Fraser Valley A: Boston Bar, Hell’s Gate and the Fraser River

Boston Bar lies on the Fraser River and the Gold Rush Trail. Attractions range from Hell’s Gate and the former aerial tramway to river and nature experiences. You can tailor your trip to your interests in the gorge, local history or outdoor activities.

Hell’s Gate and the Fraser River

The Hell’s Gate Suspension Bridge offers a direct view of the International Fishways, which flank the Hell’s Gate gorge. Gold panning is also one of the attractions in the gorge. The Hell’s Gate Airtram descends 152 metres and also offers a bird’s-eye view of a passage of the Fraser River. The operator published a dated closure notice on September 1, 2026. Check current access before planning these experiences.

Local history at Frances Harrington Park

Frances Harrington Park is a day-use destination and an interesting stop in Boston Bar; use is restricted to daytime. The park features a restored old aerial tramway that once connected Boston Bar and North Bend. Interpretive signs around the park provide information about the tramway’s history and about North Bend and Boston Bar. The park thus combines a visible relic with information about the history of both communities, without requiring you to join a tour.

Tuckkwiowhum Village also offers a perspective on the region’s history. The historic site is a First Nations village in Nlaka’pamux territory, 5 km south of Boston Bar. Guided and self-guided tours are offered there. Since current operations should be checked before you travel, it’s worth planning your visit accordingly.

Rivers, trails and nature

Seasonal whitewater trips are offered in the Boston Bar area on the Nahatlatch River, Thompson River or Fraser River. Before a trip, check the offerings of the relevant operators as well as river conditions. The Nahatlatch River also has rapids suitable for rafting and kayaking; the entrance to Nahatlatch Park is about 26.5 km northwest of Boston Bar.

To drive to Mehatl Creek Park, turn west at the main intersection in Boston Bar, then follow the Nahatlatch Forest Service Road for about 48 km. This remote forest road requires current road and safety checks before you set out. On local trails around Boston Bar, look out for grizzly bears, spotted owls, deer and beavers. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

Nature destinations in the Fraser Valley

In the broader Fraser Valley destination, Cheam Lake Wetlands Regional Park offers more opportunities for walks, picnics and birdwatching. To date, 184 different bird species have been recorded there; the park is home to numerous insect, mammal and bird species. A floating boardwalk leads to an observation platform. A second, wheelchair-accessible platform is near the parking lot. For a walk, there are about 2 km of easy trails with viewpoints and benches. These park features are in the Fraser Valley and should be distinguished from the attractions in Boston Bar.

Discover more destinations: Kent, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Abbotsford, Mission, Agassiz, Yale, Hope.

For the broader travel overview: Fraser Valley.