Cultus Lake was used as a summer resort and picnic area until the early 1920s. Shirley Cuthbertson, granddaughter of William Kipp, recalls that her family likely began camping at the Lake in the 1870s or 1880s.
In 1924, the popularity of the Lake led to the formation of a joint committee of the City of Chilliwack and the Township of Chilliwhack to govern the Lake. Permanent buildings began to appear on leased lots. Governing the Lake for the committee became cumbersome and the Cultus Lake Park Board was formed in 1932.
In 1939, a Pavilion was built near Main Beach. This Pavilion became the focus for the community, housing a dance hall, post office, confectionery, dining room, store, library, and beauty salon. This building had lost its luster by the early 1990s and was torn down.
Cultus Lake evolved from a summer resort to a year-round community in 1942 when the military training base was established near Vedder Crossing. A severe housing shortage led to the winterizing of the summer cottages. After the Second World War a church and school were added to the community.
Architectural styles of the homes at the Lake reflect its summer cottage origins and its more recent history as a bedroom community for the Fraser Valley. During the summer months, visitors can learn more about the history of Cultus Lake by visiting the small museum located adjacent to the Park Board office.
Norm Williams and his 18 foot flattie "Chinook", 1950. Norm Williams photo.
Early cottages cling to the slope along the west side of Cultus Lake. 2000 7 4
The Golden Arrow racing canoe from the SKWAH reserve, participating in the annual Cultus Lake canoe races, 1968. P2678.