David Hancock and Karen Bills of Hancock Wildlife Foundation View Eagles

And while you’re visiting the area, check out the scenery aboard a riverboat tour with Fraser River Safari.  For schedules and tour details visit www.fraserriversafari.com.

Sandpiper Golf Resort's Owner, Betty Anne Faulkner and eagle,Sonsie share a wink

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the team at Xa:ytem Interpretive Centre  during the festival as well.  Drop by to see the live exhibit of the Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl and maybe, if you’re lucky, Meredith the Bald Eagle may be visiting.  Xa:ytem features local native art and gifts in their First Nations gift gallery too.  There are great gift ideas for Christmas.  For directions and hours of operation visit www.xaytem.ca.

Extend your eagle viewing adventure with an overnight stay at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena’s Inn.  This exquisite heritage Manor is the former summer home of the Pretty Family. Filled with favourite family antiques and heirlooms, including a photo wall revealing the faces of the family behind the home, the ambiance is cultured and luxurious.  Enjoy a lavish hot and cold breakfast in the solarium located off the main dining lounge, or stay in one of the four west coast chic cabins – each complete with king-sized bed, soaker jacuzzi tub and river rock fireplace – a perfect retreat to relax with a glass of wine while admiring the view out over the river.  Whether you choose to stay at the Inn or in a cabin, the eagles will soar past gracing you with their majesty.  Visit www.sandpiperresort.ca for package details.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society – OWL – is a dynamic organization comprised of people who care deeply about the safety of birds of prey.  The web site offers information on educational programs and special events, as well as contact information should you site a bird in need.  Please visit www.owlcanada.ca.

All Photos Courtesy of R. Bond, CtoC Productions

Interior cabin at Sandpiper Golf Resort and Rowena's Inn

Now it’s time for you to see it, too.

Finding Chilliwack is as easy as hopping onto that ribbon of highway, the Trans-Canada. At Exit 119, you’ll find your gateway to adventure. Go north on the overpass and you’ll wind your way into our quiet downtown, filled with historic buildings, heritage homes and several arts outlets and sports facilities. You’ll find rivers and parks, shopping and entertainment venues all close at hand.

Go south, and you’ll find the communities of Sardis, Promontory, Yarrow, Cultus Lake and Greendale, each with their own identities, events and attractions.

They are the main source of Chilliwack’s growth, as both a prosperous place to live and a wonderful place to visit.

Each weekend is packed with activity, including arts and community festivals, WHL hockey games, parades, rodeos, dances and various sporting events.

What’s more, the pure beauty of the Fraser Valley has attracted the attention of several film and commercial producers, making Chilliwack the picturesque backdrop of many on-screen stories, including the sci-fi hit, Eureka.

So, what will you do in Chilliwack today? Try visiting a historic site. Catch a stage show or just dip your toes in our many lakes and rivers.

But before you step out, take a few minutes to cruise through your guide – Chilliwack 101 – and find something for whatever your heart desires. For today, and for tomorrow. ;

June 9-10. Explore the farms, gardens, woodland trails and scenic wonders of Ryder Lake. Contact: 604-858-5141

? Rotary Local Garden Tour

June 23. Tickets $20 at Cannor Nursery, Tourism Chilliwack (Visitor Centre), Minter Country Gardens, or from Rotary Club Members. Location: Various gardens in Chilliwack.

? Village Classic Car

June 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Clock Tower Plaza & Central Community Park. Contact: Downtown Chilliwack BIA 604-702-9507.

? Fraser Valley Little Britches Rodeo

June 30 July 1. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park. Contact: David or Leslie Wright at 604-539-8304.

