Western Toad Migration at Ryder Lake, Chilliwack

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Western Toad Migration at Ryder Lake, Chilliwack

There is an amazing display of nature that happens at Ryder Lake at the start to each summer. 

Toads migrate from the forest area into the wetlands, but with a busy roadway in the middle of their path. The road has proven to detrimental to the toad population in it's obstacle. The Western Toad Migration that occurs in this area has been shared around the world.  Including a video that was done locally (see below) by our own Chilliwack biologist: Dr. Carin Bondar. 

Since the video was recorded, new measures have been put in place, including fencing to divert the toads towards a crossing that goes underneath the road.

It's quite something to see all of these 'baby' toads crossing the street to get to the other side. It's a great way to help see the little things going on around our neighbourhood and how taking a small detour in your day, can make a big deal.

Check out more about the conservancy effort here:
http://fraservalleyconservancy.ca/ryder-lake-amphibian-protection/ 

Party in the Park 2018 - Around Chilliwack

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Party in the Park 2018 - Around Chilliwack

Brought to you by the Downtown Chilliwack BIA and Trevor McDonald. 
It's going to be a great summer. Every Friday night in July, come on down to Community Park in Chilliwack to hear local talent, visit the pop up shops and local businesses, plus the food vendors, busking and street patios!

FOR MORE INFO: http://downtownchilliwack.com/party-in-the-park 

Flight Over Chilliwack

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We recently took a scenic tour flight with Principal Air based out of Abbotsford (they used to be set-up in Chilliwack, but still fly out here a lot) and we had a great time checking out Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs and the Harrison River.

It wasn't the nicest of days, but if we've learned anything about living in the Fraser Valley, if you always wait for a sunny day to do something, you'll always be waiting.

Flying over the valley this time of year is incredibly green and blue. Looking out over the coastal mountains, the sprawling farm lands and residential areas, you see just how beautiful our area of the world is. 

If you ever get the chance, go for a scenic tour of our area and see for yourself what a cool perspective it is. You won't regret it!

Popkum Community Trail - What To Do In Chilliwack

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A bit of a hidden gem, Popkum Community Trail located at 53335 Yale Road (map below) is just outside of Rosedale and quickly accessible from the highway.

Established in 2015, with help from provincial funding, Popkum Community Trail is maintained by the Fraser Valley Regional District and boasts a short hike through some marshland, up a well groomed and staired hill and stretches out at the end to a view of Cheam Wetlands. 

We contacted the FVRD to find out more about the trail and they were happy to provide us with further information below, plus for people with dogs; dogs are allowed but on-leash only.

This trail is great for all ages, with a well groomed boardwalk for walkers of any age and a small hill for climbers with younger knees, everyone in every generation can enjoy this trail. The boardwalk goes on for quite a while and has it's own great views, while the hill upwards leads to a small decline and viewing platform of the Cheam Wetlands. 

It's a great way to spend an hour and explore our beautiful corner of the world. Enjoy, Chilliwack!

 

Chilliwack Museum Mountaineers Exhibit 2018

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Chilliwack Museum Mountaineers Exhibit 2018

Mountaineers: Community Experience in Chilliwack’s Mountains focuses on 20th century accounts and uses of the local mountains by community groups in Chilliwack. An array of photographs, journals and physical ephemera will be on display.

Check out the Facebook Event here and reply:
https://www.facebook.com/events/167621643917908/

For more about the Chilliwack Museum & Archives:
http://www.chilliwackmuseum.ca

Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu - What To Do in Chilliwack

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Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu - What To Do in Chilliwack

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Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu is a martial arts dojo in Chilliwack that is run by Steve Hiscoe.

Steve has a love for Jiu-Jitsu that stemmed from the moment he first joined a dojo back in Ottawa when he was a kid. Not only is Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu a long standing dojo in Chilliwack, but it's also a generational passion of the Hiscoe family. 

With Steve running the dojo in Chilliwack, his father runs a dojo back in Steve's hometown of Ottawa and with Steve's sons taking part in regular classes, it's just a matter of time before the next generation takes over.

Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu are self-protection experts specializing in teaching people of all ages how to defend themselves. 

They have classes for the following ages:
Ready Set Kiai (3-4 year olds) 
Raw HEET (5-6 year olds)
Pure HEET (7-9 year olds)
Extreme HEET (10-13 year olds)

Teen and Adult Jiu-Jitsu
As well as low impact classes. 

Steve Hiscoe was on an episode of our podcast during season 2. You can listen to that here.

