The Chilliwack River flows through the Cascade mountain region of British Columbia, approximately 90 minutes east of Vancouver. The river is characterized as a constantly changing environment ranging from Class II to Class IV+ whitewater, making it a technically demanding run that rewards paddlers with experience across a range of difficulty levels.

Access to the river is straightforward. From Highway 1, take exit 119 in Chilliwack and head south on Vedder Road. Just before the bridge over the river at Vedder Crossing, turn left onto Chilliwack Lake Road. This road provides access to multiple put-in and take-out points along the river corridor.

Two well-documented runs are commonly paddled. The Slesse Creek to Tamihi stretch is a fairly continuous run with occasional slower sections. At lower water levels, rapids present as gradient drops with a mix of boulders, waves, and holes; as levels rise, the character shifts toward a bigger-water feel. The recommended gauge range for this section is 1.0 to 1.7 metres. The Sleese to Tamahi Rapids run is considered a solid year-round Grade III route, finishing with the Tamihi slalom course, which reaches Grade IV at certain levels but can be portaged. The Chilliwack Canyon run is a Class IV stretch approximately 14 kilometres in length and is suited to more experienced paddlers.

The river is runnable year-round, though water levels significantly affect the character of the rapids. Paddlers new to Class III should have prior experience before attempting the longer Slesse to Tamihi run, as the river is busy and can be shallow at lower flows.

Commercial operations on the river offer guided rafting and inflatable kayak trips, with a 5-acre private riverside facility on Chilliwack Lake Road that includes camping, hot showers, and a sauna. These amenities are available to those booking guided trips. The surrounding scenery includes Cascade mountain terrain and associated wildlife, consistent with the broader Fraser Valley and Cascade foothills environment.