? Lavender Daze at Greenhill Acres

During the whole month of July, visit this family run farm to see the lavender in full bloom. Location: 47090 Greenhill Road

Contact: 604-858-9917

? Canada Day Celebrations

July 1, 2007. A wide range of Canada Day festivities for the whole family. Daytime activities run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Stage show begins at 8 p.m. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park Contact: Ana Macedo at 604-824-9927

Website: www.chilliwackartscouncil.com

? World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions

July 5. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park

? 29th Annual Harrison Festival of the Arts

July 7-15. A celebration of world music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Featuring blues/roots outfit Watermelon Slim & the Workers, Cape Breton’s own Beolach with PEI fiddle sensation Richard Wood, the Jorge Miguel Flamenco Dance Company, and much more from around the world. Location: Harrison Hot Springs. Contact: Harrison Festival Society at 604-796-3664, www.harrisonfestival.com

? Concours Classic Car Show

July 15. Featuring rare & unique automobiles from days gone by, with great brunch and afternoon entertainment in our beautiful Garden setting. Location: Minter Gardens

? A Little Night Music opening night

July 21. Presented by the Chilliwack Academy of Music at 7:30 p.m. Also June 22 (2:30 p.m.), 26, 27 and 28. Tickets: $17, $15 for seniors, students free. Location: GW Graham Theatre. Contact: 604-792-0790

? Back to the Blues Gospel Blues

Festival

July 27, 2007 to July 29 , 2007

This three-day family event showcases 15 international gospel blues bands. There will be concessions and daily children’s activities, as well as a motorcycle Show ‘n’ Shine and bike games Saturday afternoon. Come out and enjoy the music and free corn roast. Fun for the whole family!

Location: Atchelitz Thresherman Village

Contact: Gospel Blues Productions at 604.794.3569 or 604.795.4797

E-mail: gospelbluesproductions@shaw.ca

Website: www.back2blues.com

? Threshing Bee

August 9-12. Atchelitz Thresherman’s Association Antique Machinery Parade and Threshing Bee. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park.

? 135th Chilliwack Exhibition & Fair

Aug. 9-12. The Chilliwack Exhibition consists of daily kids activities, parade, logging and animal shows. A midway and grandstand shows. rodeo, harness racing, tractor pull, lawnmower racing. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park Contact: Chilliwack Exhibition Office at 604-824-8191

Website: www.chilliwackexhibition.com

? 20th Annual Chilliwack Bluegrass Festival

Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. Open Mic, Beginner Jams, Sunday Church Service, Corn Shukin Contests, Free Workshops, Children`s Activities and a Free Corn Roast every night. Please no alcohol or pets. Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park. Contact: Chilliwack Arts Council Office at 604-792-2069

? Castles & Crafts Craft Market

September 15, 2007 to September 16 , 2007 A high quality market with the finest artisans in BC. Held during the World Sandsculpture event. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Location: Harrison Memorial Hall Contact: Harrison Festival Society at 604-796-3994 Website: www.harrisonfestival.com

? The 27th Annual Terry Fox Run

Sept 16, Cheam Centre. Please join us for this year’s Terry Fox Run and help to keep Terry’s dream of finding a cure for Cancer alive. Everyone is welcome to participate in this non-competitive single day fundraiser for Cancer research. Walk, run, wheelchair or bike in support of Terry Fox’s legendary ‘Marathon of Hope’. This Chilliwack run will start at 9 am with registration starting at 7:30am. The run includes 1km, 5.5km, and 10km route options. No registration fee, however donations are graciously accepted. For more run locations around the province visit www.terryfoxrun.org.

? Chilliwack High School Rodeo

Sep 21-23, 2007 Location: Chilliwack Heritage Park Rodeo Arena Contact: Len Blackstock at 604-819-7011

? The Vancouver TheatreSports League

Sept. 22, 8 p.m. One of our most consistently popular events. The professional improv artists from Vancouver are back in town once again to tickle your funnybone. Location: UCFV Theatre on campus. Contact: 604-795-2814

Here, at this unique intersection, our landmark clock tower and its surrounding courtyard serve as a focal point for the community. If you wait long enough, sooner or later

So, you’ve found yourself in Chilliwack – the land of lakes, rivers, parks and farm tours. Before heading out to explore our vast expanses of Mother Nature’s jewels, be sure to stop by the Chilliwack Visitor Information Centre. The friendly staff there are the ambassadors of our city, and can provide suggestions for dining, recreation and accommodations. It’s also the best local source for maps of Chilliwack and the surrounding area.

The office is located just off the Trans-Canada Highway, at 44150 Luckakuck Way, in front of Chilliwack Heritage Park.