You can find them online at:
www.facebook.com/hiscoejiujitsu/

AND

www.hiscoejiujitsu.com

Gwynne Vaughan Park

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Gwynne Vaughan Park

Located in the quaint neighbourhood of Fairfield Island, is a gorgeous park with strolling trails through 6.8 acres of gardens and lawns, a field, an 1896 heritage house and 30 community gardens. 

Find out more about the community garden plots here.

It's a great place to grab a picnic lunch, sit in the shade, let your kids run free or read a good book. There's even a few geocaches hidden in the area... if you're into GeoCaching. 

Every year, Gwynne Vaughan Park hosts a plant sale with all kind of plants, art and outdoor crafts. This year it's happening on June 2, 2018 from 9am - 3pm. It's a great way to connect with the community, buy local products and get a great start on your summer garden.

The Park is managed by the Gwynne Vaughan Park Society and is owned by the City of Chilliwack.

You can find out more about the park here and there's a map below to help you find it. 

 

Erik J. Matthews: Singer/Songwriter

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ERIK J Matthews Chilliwack Singer Songwriter

Erik J. Matthews: Singer/Songwriter

Performer, guitar/bass instructor, session work, song writing. 

www.erikjmatthews.com

Erik J. Matthews performs around the Fraser Valley for public and private events. Perhaps you caught a show at Party in the Park or Canada Day festivities, stopped by a local restaurant and enjoyed his guitar and duets over a meal, or even saw him perform in a local pumpkin patch. He seeks out new opportunities to share his song writing with those who enjoy hearing a lyric and listening to a melody. 

He can be found frequently hosting open jams around Chilliwack. Come to the Triple Play Pub every other Thursday, where each show is unique. The backing band, “The Endless Wire,” is always a new combination of seasoned players, giving jammers of different genres a chance to showcase their talents and giving the audience a wider range of styles to enjoy. (Check erikjmatthewsmusician on Facebook for upcoming public performances.)

Erik J Matthews Chilliwack Singer Songwriter

Erik J Matthews Chilliwack Singer Songwriter

Chilliwack Independent Film Festival - 2018

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The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) is coming back after a successful inaugural festival in 2017.

Check them out online: https://ciff.ca

And on Facebook here.

They are still accepting films through their submission process and are really hoping to have a bigger panel of locally made film content and First Nations content. 

The founder behind CIFF is Taras, a bright younger happy addition to the community of Chilliwack. He'll even be submitting his own film in the upcoming festival and we look forward to seeing what he puts together. 

Be on the lookout for more news about CIFF 2018 but make sure you block November 23-25 on your calendars. 

From the website: 
"The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival is a two day event with screenings and Q & As designed to provide opportunities for both local and international filmmakers to showcase their work and build contacts for future collaborations.

With events and mixers as well as over ten awards across different categories, we hope to to build ties between emerging and established professionals. We want to provide an arena for filmmakers to screen their films in public and experience some incredible cinema from across the world.

We accept Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Music Videos and Animation from emerging artists and students to establish professionals. The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival (CIFF) is committed to the celebration of independent film and bringing it to wider audiences.

We encourage films from across Canada and the globe to enter and attend. We also have special focus on local BC filmmakers with specific categories. If you have a powerful story with a distinct voice, we want to watch it.

The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival runs every year in November at the Cottonwood Cinema in Chilliwack."

Walden Park Disc Golf Course

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A great way to spend a summer evening is heading out to the disc golf course off First Ave in east Chilliwack, in Walden Park.  

City Website

A challenging 9 hole course, located in a gorgeous, tucked away corner of town. Play solo, or challenge some friends to 9 holes of competition. The course has various obstacles including trees, ponds and tall grass. 

In the late spring, be sure to bring some mosquito repellant!

Buy Frisbee Golf Discs just down the road at Cheam Source for Sports:

Cheap Source for Spots WEBSITE

and their Facebook Page

 

 

Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Experience

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If you've never had the opportunity to go fishing on the Fraser River, you are missing out on a lifetime experience. Chilliwack has plenty of fishing guides, but few have the same family based business and hospitality that Rod and Danena Toth offer.

Visit Bent Rods Here
https://www.bentrods.ca

Aside from Sturgeon fishing, Rod guides throughout the salmon and steelhead seasons, plus offers a wide variety of fishing rods and tackle. Best known for his custom tied jigs; just ask Rod about his twitching jigs when it comes time for Pink of Coho Salmon season.

Below you can see a brief example of spring fishing for Sturgeon:

Book a Trip - http://www.bentrods.ca/sturgeon-trips/ Another great sturgeon trip by Rod Toth of Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co. Book a trip and get out on the water now!