Fraser Riverfront Walk South East Marine Drive

The Riverfront walk is located south of South East Marine Drive along the Fraser River between Kerr Street and Argyle Street. Parking is available at the foot of Kerr Street, or in a public lot off of Kent Avenue SE. This walking route spans two parks: Riverfront and Gladstone and crosses through the Victoria – Fraserview and Killarney neighbourhoods. The linear route is 2.4 km in one direction, 1.5 miles or approximately 4,752 steps.

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.

The walking route starts beside the pier at the foot of Kerr Street. It continues west along Riverfront Park, and then past Gladstone Park. From this point along the walk there are fascinating views of Mitchell Island and the Knight Street Bridge. The path then turns away from the River to join the Kent Avenue cycling route between Beatrice Street and Argyle Street. This is the turn around point for the walk. The Riverfront route is also a segment of the City of Vancouver’s 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. Benches line the way, and the two parks offer several amenities.

There are playgrounds for both preschool and elementary aged children, grass fields, tennis and basketball courts, washrooms, picnic tables, a barbequing area, and garbage cans. A unique feature of the area is the phrases on the silver plaques which are mounted on several of the lampposts. They have short lines of prose and reflect the area’s distinct culture and history.

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. The River was the vital link between the Interior and the Coast, and provided a transportation corridor for fur traders and for prospectors during the gold rush. It was also the site of the first recorded settlement of Aboriginal people. Due to the great significance of its natural and human heritage the River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1998.

The Riverfront walking route 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. Come see for your self what all of the buzz is about.