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British Columbia's
Fraser and Thompson Canyons
This awe
inspiring region of British Columbia offers visitors access to the rugged
Coastal Mountains and the Fraser River and its many tributaries, including
the Thompson,
which makes its way through narrow canyons and vast valley floors to the
Pacific Ocean.
From Hope
to Spences Bridge the
TransCanada Highway (Hwy 1) follows the Fraser
and Thompson Rivers into the interior of the province. Vegetation
includes salal, devil's club, fern and maple, hemlock, balsam, fir and
alder.
The highway
between Yale and
Boston Bar includes
seven tunnels and impressive views of the canyon. The highway and two
railroads have been cut into the side of the mountains far above the raging
Fraser River. This drier, extreme climate's vegetation includes sagebrush
and tumbleweeds and the trees become considerably sparser.
When in
the area, the following BC Adventure Network members invite you to adventure
with them:
Hells
Gate Airtram - Famous Hell's Gate Airtram in the scenic Fraser Canyon
is nature at its most magnificent. Descent smoothly from highway level
in one of two comfortable 25-passenger gondolas. Experience a breathtaking
view of the Fraser River, Hell's Gate, and the International Fishways.
Continuing
north along the TransCanada Highway, visitors will follow the brown waters
of the Fraser until it joins the clear waters of the Thompson River at
Lytton. The surrounding
area is dry with little vegetation apart from bursts of green irrigated
farmland. This is the 'dry belt' region of BC.
These two
rivers which help to form the Fraser and Thompson Canyons are world renowned
fishing and whitewater rafting locations. Numerous guides and outfitters
are located in the area and can provide visitors with an opportunity to
shoot the rapids or fish for the Fraser's Pacific
Salmon that migrate to their birth place in the interior every four
years or the steelhead in the Thompson River.
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Thompson
Nicola