They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the year. From July 1 to Labour Day, they are also open weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

They can be reached at 604-858-8121 or toll free at 1-800-567-9535. ;

? Water, Water, Everywhere

When Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre announced its plans for a water park five years ago, you could almost hear a collective sigh of summer relief.

Now, that sound is replaced by the splashing and squealing of happy children, and the young at heart, every day at the popular spray park. It’s free and user friendly, with plenty of parking, an ice cream store on site, picnic tables and shady areas. The park is open from mid-May until Labour Day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

? Flights of Fancy

Chilliwack boasts one of North America’s only free flight shows. And what a show it is! Flight Fest features wing walkers, pyro-enhanced night shows, interactive areas, pancake breakfast and the annual hangar dance, there is something for everyone.

The air show flies July 22, with the hangar dance and night show on July 21.

? Musical wonders

Every Wednesday throughout the summer, kids, parents and music lovers converge on the grassy fields outside the Chilliwack Library for the Music and More in Salish Park concert series. The noon show is catered towards families, with performers and activities geared for little ones. In the evening, the park is alive with the sounds of jazz, blues and rock. Watch for the Teddy Bear Picnic, too. >>>

Curl up with a book

Chilliwack is part of the Fraser Valley Regional Library network, with borrowing and returning privileges that stretch from Boston Bar to White Rock and almost everywhere in between. The local library hosts special speakers and information sessions throughout the year, and provides free internet access for community members.

Hot Rod City

Chilliwack may be small, but we like our engines to shine. Several bike and car shows sparkle up the city streets and parking lots throughout the summer. But none compare to the downtown Vintage Car Show. Downtown is open to vintage cars and pedestrians only for this June 24 event, taking place near the Five Corners Clock and at Central Community Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ticker Tape Time

When we’re not showing off our cars, we’re driving them – slowly. Chilliwack enjoys two parades each year, The Celebrate the Arts Parade in May, and the Christmas Parade of Lights in December. Both are a spectacle to behold and illuminate our fair city with community spirit. Call or visit the Chilliwack Downtown BIA for more information.

A Day in History

Piper Richardson welcomes visitors to the Chilliwack Museum. Standing in perpetuity on the front lawn, the bronze statue is a testament to a Canada’s war history, and sacrifices made by our soldiers. Inside the museum, a large display takes viewers through a timeline of Chilliwack’s history, beginning with the Sto:lo people. Upstairs, take in specially-presented exhibits carefully selected by museum staff.

Ticket to Ride

Or, take the day to enjoy a round of golf, kiddie-style. Both Giggle Ridge in Cultus Lake and Tug Boat Junction in Harrison Hot Springs offer family entertainment that even dad will enjoy. You could even cool off along the way at the Trans Canada Waterslides or Cultus Lake Water Park.

A ton of fun

So, they may not be real dinosaurs bones, but the statues at Dinotown in Bridal Falls are delightful anyway. Kids will enjoy the cartoon-like atmosphere and water park, while parents and grandparents will enjoy the shaded picnic area, and safe surroundings. Enjoy daily stage shows and paddle boat rides around a man-made river. Just keep an eye out for T-Rex!

Long running traditions

Every summer, Chilliwack celebrates all things agriculture, with our annual Chilliwack Exhibition at Heritage Park. From rodeo shows, 4-H competitions, machinery parades, logging shows, crafting, flower and produce judging to on-stage entertainment, carnival rides and a petting zoo, it’s easy to get a feel for country life.

The four-day exhibition runs every year in August, starting the Thursday after the long weekend. ;

Here, at this unique intersection, our landmark clock tower and its surrounding courtyard serve as a focal point for the community. If you wait long enough, sooner or later

While no single part of Chilliwack defines another, they do illustrate the many different reasons for living, working and playing here.

Straddling the Trans-Canada Highway, Chilliwack is only an hour’s drive from the oceanside and Vancouver, at the doorway to the mighty Fraser Canyon, and only 20 minutes to the Sumas, Washington border crossing. Whether you’ve come to reach the highest mountaintops, feel the pristine waters, or simply revel in a community which celebrates its history while embracing the future, Chilliwack is within arm’s reach of anyone’s wildest dreams.

