The Riverfront walk is located south of South East Marine Drive along the Fraser River between Kerr Street and Argyle Street. The linear route is 2.4 km in one direction, or approximately 3,149 steps and is a fantastic option for those looking for a delightful waterfront stroll. The relaxing pace and consistent hum of activity in the area seems to be dictated by the steady flow of traffic in the Fraser River. With a diverse array of park amenities and several unique features, this area attracts people from many different user groups.
Route statistics
| Distance | 2.4 km |
| Steps | 3,149 |
| Elevation change | 6 m |
Route description
Walking along the north shore of the mighty Fraser River is a wonderful experience. The bulrush reeds and long grass at the edge of the riverbank provide an excellent habitat for water fowl, and spawning salmon. Often you will see people on the beach or at the end of the pier relaxing with a fishing rod. The Fraser River is a commuting corridor for hard working tugs, leisure boats and fishing vessels. Boat traffic is constant, travelling up and down the river, passing by the numerous anchored log booms. Your walk begins at the foot of Kerr Street near the pier.
Accessibility
This walk is wheelchair accessible. Pathways are a mix of packed gravel and pavement or paving stones.
Gladstone and Riverfront Parks were developed along with the Fraser Lands parcel to the west of Kerr Street in the 1990's. These park sites were part of the community amenities package negotiated with the developers.
The two parks along this route offer several amenities including:
The Riverfront route is a segment of our proposed Fraser River Trail Greenway plan. The divided pathway bends with the river, and offers both walkers and cyclists an opportunity to enjoy the area. The walkway has a variety of surfaces including smooth cement, and intricate brick work. There is a delightful aromatic rose lined boardwalk, and gravel path studded with poplar trees and ornate lampposts.
On April 17, 2008 a temporary pathway has been opened along the riverfront from Kerr Street east to Boundary Road as part of the anticipated development of the East Fraserlands, connecting Riverfront Park to the Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby.
The Fraser River is an essential character in the creation story of British Columbia, both from a geographical and cultural perspective. It was named after Simon Fraser, the daring fur trader who travelled the River in the early 1800s. His challenging journey, on behalf of the North West Company, was focused on establishing trading posts. Fraser was the first European to establish settlement in the area, thus his exploratory efforts were partly responsible for Canada's boundary being established at the 49th parallel.