Venues for 2024
Please go first to the Ryder Lake Hall at 49265 Elk View Rd to pick up a map and wristband for entry to the venues.
More detail on each venue is also provided below. The numbers are just for identification - pick and choose your own route!
You can also click on the interactive map below to see brief information on each of the venues. Clicking on the full screen icon will open it in Google Maps with directions.
Note: some of the venues have tight entrances and narrow or steep driveways. Please drive with caution!
2024 Venue descriptions
RYDER LAKE HALL, 49265 Elk View Rd
Come here first to obtain a map and wristband for entrance to the venues. Food and refreshments available for purchase. Community displays and Ulf Bitterlich Art sale.
#1. 49388 Elk View Rd
New this year! The Lavender Fields of Ryder Lake is offering a sneak peak of their scenic property. While the farm is still undergoing transformation, visitors can catch a glimpse of the progress made so far. By the time of the Ryder Lake Ramble, they aim to have an impressive 2,000 lavender plants in the ground. Please note the farm is still under construction, so caution is advised while exploring the property.
#2. 49451 Voight Rd
Home of Autumn Leaf Pottery. Come and enjoy the mountain views and conversations at Autumn Leaf Pottery. All pottery items are made on site and are available for purchase out of a charming glass greenhouse. Ryder Lake Soap will also be there offering artisan soaps, lip Balms, Lotion Bars, and Shower Steamers. (https://m.facebook.com/p/Autumn-Leaf-Pottery-100063598802862/)
#4. 4860 Farnham Rd
Arnoldt's. The sight of four beautiful horses grazing in the pasture greets you as you enter this 28 acre country venue. Spectacular 360° mountain views. Explore the gardens and a 1km loop trail through the forest. (small hill included) Great bird watching area and home to large owls. Check out Mike’s woodworking creations available for purchase.
#5. 48545 Ryder Lake Rd
Enjoy beautiful mountain vistas while exploring the extensive organic vegetable and fruit gardens. Hosts practice no-till gardening and natural pest control. Two sheep and lambs. Limited parking at the house.
#6. 48985 Elk View Rd
"Simple Beeginnings Farm & Apiary” Ten acres bordering on forest wilderness with Fitzgerald Creek running through. Family in the early stages of creating cultivated land in the lower four acres. Chickens, pigs & bee hives, haven for many birds. Lengthy driveway with limited parking at house.
#7. 48791 Elk View Rd
New this year! Come and visit the Hobbit House built into a grassy bank, This is a labour of love created over many years featuring a working fireplace and stove, and incredibly detailed furnishings and interior. Room for just two adults or children at a time.
#8 48340 Elk View Rd
New this year! Come walk on a carpet of green moss in our shade garden, take photos in the 20 foot tunnel of a handmade twig arbor, enjoy the view of Chilliwack and all the way to Mission, or stand at the top of one of Ryder Lake’s iconic waterfalls. (Long single-lane driveway)
#9. 48180 Elk View Rd.
“Ryder Lake Llamas & Alpaca” Experience the wonderful world of camelids. Help feed the alpacas, turtles, llamas, and chickens. Maureen is returning to spin Llama fibre into yarn. Lots of extra things to look at and enjoy. Wheelchair friendly & lots of parking on the road.
#10. 6225 Ryder Lake Rd
New this year! Come and see the purebred Katahdin hair sheep and pet the lambs. Learn about the heritage Canadian Bresse chickens said to be the tastiest meat birds in the world! Single lane driveway and limited parking at the house.
#11. 5770 Extrom Rd
“Hanging ‘H’ Arena” (Entrance off Ryder Lake Road) Come and watch some of B.C.'s best riders, and their equine partners, showcasing their talents as they navigate through a wide range of extreme trail obstacles. https://www.dhughesquarterhorses.com/
#12. 5500 Churchill Parkway
Wander around 3 acres of extensive English style gardens with peonies, roses, dogwoods and a unique gazebo on a rock promontory. Stunning 180 degree views of the entire Ryder Lake valley and Mt Cheam and Agassiz.
#13. 47644 Forester Rd
“RLDD Farm” Extensive arbour garden with grapes, kiwi, wisteria and more. Hummingbird heaven! Locally made jams, jellies, chutneys and preserves available.
Annual Ramble plant sale by donation at VPG Nursery. Proceeds shared 50/50 with VPG backyard Gleaning program and Ryder Lake Hall.
#14.47240 Greenhill Rd
“Greenhill Farm” Welcome to our 20 acre property with a spectacular view of Cultus Lake to the west, and the Cascade peaks to the east. Drop by for a wood lathe bowl turning demonstration from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., and/or a portable sawmill demonstration from 1:00 - 2:00pm. Tour the gardens and have a picnic or just sit and enjoy the view. (outhouse for public use) For those who want a challenge there is a 15 minute hike down to a promontory overlooking the Chilliwack River.
Trails and Drive-Bys
A
Mt Thom Park Trail
Hike to the viewpoint at the top of Mt Thom and be rewarded by sweeping views west across the Fraser Valley and Cultus Lake. The round trip walk is 2.5 km up a gravel and dirt trail takes 30 to 40 minutes.
B
Toad tunnel
Opposite Hornby Lake under Elk View Rd. A toad tunnel was constructed in 2015 to protect Western toads and other amphibians who need to cross the road safely between the wetland – where they breed, and the forest – where they live as adults. A Fraser Valley Conservancy Amphibian Protection Project. FVC volunteers will be at the Hall to provide more information.
C
Elk Mountain Trail
This 8 km round trip hike climbs gently through the forest and then there are some
steep sections up to the alpine meadow where the wildflowers should be in in full bloom. Spectacular views of the Fraser Valley from the lookout or continue further along the Elk-Thurston Ridge for views of the Chilliwack River Valley, Mount Slesse and Border Peaks.