When it comes to making spontaneous day trip plans from Vancouver, you can’t do much better than S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Park. Situated in the upper Chilliwack River Valley, the provincial park is known for its crystal-clear, valley-bottom lake, which is surrounded by scenic slopes of old-growth. Visitors can enjoy dips in the cold but refreshing water, lounge on its sandy beach, go kayaking or canoeing, or break out the motorboats.

And if you’re up for an adventure, there are 40 km of hiking trails within the park to explore!

For campers, the park has 182 front country and vehicle-accessible campsites to choose from. Those seeking a wilderness camping experience can access the backcountry camps located at Greendrop, Lindeman, Flora, and Radium Lakes.

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chilliwack lake park
Photo via BC Parks

Note that park gates are locked between 11 pm and 7 am daily, and backcountry registration is required for access to all backcountry campgrounds within the park, including Lindeman, Greendrop, Flora, and Radium Lakes.

The park is located 64 km southeast of Chilliwack, accessible via Exit 104 from Highway 1. Here, visitors can follow the signs for Cultus Lake until they reach Cultus Lake Road. Instead of turning, continue onto Vedder Road across the bridge, and turn right onto Chilliwack Lake Road.

S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Park 

Where: Chilliwack, BC

Information on S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Park is from BC Parks and is accurate as of publication date.