Since 2006, Tulips of the Valley (formerly The Tulip Festival, in Agassiz) has been a hugely popular attraction, drawing thousands of families and individuals to Chilliwack each year for the rare experience of walking among millions of the gorgeous namesake bulbs.
And now, the creators of Tulips of the Valley present the debut edition of a new annual tradition: the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival.
Beginning August 22, stroll and frolic through five-plus acres of more than a dozen varieties of peak-season sunflowers — from two-foot Dwarf Sunspots to 12-foot Mammoth Grey Stripes, in varying shades of yellow, orange, and red. Pick your own Sunrich Orange sunflowers to take home, as well as cut sunflowers and field flowers, sunflower-inspired gifts, and on-site-grown tulip and daffodil bulbs.
The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival provides countless opportunities to take perfect keepsake photos and videos. Throughout the grounds, find swing sets, an operational windmill, a vintage bicycle, and several other perfect photo ops and selfie spots. Plus, weekends include the added attraction of the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser train, which offers by-donation rides through the fields.
Guests will also love the many outdoor lawn games taking place including Yardzee, bolaball, “giant” Jenga, tic-tac-toe, checkers, and more.
Afterward, retreat from the late-summer sun and enjoy cold drinks and ice cream in a special covered area. Local food trucks will be on site each weekend.
On-leash pets are welcome; a drinking area and complimentary pick-up bags will be available.
“Tulips of the Valley has offered hundreds of thousands of visitors a unique, family-friendly experience over the past 12 years,” says festival co-founder Kate Onos-Gilbert. “My family and I look forward to creating a new tradition with the Chilliwack Sunflower Festival. This is one of the best opportunities in the region to get up-close to nature and truly unwind for a while, whether with a group or on your own.”
The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival runs every day from August 22 through September 16: Monday – Thursday from 10am to sunset, and Friday – Sunday from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Location is 41310 Yale Road. Ticket and season-pass prices vary for individuals, families and bus groups — dependent on dates and times; children 5 and under are admitted free. Visit chilliwacksunflowerfest.com for directions, complete ticket pricing, and more information.