Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park is a provincial park and nature reserve in the Fraser Valley that encompasses mountainous terrain with multiple lakes, coniferous forests, and connected hiking trails at varying elevations. The landscape includes rocky shorelines, alpine meadows, and dense woodland areas where these different environments meet.

This place was long an important meeting point for nine Indigenous settlements connected by an ancient path along the Chilliwack River. In 1855, the Hudson's Bay Company built a formal trail that followed this existing network.

Locals and visitors call this place by two names: Sx̱ótsaqel, a Halkomelem word meaning sacred lake, reflects the deep connection that the Ts'elxwéyeqw people have always had with these waters. The landscape itself tells this story, with the waterside remaining a meaningful gathering space for those who know the area.

The park provides trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, multiple camping areas, and lake access for swimming and boating. When planning a visit, remember that higher elevations and more remote sections require good fitness and navigation skills.

Flora Lake lies deep within the park and can only be reached by a difficult trail that discourages casual visitors. The remote location and demanding route mean that those who arrive find a quiet place with few people around.