| Heritage
River Trail follows the shores
of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers located in the heart of Prince
George, BC, Canada. The trail is used most by the locals for recreation
and community transportation. The 11 kilometre route connects
the community and all of the riverside parks plus provides an
interpretive tour of the regions history.
Walkers, bikers, joggers and roller bladders enjoy
the trail route in the summer. In the winter, after the snow falls,
the trail is used by xc skiers and snowshoers. From the Cameron
Street Bridge to Cottonwood
Island Park the trail follows the Nechako River. From Cottonwood
to Carrie Jane Gray Park the route follows the Fraser River. The
rivers merge at Cottonweood Park.
The interpretive signs on the trail provide a brief
look into the heritage sites found along the trail. Prior to the
Heritage Trail the pre glacial banks were home to settlements.
First by the First Nation people and then by the settlers.
The information posted on the interpretive signs
covers the history of some of the early pioneers, details about
how the early settlers managed to cross the river, the end result
of the ice age, origins of the community of Island Cache, and
the trails and tribulations of Mackenzie's famous journey.
Today, the route is a mainly following a gravel
path with some paved sections in between. The route connects history
with natural parks. The Railway Museum and the First Nation Cemetery
located on the route provides a brief look into the history of
the area. McMillan Creek Park, Kiwanis
Park, Cottonwood Island Park, LC Gunn
Park, Fort George Park and Carrie
Jane Park are all connected by the trail and provide a good sampling
of the natural environment of the area.
The entire trail is spotted with viewing benches
and viewing platforms. Many are strategically placed in parks
to capture some of the best views. There is also opportunity for
bird watching at the Hudson Bay Slough and on the Nechako and
Fraser Rivers.. plus there is an opportunity to view fish spawning
at the local fish hatchery near River Road.
The trail enjoys many of the amenities important
to visitors because it connects to many parks. Depending on where
you are on the trail and which park along the trail you are closest
to will determine the availability of picnic tables, picnic shelters,
playgrounds, viewing benches, washrooms, BBQ pits and more.
Contact information for
the local Prince George, BC accommodations, tours, guides,
golf courses and attractions, realtors, etc. are posted
under the links listed to your right. =) |
How to get to the Heritage
Trail: This trail can be accessed from almost
anywhere along the Fraser and Nechako Rivers in the community
of Prince George, BC, Canada. But for parking, the best access
points to the trail can be found in the parks. |