List of natural features on the Fraser River facts for kids

The Fraser River is a very important river in British Columbia, Canada. It's the longest river in the province! As it flows from high mountains to the Pacific Ocean, it carves out amazing natural features. These include deep canyons, fast-moving rapids, and sandy or rocky areas called "bars."

This article will tell you about some of these cool natural spots along the Fraser River. Many of them were important places for First Nations people and later for gold miners.

Canyons of the Fraser River

Canyons are deep, narrow valleys with steep sides. They are usually carved by a river flowing through hard rock over a very long time. The Fraser River has many impressive canyons.

Upper Fraser Canyons

• Grand Canyon of the Fraser (Robson Valley): This is one of the first big canyons you'd see as the river starts its journey.
• Fort George Canyon: Located near the city of Prince George, this canyon shows the river's power.
• Cottonwood Canyon: Another significant canyon in the upper part of the river.

Middle Fraser Canyons

As the river flows south, it enters more rugged areas, creating even more dramatic canyons.

• Chimney Creek Canyon: A notable canyon in the central part of the river.
• Soda Creek Canyon: Another example of the river cutting through the landscape.
• Churn Creek Canyon: This canyon is part of a protected area, showing how important these natural spaces are.
• Chisolm Canyon: One of several canyons found in the middle section of the Fraser.
• French Bar Canyon: Named after early gold miners, this canyon is a striking feature.
• High Bar Canyon: A deep and impressive canyon.
• Moran Canyon: This is a very deep and rugged canyon, known for its challenging terrain.
• Pavilion Canyon: This canyon is also near the mouth of Pavilion Creek.
• Glen Fraser Canyon: Another beautiful canyon along the river's path.
• Fountain Canyon: Located near the Fountain Rapids, this canyon is a powerful sight.
• Lillooet Canyon: Near the town of Lillooet, this canyon is a significant landmark.

Rapids and Fast Waters

Rapids are sections of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks or a steep slope. They can be exciting and sometimes dangerous.

• Fountain Rapids: Also known as the Upper Fountain, these are strong rapids that show the river's speed.
• Bridge River Rapids: Sometimes called the Lower Fountain or Six Mile Rapids, these are another set of powerful rapids.

River Bars and Flats

A "bar" or "flat" is a raised area of sand, gravel, or rock in a river. They are often formed by sediment that the river carries and then drops. Many of these bars were famous during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush because gold could be found there.

• Rich Bar: One of the famous gold rush sites.
• Red Bluff: A distinctive red-colored bank along the river.
• Big Bar: A large bar that was important for travel and mining.
• Watson Bar: Another historic bar along the river.
• Mormon Bar / French Bar: These bars were named after groups of miners who worked there.
• Canada Bar / Canada Flat: Significant areas along the river.
• Horsebeef Bar: An interestingly named bar.
• Texas Bar / Texas Flat: Named after miners from Texas.
• Cameron Bar: Another important bar.
• Foster Bar: A well-known bar along the river.
• Spintlum's Flat: Named after a local figure.
• Cantilever Bar: A unique bar formation.
• Van Winkle Bar: Named after a miner.
• Kanaka Bar: Named after Hawaiian laborers who worked in the area.
• Boston Bar: A major community and bar along the river.
• Yankee Flat: Located near North Bend.
• China Bar: Named after Chinese miners.
• Dutchman Bar: Another bar named after a group of miners.
• Chapmans Bar: A notable bar.
• Wellington Bar: A significant bar.
• Sailor Bar: Known for its connection to the Sailor Bar Tunnel.
• Yale Bar: Located near the historic town of Yale.
• Hills Bar: Another important bar.
• Emory Bar: A key location.
• Union Bar: A historic bar.
• Cornish Bar: Named after miners from Cornwall.
• Maria Bar: A bar along the lower Fraser.
• Sapperton Bar: Located near the historic Sapperton area.
• Steveston Bar: Found in the South Arm of the river, closer to the ocean.

Unique Rocks and Other Features

The river's powerful flow and the surrounding landscape have created some unique rock formations.

• The Big Slide: A large landslide area.
• Saddle Rock: A rock formation that looks like a saddle.
• Lady Franklin Rock: A distinctive rock located just above the town of Yale.

Important Confluences and Landmarks

A "confluence" is where two rivers or streams meet and join together. The Fraser River has many important confluences.

• Confluence of the Nechako River: Near the city of Prince George.
• Confluence of the Quesnel River: Near the city of Quesnel.
• Confluence of the Chilcotin River: A major tributary joining the Fraser.
• Confluence of Cayoosh Creek / Seton River: Important waterways meeting the Fraser.
• Seton Powerhouse: A man-made landmark related to power generation.
• Confluence of Thompson River: Near the village of Lytton, this is a very important meeting point for two large rivers.
• Hells Gate: This is a very narrow and powerful part of the Fraser Canyon. It's so narrow that the river rushes through with incredible force. There are also fish ladders here to help salmon swim upstream past this difficult section, and a suspension bridge for visitors.
• Alexandra Suspension Bridge / Kequaloose / Alexandra Bridge: These are historic bridges and areas along the river.
• Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge: Another important bridge crossing the Fraser River.

See also

• List of islands of the Fraser River
• List of crossings of the Fraser River
• List of tributaries of the Fraser River