A Working River - Cycle along the Fraser River

To call the Mighty Fraser a working river is an understatement.  The Fraser is one of the longest rivers in British Columbia flowing over 1,375 km from it's source near Mt. Robson to the Pacific Ocean. It is rich in history and has played a huge part in the development of B.C.'s settlement, transportation and economy.

Fraser River

This bike route, beginning in Richmond, provides up close and personal views of the river in action.  The entire ride is one of contrasts: road riding and dyke trails, light and heavy industry, parkland, scenic views, and residential development all somehow existing along a few square kilometres of space.

We began the ride near the Bridgeport sky train station and River Rock Casino in Richmond, BC.  (a potential pit stop on the way home?)  Within minutes we were cycling along River Road past the site of the Richmond Night Market,  This summer market, an annual tradition, features over 250 merchandise booths and over 80 food vendors.  An event not to be missed.

Bike path leaving Richmond

After passing the market, we quickly found our way off the road and onto a dyke trail - much better views of the river and of course, traffic free.

Heavy industry along the river banks

One of the highlights of the trip was the short section through the lumber mill.  Massive cranes and trucks lined both sides of the trail and at one point we were diverted through our very own bike tunnel!  The equipment was enormous, and we felt quite small and vulnerable on our bikes as we cruised by.

A bike tunnel!

We continued on and within minutes came across No. 7 Road Pier Park, complete with picnic tables and washrooms.  The old CN Rail loading pier is now a fantastic lookout and fishing spot.  It seemed a little surreal to stumble across this little oasis after just leaving the lumber mill and heavy truck traffic along River Road.

No 7 Road Pier Park

East of the park the route gets a little more intense as the ride takes you from the serenity of the park to the hustle and bustle of the Queensborough bridge  (complete with a panoramic view of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia's salvage yard.)  Just as you are feeling that the ride isn't quite the quiet, scenic weekend getaway you were looking for the route connects to the BC Parkway Trail and cyclists are offered an escape from the heavy city traffic.

Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park

We followed the north shore of the river for the return leg, and thoroughly enjoyed the route through the Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park.  As we exited the park, we stopped at a viewpoint and watched a tug boat in action.  It was something to see the Boom Man hop out of the tug and scamper his way across the logs.  We were fascinated by his speed, balance and agility - a true athlete in action.  We were finding the roads a little slippery.  I can not imagine what the logs must have been like!  It was yet another contrast.  I could imagine the lumberjacks of yesteryear taking a moment out of their day for a good old fashioned log rolling competition.  I suggested that Rob might issue a challenge, but my suggestion appeared to fall on deaf ears.

Tugboat and Boom Man at work

We completed our ride by crossing the Fraser on the Canada Line bike/pedestrian path, a wonderful connector from Vancouver to Richmond.  As I rode across the bridge, the Skytrain rumbling on the tracks above me, I wondered what the early explorers, fur traders and ancestors of today's First Nations communities would think of a $10 million dollar bridge connecting a cycling/pedestrian network!

Canada Line bridge across the river

Giggle of the Day:

As we were packing up our bikes, we received an excited call from one of our gang.  Could we meet in East Vancouver to look at a truck he was thinking of purchasing?  Now, how can you turn down an invitation like that?  We drove to the meeting location and watched our boy close the deal!  Now here is the giggle.  Through a friend, of a friend, of a friend our family is now attached to a 1989 NUCK TRUCK FOR A BUCK.  Yes - it is true, Adam purchased a hand -painted Vancouver Canuck's truck for a dollar.  Being a student, he is short on funds to insure the vehicle, so the final laugh is on us, as the NUCK TRUCK is now parked proudly on our driveway until the summer guide season begins and the paycheques start to flow!

Nuck Truck

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