The Fraser River: about Location, Events and Activities
Named after its explorer Simon Fraser, the Fraser River is the longest in British Columbia. The river originates in Mount Robson Park and flows into the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver.
Long before Fraser traveled along the river, it was one of the main transportation waterways and a place where the local indigenous people obtained food, including fish. In the 19th century, the river became one of the main places for gold mining, which soon became known as the Fraser River Gold Rush.
Today, it is a natural heritage and one of Canada’s most impressive event venues. A river is a popular place for rafting and fishing enthusiasts. Weddings and other events often take place in the valley and on the banks of the river.
About the Fraser River
Length | Basin Size | Discharge | Among Canada’s Rivers |
|---|---|---|---|
850 miles (1,378 km) | 85,000 square miles (220,000 km2) | 3,475 cubic metres per second (122,700 cu f/s) | 11th longest |
The history of the Fraser River began long before people appeared on these lands. As the Rocky Mountains grew, the river slowly took its shape. Studies show that earlier in the east, the river flowed into the Inland Sea and west into the Pacific Ocean.
Today, the Fraser River originates on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains of Canada, near the border with Alberta. The river is over 850 miles (1,378 km) long, making it the longest river in British Columbia and eleventh in Canada. The river flows into the Strait of Georgia, located near the province of Vancouver.
The water basin of the Fraser River is huge. It is larger than the area of Great Britain. In terms of flow, the average speed of the river is 122,700 cubic foots per second (3,475 m3). This makes the Fraser River one of the most popular rafting destinations.
Popular Activities and Events
Due to its extraordinary beauty, millions of tourists from all over Canada and other countries flock to the valley near the Fraser River every year. From active leisure activities such as fishing, hiking and rafting to festive ceremonies and business meetings, everyone can find something for every taste. Also, in the area near the Fraser River, interactive programs and festivals of various themes are regularly held. Their main purpose is to glorify the Fraser River and its environs.
River Rafting
Given the rather high speed of the river, it is not surprising that this place has become one of the most favourites among Canadian rafters. So here are companies offering a variety of services for rafting enthusiasts.
Fishing
The Fraser River has long been known in the world of sport fishing. It is home to almost every species of salmon and one of the world’s largest populations of white sturgeon. Every year anglers from all provinces of the country and from abroad come here to compete in their fishing skills.
Weddings Ceremonies
Because of the breathtaking beauty, the location near the river is very popular among Canadians. Many venues for wedding ceremonies with stunning views are located here.
Other Events
Due to its excellent location, away from civilization, many corporations and well-known companies choose this place for conferences and team building. Discussing the company’s future development in such an inspiring atmosphere is much more pleasant than within the four walls of an office or a standard conference room.
Thus, among the recent local conferences held here, we can mention a panel discussion dedicated to online gambling development in Canada with the participation of such experts as:
Environmental Issues
Conservationists have repeatedly raised the issue of nature preservation around the Fraser River. Today, the pine forest nearby is under threat due to a widespread infestation of the mountain forest man-eater beetles. As a result, more than 8.8 million hectares of pine forests have already been affected. As a result, pine needles turn red and fall off. Thus, vast areas of red forest are visible in the river basin.
In addition to this epidemic, the cutting of trees has led to an increase in the amount of meltwater and rainfall. This has affected and continues to affect the speed of the river.
Many enterprises also extract minerals near the river – the number one source of water pollution. In addition, the environment near the Fraser River is negatively impacted by agricultural and urban runoff, which also pollutes the water and riverbanks.
Save the Fraser River Declaration
In 2010, the indigenous peoples living near the river basin signed the Save the Fraser River Declaration. Based on the laws and regulations of indigenous peoples, the Declaration advocates a ban on the use of all oil-related infrastructure in the territory, including pipelines and oil tankers.
With this Declaration, the indigenous peoples of Canada are trying to protect their original rights, legalities and duties in the territories near the river. As well, one of the goals of signing the document is to obtain the right to ban the construction of oil refineries and pipelines on their territories. In this way, indigenous peoples are trying to protect the environment and the waters of the Fraser River. To date, over 100 people have already signed the Declaration.