Patricia St Blvd to Cottonwood Island

As we come off of Patricia Boulevard into the vehicle restricted cul-de-sac overlooking highway 16 and the river, we see the trail entrance to our left. If traveling on an electric mobility scooter or power chair, be warned that this hill is steep and there is a sharp corner to the right. You could go up the other side to the highway and head east, but that is another story. You might want to have someone go ahead and make sure no bikes or walkers are coming up unexpectedly as you will not be able to see around the corner till you are into it. Everyone is able to access the trail, so everyone must take care. The video was an early attempt and I do appoligize, I swear a bit on this one, please turn down the sound if that offends you!



At the other end we go under Highway 16 (under the "Yellowhead" bridge) and swing towards the historic Canada National rail bridge.

This CN Bridge was once part of Highway 16’s ("The Yellowhead", Canada's National highway) route east. This bridge is unique in Canada. It is the only bridge in Canada to have had both rail and vehicle traffic at the same time and it is a draw bridge. It opened once in its history to allow the passage of the last of the water transport vessels on the Fraser; ending an era. We go under that bridge as well (which is real cool when there is a train crossing at the same time).

Beyond that bridge we enter the wild looking lowlands of the junction of the Nechaco and Fraser Rivers. The city needs to do some work in this area, however if you take it easy you should be able to navigate this area with not too much difficulty. Watch for rough spots as you cross the bridge, there needs to be some work with the pavement where it meets the bridge on both ends.
You enter an area shortly after that with a great view of both rivers. This area is busy in the summer; historically the local first nation communities have used this area for religious ceremonies. Every summer a well attended international POW-WOW takes place in this location. The Pow-wow this year was held in Carrie Jane Grey as the floods prevented it in the usual place. You might want to plan your Heritage Trail tour to coincide with this event held in June. It’s well worth it. Stay with us as we enter Cottonwood Island Park!
UPDATE: The Pow-Wows traditionaly here were moved to another area used in the past; Carrie Jane Grey park in 2006 due to the conditions of the Nechaco and Fraser at the time. The Pow Wow Grounds were below the 100 yr floodplain and remain under a few meters of water as late as January, 2008. Contact the Prince George Native Freindship center for more info on future Pow-Wows.