Fraser River

Fraser River, the principal stream of British Columbia, is formed by two branches, the chief of which rises in the Rocky Mountains, in 53° 45' N. lat. and 119° W. long., and proceeds in a north-west course to meet its fellow, which flows south-east from Lakes Stuart and Fraser. They unite near Fort George, in 54° N. lat. and 122° 45' W. long.; thence the river flows in a southern direction, and after a total course of 800 miles falls into the Georgian Gulf, just north of the international boundary of 49° lat. Its chief affluent is the Thompson River. The rich alluvial deposits of gold along the lower basin of the Fraser first attracted emigration to British Columbia, and the precious metal has since been steadily worked; but the lower valley now enjoys a more secure reputation, as containing some of the best farming land in the province. The salmon canneries are also important. Steamboats can navigate the river for about 100 miles from its mouth to Yale, where the rapids occurring during the passage through the Cascade Range, with its magnificent scenery, begin. See COLUMBIA (BRITISH).