This TCT routing starts at Douglas Taylor Park at the start of the Matsqui Regional Trail that soon follows the Fraser River up to Sumas Mountain. Â There are significant sections along this trail that is more fun off the dike than on it. Â From here to Clayburn and Wilband Park is on enjoyable country roads. Â Allow for a good 3 hours.
This fun loop can be split in two. Â It takes in McDonald Park on the Sumas River, the Barrowtown Pump Station, the Vedder River, Sumas Prairie, and the Great Heron Nature Reserve as well as the south side of the Vedder past Yarrow. Â It is quite an easy cycle because much of it is on dikes. Allow up to 4 hours.
Do take this great description of the former Sumas Lake in the Sumas Prairie
There are only superlatives to express the experience taking in the Othello tunnels and its canyon. Â No one leaves this area unimpressed. Â The loop allows one to take a trail, once part of the Brigade Trail, above the tunnel area. Â Expect the latter to be a rugged trail and requiring quite a bit of climbing. Â Of course the trail through the tunnels was once a railroad and therefore the grade is less than two percent. Â The distance may seem short but because of the climbing it will take extra time. Â Allow 2.5 to 3 hours.
This fascinating loop takes in a Heron Centre that is a must-visit along with its bogs, the Vedder River, and forested trails. Â The Vedder River is a fishers mecca and in the spring people flock to see the 40-plus pairs of nesting herons, a sight to be seen before the trees sprout their leaves. Â Before being developed as a greenway and park the Department of National Defence used the area extensively to practice their drills, especially in the bog areas. Â Allow a good three hours for this visit – over an hour on a bicycle.
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This portion of the Matsqui Trail, a superb greenway, places the walker right next to vast farmlands and borders on the Fraser River. Â By doing this as a loop allows one to experience the dike and forested trail next to the Fraser River. Do keep in mind that this trail extends to Douglas Taylor Park 4.5 km further to the west and to Page Road right against the Sumas Mountain 4.5 km further to the the east. Â The forested trail can be flooded during Spring thaw. Â Allow about two hours for this walk.
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