B.C. Highways - Albion Ferry South


This route provides the only crossing of the Fraser River between the Port Mann Bridge on Highway 1 and the New Mission Bridge carrying Highway 11 across the Fraser at Mission. A ferry has operated here since the 1920's. The ferry is scheduled to be replaced by a new bridge by 2008. The sail aboard the ferry is free.
		Turnoff from Highway 7 at Albion.
		240th Street reaches the Fraser River where the route turns into River Road. Ahead is the Canadian Pacific Railway. The crossing is heavily used by trains as this railway is the mainline between Vancouver and Eastern Canada.

		Albion. Originally a lumber and fishing settlement along the Fraser River, Albion is largely industrial with sawmills and other activity. Ahead at the light is the ferry landing.

		Turn here for the ferry. Since the ferry route is busy, 1 to 2 sailing waits are common. Two ferries service this route.
		The Kulleet arrives at the ferry terminal. The Kulleet and her sister ferry the Klatawa are identical ships originally completed for inter-island service for the then Department of Highways. The Albion Ferry began in 1957 with an 18 car ferry. The Klatawa joined the old ferry in 1978. In 1985, the Kullleet (shown here) joined her sister ship, the Klatawa. The Albion route since 1999 has been operated as part of the Translink transit system. The route was toll until 1972.
		Boarding the ferry. Since the Fraser River has a large difference in depth and is also subject to tides, adjustable ramps are used, similar to those at coast ferry terminals. The ferry runs every day, and has been closed only during very high river levels during the spring and the rare times when there are ice floes on the river during winter.
		The Kulleet is propelled by engines which are dual fuel (diesel and also compressed natural gas). The Kulleet was the second of the two ferries to receive engines capable of running on a dual fuel system in 1988. The Klatawa was the first, having completed the conversion in 1985. The outside of the vessel is painted in Translink livery, but inboard she retains her original Department of Highways ferries colours, yellow and white.
		Underway across the Fraser. Looking from the port hand (left side) of the ship is this view of upstream towards Mission. The Fraser River Basin area drains about 1/3 of B.C.'s surface area. The vessel in the water is a gillnetter. The Fraser River has a salmon run each year.
		From the starboard hand (right side) is this view downstream of the Fraser River. In the distance obsured by haze and clouds are the mountains which form Vancouver's scenic background In the distance on the right bank is a sawmill. Most of the sawmills produce woodchips and sawdust for use in pulp and paper manufacturing.
		Wheelhouse of the Kulleet. Structurally the same as that aboard the Kulleet, the wheelhouse contains two seats for the Captain and quartermaster. The ferries are fitted with radar as there are many small fishboats in the river and the river particularly during the autumn does attract heavy fog.
		After a 10 minute crossing, vehicles come ashore. The grade on the drop ramp is noticable as at the time of year this picture was taken, the river is at its lowest level. During times of spring flood, it has not been uncommon for water to reach to within 2 feet below the dock, of which the bright green railing can be seen.
		Vehicles waiting to board the Kulleet on the southside of the river. The road crosses through MacMillan Island to reach Fort Langley. MacMillan Island is one of many river islands in the Fraser River between Chilliwack and its outlet to the Strait of Georgia.

		Fort Langley. This bridge crosses Bedford Channel, a part of the Fraser River. Originally a non descript highway bridge, the structure was rebuilt to this ornamental and more pleasing look a few years ago. On the right is the Fort Pub and Grill, featuring this unique tower.
		Fort Langley downtown area. A turn to the left here will bring the visitor onto Mavis Avenue with acccess to the Fort Langley National Historic site.
		To visit the National Historic site, turn left after crossing the Canadian National Railway tracks onto Mavis Ave. The former Hudson's Bay fort is just 1 km east or to the left.
		Fort Langley is a prominent part of B.C. history. To visit the Parks Canada website for Fort Langley, click on this sign. Use your back button to return here and continue south on Glover Road.
		The many retail stores and shops are accented with a tree lined Glover Road which adds to the beauty of the village.
		To find out more about Fort Langley, click on this sign. Use your back button to return here and continue travel south on Glover Road towards the Trans-Canada Highway.
		Just south of Fort Langley with a turn to the right on 88th Ave. ahead is Redwoods Golf Course. Click on the sign's to visit the website Use your back button to return here and continue south on Glover Road.
		Fort Langley at 88th Ave. 88th Ave continues from here west to end eventually at Highway 91.
		Glover Road south of Fort Langley. Glover Road goes through rural areas before ending in the City of Langley further south.
		South of Fort Langley, Glover Road continues to Langley City.It will cross over the Trans-Canada Highway and continue past Trinity Western University to meet Highway 10 which it will carry into Langley. .
		Continuing south on Glover Road with a right turn on Telegraph Road west is Belmont Golf Course. Click on the sign's to visit the website Use your back button to return here and continue south on Glover Road.
		Turn left here to access 232nd Street and the Trans-Canada Highway.

		Watch for oncoming traffic descending the hill.
		A short trip eastward connects Glover Road with 232nd Street.
		Along this country road are views of the surrounding areas, making this route a good one for a pleasant drive.
		232nd Street. This is one of a few north south routes which cut through the Fraser Valley. The route extends south in a straight aligment for a few kilometres to serve the local area.

		Highway 1 (Trans -Canada Highway).
		Click on this sign to access the Trans-Canada Highway west to Vancouver

Copyright (c) 2004 P. Keenleyside [ Legal and Terms of Use ]		Click on this sign to access the Trans-Canada Highway east to Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Hope.