Where is the Fraser River located? What cities are located on its shores? How is it interesting and remarkable? Our article will answer all these questions.
Fraser River: description and general information
Canada is a country of virgin forests, lakes with crystal clear water and beautiful rivers. One of the many watercourses flowing through its territory is the Fraser River. And our story is about her.
The river originates on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, within Mount Robson Park. This is the main natural watercourse of British Columbia, one of the provinces of Canada. The Fraser River basin is located in the western part of the country. A small part (approximately 1%) is located in the United States.
The total length of the river reaches 1370 kilometers. First, Fraser calmly and measuredly flows to the northwest along a winding and narrow channel. Near the city of Prince George, the river abruptly changes its direction to the south, after which it receives several full-flowing tributaries. The flow rate gradually increases, and the height of the coast reaches in places 80-100 meters. In the middle reaches, Fraser enters a rather deep canyon. In the lower reaches, the river sharply turns west and flows into the Georgia Strait, forming a vast delta.
Fraser is replenished mainly by rain and meltwater. High water lasts from May to September. The river carries a huge amount of solid sediment into the Pacific Ocean (up to 20 million tons annually).
The river and its banks were explored in detail at the beginning of the 19th century by the Canadian traveler and trader Simon Fraser. Later this watercourse was named after him. There are a number of cities on the banks of the Fraser River: Prince George, Quesnell, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Vancouver and Richmond.
British Columbia Canyon
In the middle reaches, the Fraser River Valley is most picturesque. It is here that nature has formed a beautiful canyon.
Near the Fraser Canyon are the Trans-Canada Highway and the Pacific Railway. These most important highways of the country are “inscribed” in the rocky walls of the canyon, which is crossed by bridges in many places.
In the vicinity of the town of Boston Bar, the banks of the Fraser River Valley reach a height of thousands of meters! This section of the canyon received the exotic name "Hell's Gates". Most likely, this nickname appeared due to local rocks, which turn black during each heavy rain. Today, there are lifts that bring numerous tourists to the foot of the Hell's Gates.
Fishing features
This river is very respected and loved by fishermen. Why? You can see the eloquent answer in the following photo.
The Fraser River is one of the most popular fishing spots in Canada. Its ichthyofauna is unusually rich and diverse. Between July and November, the river’s waters are literally crowded with salmon. The weight of individual fish reaches 40 kg! Researchers claim that no other stream in America has as much salmon as in the Fraser River.
Another of its inhabitants is the white sturgeon. This is the largest fish that can be caught using a rod. The length of her body reaches 5-6 meters. The population of white sturgeon in the Fraser waters is large and stable. The ideal time to catch it is autumn (September-November).