Experience the Fraser

Connecting communities from Hope to the Salish Sea, we are creating new opportunities to Experience the Fraser through a network of greenways and blueways. The Canyon to Coast Trail builds deeper connections to the river destination through centuries-old stories of life on the Lower Fraser.

The lands and waters that make up the regions referred to as Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley—including the mighty stal̕əw̓ (as it is known in the Musqueam Peoples’ hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language), or the Fraser River—have been the home of Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. 

The Nlaka'pamux, St’át’imc, Stó:lō, and Sts’ailes Peoples, were the first to live, travel, and trade throughout the Fraser Valley and beyond. Each Nation has a distinctive history, with traditions and culture tied to the land. The q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Matsqui), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Semiahmoo, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), scəw̓​aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ​ (Tsleil-Waututh) are the 10 Nations who live, travel, and trade in the area known today as Metro Vancouver. Each Nation has a diverse and distinctive history, languages, and practices. None of these Nations ceded these lands to settlers.

Collectively, these Nations remain the stewards of the land, protecting and honouring the environment and local wildlife in and around Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley. Experience the Fraser (ETF) is deeply committed to elevating the voices of First Nations, which is why including cultural and historical interpretation, industry and commerce, tourism and economic development opportunities, and festivals and community celebrations is a central pillar of the project. Through ETF, communities throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver are working to ensure the voices of these Nations are heard and honoured.

Navigate through an interactive snapshot of trail status by community, major projects, key points of interest, and more.

Connect with resources and information that can help communities expand the Trail and its connected blueways to open new experiences along the Lower Fraser River Corridor.

The multi-modal transportation network is a catalyst for active and healthy living, climate impact reduction, and economic development. The Canyon to Coast Trail network links a suite of outstanding visitor attractions and enhances land and water-based recreational opportunities throughout the region.

Communities have a monumental opportunity to champion the Canyon to Coast Trail and connect one of Canada’s largest active transportation networks. Local stories, engagement, and planning is vital. Together, we will showcase the Lower Fraser River Corridor and its landscapes, features, wildlife, and people as one of the great river destinations of the world.