Matsqui Trail Regional Park to Glen Valley Regional Park
Matsqui Trail Regional Park to Glen Valley Regional Park
Where city, farm, and wild river exist side by side
Matsqui Trail Regional Park → Glen Valley Regional Park
This stretch of the Fraser is all about contrast—where city edges, working farmland, and wild river corridors meet in one sweeping valley landscape.
Launching from Matsqui Trail Regional Park, the river moves broad and steady beneath big skies. Early in the journey you paddle past Matsqui Island, a distinct agricultural island that reflects the long relationship between fertile Fraser soils and valley farming.
Across the river, the densified urban waterfront of Mission, including the Mission Raceway, rises above the banks. Meanwhile, the agricultural landscapes of Abbotsford and Mission farmland stretch out all around. The contrast is striking—residential neighbourhoods and rail lines on one shore, fields and barns on the other.
Despite the proximity to town, strips of forested riparian habitat weave between developed areas, creating pockets of quiet. Bald eagles perch in tall cottonwoods, herons stalk the shallows, and waterfowl gather in slower eddies. Salmon move beneath the surface during migration season, and seals are occasionally seen working upriver.
Downstream, glide past Crescent Island, marking the boundary between Abbotsford and Langley. The river widens here, channels shifting around gravel bars before guiding you toward your finish.
The journey concludes at Glen Valley Regional Park, home to the well-known riverside landmark Two-Bit Bar—a classic Lower Fraser sand and gravel bar perfect for landing, stretching out, and reflecting on a paddle defined by variety and scale. This part of the river features tidal flats where the freshwater levels are affected by tides and river discharge.
Paddlers are invited to stay for a Salmon BBQ at Glen Valley Regional Park, listen to presentations, and celebrate the progress of the Fraser River Challenge!
What makes this stretch special:
Striking contrast between urban Mission and surrounding farmland
Paddle past Matsqui Island’s working agricultural landscape
Forested natural corridors rich with wildlife
Wide river channels and classic Lower Fraser gravel bars
Finish with a Salmon BBQ at Glen Valley Regional Park and Two-Bit Bar
This is a Lower Fraser journey that captures the modern valley in motion—where city, farm, and wild river exist side by side, carried forward by the steady current of one of Canada’s great waterways.
Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group
Kwantlen
Semiahmoo
S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō)
Stz’uminus
Bradner
Gifford
Glen Valley
Matsqui Prairie
Mission
Silverdale
Whonnock
