Maple Key Cottage: Chilliwack and Cultus Lake

31 August 2011

Chilliwack and Cultus Lake

On our way home, the final destination place (meaning places we wanted to tour and not just stop at on our drive) was Chilliwack, BC. Beautiful! I love how close it is to Seattle.

It's a pretty quiet here, but with Vancouver and Seattle being close by, they don't really need much in the way of amenities. I think farming was and probably still is what this bit of B.C. paradise is all about.

It's somewhat surrounded by mountains. I say somewhat, because they are on three sides, with the fourth side being open. That's the way to the ocean, Seattle and all that lies there. I like it very much for this reason. It suits hubby and I, since he's from BC and used to being surrounded by mountains. I'm an Ontario girl and used to some rolling hills, but mainly open spaces. The mountains get too claustrophobic for me. Chilliwack is the perfect balance.

We camped just outside and up the mountain from Chilliwack in a place called Cultus Lake. This was a mistake. While it's very pretty, the campground is overcrowded. The trailers and tents are within arm's reach of each other. The trees are tall and offer no privacy. Nothing like getting away from it all just to have your neighbours closer to you here than they are at home!

I will say this though, the lake up there is beautiful! Just don't camp unless you don't mind having people watch you build and enjoy your fire, as well as make note of what time you get up in the morning, go to bed at night, and how often you use the camp facilities. Most unpleasant camping experience to date.