So have fun. And explore with us, as we discover Chilliwack and all its many wonders. From festivals, special events and sports, to shops, restaurants and entertainment, you can find something for every season, year after year in our fair city.;

The recent addition of many new attractions has made Chilliwack a place for visitors and residents alike to rediscover.

It began a few years back with the long-awaited Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre. Boasting an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool, a lazy river, a waterslide, spraying water, a toddler wading pool, and beach-style pool entry, the new centre has become a mecca for swimmers of all ages.

The centre also houses a large gymnasium, weight room, fitness areas and a wellness centre.

Outside the centre, there is free access to the summertime water park, a large skate park, a new playground, roller hockey rink and basketball and volleyball courts.

Just next door is Chilliwack’s newest baby, the Prospera Centre. Home to the Western Hockey League’s Chilliwack Bruins, Prospera has opened new doors for hockey players and skaters alike.

With seating for more than 4,000 cheering hockey fans at the primary rink, Prospera Centre has only fueled an intense love locals share for the game.

A secondary rink with bleacher seats and a concession stand allows for public skating and increased ice time.

But it’s not just hockey that calls the Prospera Centre home. In November the centre will also play host to some of the best curlers in the world as the Continental Cup makes its debut in Chilliwack.

Over in Sardis, Twin Rinks offers another two sheets of ice, along with public skating, drop in hockey for all ages and skate shop.

Chilliwack Heritage Park, just off Highway One (at the Lickman Road Overpass) on Luckakuck Way is the venue of choice for a number of major, business, cultural, and entertainment events each year. Each year in early August, it hosts the Chilliwack Exhibition, one of the oldest fairs in the province. Heritage Park is also the site of specialty demonstrations, horse shows, home and garden displays, rodeo championships and automobile events.

Next to this impressive Park is the Atchelitz Threshermen’s Association Museum.

And that’s not the only tip of the hat to the past. Downtown, the Chilliwack Museum offers an inspired look at what made the city and surrounding area what it is today.

Looking for a little outdoor fun? They don’t call Chilliwack the gateway to the great outdoors for nothing. To the south lies Cultus Lake, resplendent with hiking trails, beaches and water sports.

To the east, Chilliwack Lake Road winds through some of the most spectacular scenery to Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

To the north, Harrison Lake beckons. And further east likes the rugged Cascade Mountains.

But the biggest, and always most welcome, addition to Chilliwack has been the people. Visitors to our city don’t just return to take in more sights, they are often returning to start new businesses, raise their families, and enjoy all this growing community has to offer. ;

The event – now in its remarkable 134th year – features a host of events and competitions such as livestock shows, crafts, floral, hobbies, and 4-H shows.

And when the sun starts to go down, the rodeo takes over the infield, followed by chuckwagon races and the night’s entertainment.

This year the Arrival ABBA Tribute takes to the stage following the races.

The fair, hosted by the local agricultural society, has grown since its early beginnings in 1872. It is now is one of the largest community agricultural events in the Lower Mainland. Last year more than 44,000 people attended.

With the involvement of the Atchelitz Thresherman’s Association and its Antique Machinery Parade, the whole 60-acre Heritage Park site was in used to provide a great weekend of entertainment.

There’s also lots to do for the kids.

Hands-on activities include crafts, plus there’s stage entertainment and demonstrations featuring goat milking, shoeing horses and sheep sheering.

This is a free interactive area for the kids. From 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. each day (6 p.m. on Sunday).

In a salute to Chilliwack’s forestry industry, there is also a logging show twice daily and three times on Saturday. The show is on the thresherman’s site by the old sawmill demonstration.

Thursday Night

Opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. followed by a showcase of Harness Racing featuring horses and riders from Fraser Downs.

Arrival ABBA Tribute takes to the stage following the races.

Friday

Rodeo on Friday night at 5:30 p.m.

Grandstand concert at 9 p.m.

Saturday

Barrel Racing

9 a.m.

Antique Tractor Pull 1 p.m.

Rodeo begins at 5:30 p.m.

Grandstand concert at 9 p.m.

Sunday

Antique Tractor Pull 9 a.m.

Rodeo at 1:30 p.m.

Fraser Valley Lawn Mower Racing Association at 4 p.m.

For more information, call (604) 824 8191.;