not so sure and we haven’t even had a soak in the Hot Springs yet.  All this beauty and fun just a stone’s throw away from home, something for everyone, young and the not so young. Harrison is easy to find, take the Trans Canada Highway #1 on the south side of the Fraser River and take the Agassiz - Harrison turn-off just past Chilliwack or take The Lougheed Highway - Highway #7 on the north side of the Fraser River and just past the Hemlock Valley turn off watch the signs for Harrison Hot Springs.

Ted Dreidiger - Pottery

The Chilliwack area is rich with talent when it comes to potters, and a short drive out to Yarrow will take you to the home and studio of one of our finest and perhaps best known. Ted Driediger grew up in this area and has been honing his pottery skills in his studio here for the past 23 years. Inspired by the natural world around him, his love of gardening and his own drawing and painting skills, Ted produces a wide variety of pieces that are both decorative and functional. The rich earth tones of his work can be found in everything from the teapots and mugs, the functional serving dishes and sushi sets to the lovely large vases, plates and bowls. Ted tells us he is inspired also by the knowledge that he can always “do better” and also, perhaps most importantly, by his customers, many of whom have returned time and again over the years to add to their collection.
Unlike some artists who ship their works to other galleries and stores to be sold, Ted has always maintained a personal contact with the people who purchase his pottery. “Meeting with the people, helping them to choose the pieces, and having them take my work into their homes gives me a special sense of fulfillment. For me that completes the creative process.”
Ted has been a regular participant at the Arts Council’s annual Christmas Craft Market and as well holds his own studio show and sale each June and November. The studio, located on Yarrow Central Road just west of the #3 Road intersection is open to the public daily. You might want to call ahead just to be sure he’s there. Ted Driediger 604-823-6961.

The Othello Tunnels

The skies were a little agitated the May morning we set off for the Othello Tunnels, but mercifully stayed calm whilst we headed towards Hope. Being new not only to Chilliwack but also to Canada we were not sure what to expect. Tunnels? And? But disappointed we were not. The scenery on the drive was breathtaking, somewhat ethereal under the greying skies and the directions we were given very easy to follow. We were a little apprehensive as it was one of the first times our new puppy had been out but we needn’t have worried. Dogs on a leash were perfectly acceptable, the parking facilities were good and there were a couple of washrooms close by, albeit the non-flushing kind. A little odd for us former city dwellers.The pathways towards and through the tunnels are a little uneven but people with strollers and wheelchairs seemed to be coping very well with the terrain. Onwards through the tunnels and beyond the path will take you all the way to Hope, for those hardcore hikers. The path meanders away from the thunderous river only to be surrounded by springtime flora and fauna. Majestic trees serve as a cooling canopy or a little shelter from the spring rain. The walk on to Hope was very tempting but for us and a small, very tired puppy the rest of our journey was to be the return to the car and a hot flask of tea. The walk towards the tunnels had us all mesmeriesed. The children were enthralled and intrigued by the many cracks, crevices and fissures in the rocks and us adults amazed at the sheer hard work and dedication that must have gone into the railway. We were in awe of the dangers these workers must have faced daily to ensure the completion of this particular section of the Kettle Valley Railway. As we strolled along the pathways the thunderous sound of the Coquilhalla River was a constant, only quietening when we were in the dark, dripping tunnels themselves. We stopped on the bridges to watch the river cascading over the rocks, eroded and smoothed by time, lingering long enough to make a wish on a penny and toss it into the white water below The pathways towards and through the tunnels are a little uneven but people with strollers and wheelchairs seemed to be coping very well with the terrain. Onwards through the tunnels and beyond the path will take you all the way to Hope, for those hardcore hikers. The path meanders away from the thunderous river only to be surrounded by springtime flora and fauna. Majestic trees serve as a cooling canopy or a little shelter from the spring rain. The walk on to Hope was very tempting but for us and a small, very tired puppy the rest of our journey was to be the return to the car and a hot flask of tea.

Berkeley/Riverside

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Garrison Crossing

Garrison Crossing

Once home to military personnel and their families, Garrison Crossing is a master planned, award-winning community located in south Chilliwack. It combines the best in residential living with local shopping and other amenities.

Trees, natural features, exceptional homes, Garrison Village shopping plaza and the Cheam Leisure Centre make Garrison Crossing one of Canada’s most innovative real estate developments and one of the best residential neighbourhoods to live in BC’s Fraser Valley.

Garrison Crossing offers choice - with an array of new and refurbished single family and duplex homes, townhouses, condominiums and fee simple row-houses - this neighbourhood is truly a community to ‘Live - Work - Shop - Play’.

Looking for houses for sale in Garrison Crossing area of Chilliwack? Click here to find local homes for sale in Garrison Crossing

Schools

Watson Elementary : Kindergarten to Grade 6
Vedder Middle School : Grades 7,8,9
Sardis Senior Secondary : Grade 10-12

Vedder Crossing

• Vedder Rd. corridor
• Affordable multifamily and single detached
• Opportunities for seniors and first-time buyers

A variety of multifamily complexes along the Vedder road corridor, built mostly in the 1990’s provide affordable family living for young families and first time buyers.

Stretching from the Promontory/Watson Rd intersection on the north to the Vedder River bridge on the south, this area struggled somewhat with the closing of CFB Chilliwack in 1997 but is enjoying new vitality and growth with the development of neighbouring Garrison Crossing and the establishment of the Education Park adjacent to this area.

The retail services available to residents here are growing and being rejuvenated and the boutique style commercial corner at Garrison Crossing will make this a vibrant, desirable location in the very near future. The subdivisions of detached homes accessed via Thomas Rd began in the late 70’s and further developed in the late 1990’s with quiet cul-de-sacs which have become a choice neighbourhood for families since the opening of the new GW Graham Middle/Secondary School here.

At the eastern boundary is Halcyon Meadows, a recently developed gated community of over 200 detached retirement style ranchers and current new construction at the southern end of Vedder Crossing is bringing additional condominium housing options to this area as well.

Nature lovers will enjoy the quick access to the trails and fishing along the Vedder/Chilliwack Rivers and commutors can avoid in-town traffic with the Keith Wilson Rd route to the freeway.

Looking for houses for sale in Vedder Crossing? Click here to find local homes for sale in Vedder Crossing

Schools

Vedder Elementary School - grades kindergarten to grade six
GW Graham Middle/Senior School - grade 7-12
Sardis Secondary - grade 10, 11 12

Rosedale

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Rosedale /Popkum

Beautiful panoramic mountain vistas
Country lifestyles with modern conveniences
Good freeway access

At the eastern end of the Upper Fraser Valley sits the village of Rosedale. A long established community, it is comprised of a small town centre and nearby older homes on residential lots, radiating out to small hobby farms, and then larger acreages with commercial farms and agri-businesses. At the far east end we have seen the development of a number of small subdivisions geared primarily to families. The services and shops in Rosedale include a credit union, post office, grocery, restaurants, gas stations and a number of churches. The jewel of the area is the world famous Minter Gardens, just off of Hwy No.7 exit of the Trans Canada Hwy.

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