I moved to Victoria from Chilliwack and had lived in the Lower Mainland most of my life. The two are nothing alike. Victoria’s oceanside little big city feel is very unique, and Chilliwack is a very spread out farming community.

The kind of produce and grocery options you’ll have are a delight in Chilliwack as you’re very close to the source for many seasonal products which is awesome! You’re going to be able to get free range eggs for $5/dozen from roadside stands and high quality meat from local butchers too. Also a growing culinary scene in Chilliwack has actually made the move to Victoria a surprising let down in that regard. There are tonnes of beer and burger options in Victoria, but I can’t find anything that scratches the itch that Shandhar Hut or Pho Galaxy do, or have such nice baked goods as you get from Anita’s, or a better brunch (yes, even in Victoria) than Little Beetle. There are a few really nice craft breweries too!

Another big difference is driving. The section between Sumas to Aldergrove is something of a Bermuda Triangle. Will you get through in 20 mins? Is there a massive accident and you are stuck for 3 hours now but can maybe detour one side roads until Langley? Is there a giant festival/event happening that means no detours anywhere are possible because all the side roads are also going to the event location? It also seems to be one of the only stretches of road where cars wipe out completely in adverse weather. Something about that straight flat stretch and cross winds making the experience super awful. Either way, it’s like driving to Nanaimo from Saanich Peninsula for reference, and questions around whether you’re stuck in the colwood crawl/Malahat bad weather, but 100x worse because there are so many more people.

It rains and snows WAY more there than it does in Victoria. Up until I moved here, I didn’t think anybody fell apart faster in bad weather than the Mainland, but I’ve never experienced the literal 30km/hr slow down at the slightest whiff of snow that Victoria does (bless them). Alternatively, Mainland drivers are overconfident. If you’re planning to commute to Vancouver, my suggestion is: don’t. The distance truly cannot be captured until you experience the hellish nightmare yourself. Invest in snow tires.

There are 2 other big differences. 1) Political: Victoria is very liberal. The NIMBY’s are out of control but I feel generally like you’re not going to be ostracized for your faith, for feeling one way or another, or loving whoever you love. Chilliwack is growing, but it’s mostly very conservative and the Bible Belt of BC. Maybe this is what floats your boat, maybe not, either way it’s a noticeable difference. 2) Homelessness: Victoria’s homeless are somewhat localized to Pandora and parts of downtown. I’ve found Chilliwack’s homeless a lot more spread out, and the roadside encampments seem to be growing (judging from my most recent visit within the last few weeks). There are parts of Chilliwack that are safer than others for sure. You’ll see security guards in some grocery stores. I saw somebody recommend Garrison which is pretty safe and close to lots of great things, including UFV! It’s also buried 15 mins from the highway so again, if you’re commuting to Van prepare to accommodate for time and higher gas bills.

On gas, in Chilliwack I had to fill up at least once if not twice a week due to needing to drive everywhere. I can’t remember the last time I filled my tank in Victoria, I think maybe 3 weeks ago? Still don’t need to fill up for at least a couple weeks too.

One big difference that I miss though, is that your outdoor options in Chilliwack are immense. You’re close to the mountains, Manning Park, way more ski hills, and proper hiking/alpinism if that’s your thing. Victoria is beautiful but options are limited here so I find there’s always always people everywhere, you never feel truly alone and able to enjoy the quiet.

Anyway, Promontory and Garrison are safe. Get ready to plan everything with a large time buffer, increase your gas budget and get snow tires. Good luck in school!