Written by Tracey-Lee Rein, Editor of the Ryder Lake News & Views
- I can’t find Ryder Lake anywhere!
One of the most common questions we hear at the Ramble is, “So, where the heck is this Ryder Lake?” As in, the actual lake? We have to grin when we are faced with this query. One of the many eclectic little quirks of Ryder Lake, is that the lake this area is named for, is actually located on private property. Rumour has it (and there are always rumours in every little community), that the property the lake is on, is owned by an offshore investor, and the land is rented to folks who don’t actually participate in the Ramble. True or False? Who knows. We can tell you that the lake is located off of “Old” Ryder Lake Road, it’s surrounded by trees, and it’s pretty hard to find if you don’t know where to look. Drive slowly and you may see it.
Viewing of the elusive lake, must be done from the road, but don’t worry, it’s not that big of a deal, and besides, Hornby Lake is bigger, and it’s almost directly across the street from Ryder Lake so, when you’re in Ryder Lake; you can enjoy the views of Hornby Lake…when you’re in Ryder Lake.
Hornby Lake! Home of the famous annual Western Toad migration. Unlike people, the toads get to visit both lakes, whenever they darn well please, and during the breeding season, they do just that! For a short few days, absolutely MILLIONS of tiny toadlets cross, “Old” Ryder Lake Road in the annual toad migration. The toad migration is becoming another one of Ryder Lakes special “events”. Imagine the road covered with tiny black popcorn, and you can imagine the, Great Ryder Lake Western Toad Migration.
Getting to the place – Ryder Lake
Ryder Lake is located in the uplands area outside of Chilliwack. The best way to find us is:
- Take the Transcanada Highway to the Prest Road exit 123
- Head SOUTH on Prest Road
- Head SOUTH on Prest Road until you reach the flashing red light.
- Turn LEFT at the flashing red light and follow the signs to Ryder Lake!
You can also use Google Maps to located us. Just cut and paste the following, into the Google Maps search: Ryder Lake, Chilliwack, BC
Once you find your way to the Ryder Lake Hall (just stay on Elk View Road until you see the Hall on the left…it’s a LONG windy road) you will be able to pay for your tickets and you will receive a brochure and map of the area. Don’t worry, you can’t actually get lost in Ryder Lake…there are only two ways in/out of our community so if you drive around long enough sooner or later, you’ll end up back at “the Hall”. Also, Ryder Lakers are famously friendly, so if you see one, just ask, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
There is actually one more way in/out of Ryder Lake, if you count the logging road, otherwise known as Bench Road, but believe me, if you end up on that road; you’ll know it, and you’ll be turning around mighty quickly to make your way back to the “main” road. The main road is the one that doesn’t contain potholes big enough to swallow a minivan 😉
Ryder Lakers run a fabulous garage sale once or twice a year, and a member of our community made a nifty little map for that event; so here is a sneak preview of the beautiful place we call home!
Ryder Lake Ramble 