Fraser Valley's beloved Chilliwack Sunflower Experience returns this August

COVID-19 disclaimer: As recommended by BC’s provincial health officer, if you choose to take part in recreational activities in public spaces, please adhere to coronavirus health safety measures, including proper physical distancing, wearing a mask, and remaining at home if you show symptoms of cold or flu.

One of the Lower Mainland’s most prominent flower festivals is making a return this August.

The Chilliwack Sunflower Festival announced on Wednesday that it would be returning to the Fraser Valley on August 12 for its third consecutive year.

Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

The popular event is run by the same organizers who host the Chilliwack Tulip Festival and will take place at the same location – 41310 Yale Road. This year’s celebration, however, will look a little different compared to previous years, according to festival organizers.

“In order to ensure everyone’s health and safety, the usual components of the festival have been reimagined,” reads a statement from the organizers.

Emily Fast Photography/Chilliwack Sunflower Festival

The massive festival is being reintroduced as the Chilliwack Sunflower Experience, with strict social-distancing guidelines and “plenty of safe, family-friendly ways to see the sunflowers.”

From mid-August to Labour Day, visitors can roam through more than three kilometres of flowers and pathways. Patrons can still expect 25 different kinds of sunflowers, as well as 50 varieties of dahlias.

(Chilliwack Sunflower Festival)

A number of health and safety measures are being implemented, such as limiting the fields’ capacity to 25%, expanding the pathways to being three to five metres wide, and placing hand-sanitizing stations and safety notices around the fields.

Organizers add that staff will be sanitizing high-touch areas throughout the day and tickets will only be sold online in one-hour time slots.

Photo-op props will be limited and to limit the amount of contact, there will be no playground, picnic tables, or lawn games available this year.

In addition to navigating through the stunning fields, visitors will be able to purchase freshly cut flowers and Chilliwack corn. Frozen treats and to-go meals can be found from food trucks in the parking lot as well.

Tickets for the Chilliwack Sunflower Experience are on sale now. 

The experience will operate from 7 am to 6 pm from Thursday to Monday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. Weekday tickets will cost $15 for general admission and $6 for children when purchased in advance; weekend tickets will cost $20 and $8, respectively.

Chilliwack Sunflower Experience 2020

When: August 12 to Labour Day

Time: Hours of operation vary based on date

Where: 41310 Yale Road, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Tickets: Available online