Ryder Lake Ramble 2019

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The Ryder Lake Ramble is an eclectic event that brings a community together and invites all to enjoy the unique combination of the wild woods, scenic views and farm life that make up Ryder Lake.

On Jun 15 - Jun 16, this two day, self-guided annual tour allows visitors to meander amongst the farms and gardens of the Ryder Lake community. This years highlights include alpacas, turtles, llamas, goats, horses, frogs, miniature donkeys, sheep and chickens! Several demonstrations will be held at various venues, including llama fibre being spun into yarn, lathe demonstrations, quilting and a sawmill.

You are invited to bring a picnic along to enjoy along your meanderings, and be sure to look for local sales on site which include refreshments, crafts, pottery, jams and jellies, plants, beeswax products, soaps, honey and lavender.

This year tickets will be available on the way up Elk View Rd NOT at the Ryder Lake Hall.
Tickets ($5 per person or $20 for a car-load) will be on sale at 47846 Elk View Road (1 km up the hill by the waterfall as you drive up into Ryder Lake). Note to regular Ramble visitors - there will be no food or activities at the hall this year.

With panoramic views, incredible landscapes, a taste of local artists and local handmade goods, beautiful trails, a goat herd, the toad tunnel and picturesque meadows, this event holds the promise of a day well spent.

Ramble hours are:
10-5 on Saturday, June 15th
and 12-5 on Sunday, June 16th.
Visit the Ryder Lake Ramble for more details on the various venues and for an interactive map.

Learn more about Ryder Lake here: https://ryderlakecommunity.wordpress.com


Sto:lo Tourism in Chilliwack

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Sto:lo First Nations is always enthusiastic to share their traditions, cultural values, history and stories with the community, with their fairly recently updated Interpretive Centre, the Coqualeetza Educational Longhouse and their Gift Shop, we highly recommend going to check it out.

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“The Coqualeetza Educational Longhouse serves as a sanctuary for Stó:lō traditions, knowledge, and ceremonies” -stolotoursim.com

We had the opportunity to tag along on a recent school field trip to enjoy their well-done educational program. Presenters shared stories about their uncles, grandfathers or grandmothers which had the children thoroughly engaged - stories about fishing, making canoes and making nets. Artifacts on display were explained, with the children given a chance to handle some of them. The children also got to participate in a drum circle and learn songs while each playing a drum, enjoy bannock, as well as participate in making bracelets out of cedar.

Though we got to enjoy this unique experience with elementary classrooms, Sto:lo also offers an invitation to the general public to participate in their Guided Cultural Grounds Tours, which is available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 1-2:30 p.m. Sto:lo tourism advises to call ahead, even if it is just the morning of, to ensure staff is available for a guided tour. Tours meet in front of 7201 Vedder Rd, Building #10, Chilliwack, B.C. - follow the Gift Shop signs).

Visit their website for more details and for contact information.

 

Peach Creek Rotary Trail - Where to Walk in Chilliwack

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The Peach Creek Rotary Trail offers a peaceful walk along a salmon spawning channel and hosts several viewing benches available to enjoy the view of birds over the marsh, hear the creek babble, spot swimming fish and find evidence of working beavers.

Easily accessible from the Lickman Vedder Parking Lot and approximately 1.7 km long, the level-walking trail is well maintained for all to enjoy.  It connects to the Vedder Rotary Trail at two points to create walking loop, and also connects to the Vedder North Dyke Trail at several other few points.

Peach Creek and the surrounding area is a popular stop for a wide variety of people.  Local schools who participate in a salmonid learning program often visit the creek as it offers several marked areas along the creek where students can easily release their salmon, and with the Vedder River so close and easily accessible, it is the perfect stop for a Sunday riverside family picnic.

Click here to view a trail map of the surrounding area.

Washrooms available at the parking lot and along the Vedder Rotary Trail.  Visit the City of Chilliwack’s website for more information.

 

The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve in Winter

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With an expansive collection of well-maintained trails, many of them graveled and smooth, the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve offers an easy place to still enjoy the outdoors, even in inclement weather.  We spent a rainy afternoon exploring the Vedder Rotary Trail East Loop, and managed to still come home with our toes dry! 

To take the East Loop trail, follow the Centre Trail to the end and take a left. This new trail takes you through the woods, past our “forest friends” (see photos), under the train tracks and along the Vedder River.  There is a small, woodland trail that runs along the Vedder Rotary Trail at some point, but for the sake of dry feet, we stayed on the Rotary Trail.  To get back to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve  (GBHNR) you can cut through the parking lot and take the North Dyke Trail back, or turn around and head back along the same route.  This loop is about 3.6 km and took us about an hour to complete.

Explore the nature reserve through their map online or download it before you head out on the trail!

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The GBHNR has an Interpretive Centre, gift shop and washroom run by volunteers. There are also outhouses available along the Rotary Trail, in case you’ve missed the hours they are open. The GBHNR also runs education programs, tours and has no admission fees.

Though home to over 95 nests, the Great Blue Herons don’t nest until the end of February/early March (GBHNR, 2015).

With a lookout tower and various blinds, the nature reserve a great place to see herons, ducks, birds, frogs and other wildlife, as well as a popular place for photographers and for family photos!  The GBHNR Society also runs some fantastic educational programs that we have experienced first-hand.  

Be sure to visit their website to view their hours, programs, trail maps and blue heron info.

 

Cheam Lake Wetlands - What To Do in Chilliwack

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Cheam Lake Wetlands - What To Do in Chilliwack

Cheam Lake Wetlands has three walking trails that wander throughout the different sections of this preserved wetlands to showcase its natural beauty, while ensuring a safe habitat for its forest, marsh and lake dwellers.  Each trail is easily accessible and has minimal incline, making it a leisurely walk for the entire family. 

To the left of the parking lot, the Loop Trail, currently full of autumn colours and featured in our photos, takes you along the lake and through the marshy areas where well-maintained bridges keep your feet dry and provide you with a view across the marsh which is set against our beautiful mountains.  At a brisk pace, this walk took us about thirty minutes, which could amount to an hour for the little legs of curious children.

Two other trails are available near the portable washrooms and Cheam Lake Wetlands sign.  Taking the trail straight will lead you over floating bridges to a viewing platform of the lake, while forking to trail on the right will take you through the forest and along the creek, making it aptly named the Creek Trail.

Located east of Chilliwack, in the Popkum area (location showed in the map below), Cheam Lake Wetlands is quoted to be “popular for walking, picnicking and bird watching and is home to many insect, mammal and bird species” on the FVRD website, and is part of the British Columbia Wildlife Watch.  You can see the common and uncommon bird sightings and various wildlife by following this link to the BC Environments website.

Please note that as a restored habitat, no boats are allowed on the water of Cheam Lake Wetlands nor are any dogs permitted on site, on or off leash.