Traveling east from Greater Vancouver along Highway 1 (Trans
Canada  Highway) or Highway 7 on the north bank of the Fraser
will bring you to the start of Mighty Fraser Country. The
wide, fertile lower Fraser Valley is spread between the
Coast and Cascade Mountains, parallel with the Canada-US
border
and runs 150 km between Vancouver and Hope before heading
through the steep canyons and gorges of the Cascade Mountains.
 The Fraser (named after explorer Simon Fraser in 1813 by
David Thompson) is the heart of one of the world’s greatest salmon
producing river systems. And the country it traverses is simply
magnificent. In fact, the river actually shaped much of Fraser
country. Over thousands of years, it carved a spectacular canyon
through the Coast Mountains, a broad, lush valley with some of
Canada’s most fertile farmland, and a vast delta and
wetlands.
 The Lower Fraser Valley is a rural region of berry fields
and dairy farms. Built along the fertile Fraser River floodplain,
forested hills rise abruptly at the edge of the fields.
Recently, flower bulb farmers have begun to expand operations
and the
spring promises lots of colour for the traveler. The City
of
Abbotsford
is one of the fastest growing areas in North America. Nearby,
the city of the Chilliwack is surrounded by attractions
and activities that include Cultus Lake Provincial Park, Minter
Gardens built
in an old quarry, Dusty’s Dino (formerly Flintstone
Park) and the waterfall at Bridal Falls, well worth a visit.
The
surrounding mountains, lakes and rivers allow for many
outdoor activities
such as fishing, hiking, camping, boating, kayaking and
many challenging golf courses.
 Harrison Hot Springs accessible via Highway 7, and British
Columbia's first resort community, is built on the shore
of Harrison Lake.
A popular vacation destination, the town's sandy beaches
and two mineral hot springs beckon tourists. During the
second
week in September, the beaches at Harrison Lake are host
to the world
championship sand sculpture competition.
Further up the valley the Fraser River narrows at the
town of Hope the gateway to BC’s Interior. Hope is at the junction
of four major highways - Highways 1,3, 5 and 7. Hope was once
a fur trade and gold rush town but now celebrates its connection
with forestry and wildlife. Hope has become known as the “Chainsaw
Carving Capital” with 20 giant wooden sculptures
scattered around town.
 Cutting
through the Cascade Mountains, the Fraser flows through a region
of deep gorges and narrow canyons.
Follow the Trans-Canada
(Hwy 1) north from Hope along this magnificent section
of highway and stop at Hell's Gate, the narrowest point
along the whole
river's length. Here, you can descend into the canyon
in an air-tram for a close-up look at the raging river.
Further along
the route
the vegetation thins and the rain shadow takes hold
of the scenery as you approach Lytton. Here the clear waters
of the
Thompson
River merge with the muddy Fraser River. Lytton offers
some of the best whitewater rafting in Canada.
Manning Park, along the Crowsnest Highway (Highway
3) from Hope, offers skiing in the winter for all
levels and horseback
excursions,
mountain bike rentals and hiking during the summer.
On
the drive to the park stop and see the awesome Hope
Landslide east
of town.
Manning Park is a pristine provincially managed park
offering many wildlife viewing opportunities and
is best known for its
abundant populations of marmots, ground squirrels
and pikas.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring
Mighty Fraser Country?
Explore the Communities
of Mighty Fraser Country?
Browse other Vancouver Coast and Mountains Sub
Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region
250 - 1508 West 2nd Avenue,
Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Telephone: (604) 739-9011
Fax: (604) 739-0153
E-Mail: info@vcmbc.com |
