The Lougheed Highway begins in Vancouver and up until the early 1970's ended at Agassiz. The highway was extended to Haig on the northwest side of the Fraser River north of Hope in order to provide another access route to the Fraser Canyon. The Port Coquitlam to Mission portion of the Lougheed Highway has been a principal route for the north side of the Fraser River since the 1920's. The route from Albion to Mission has had some widening, patricularly between here and Ruskin but between Ruskin and Mission, it retains much of its rural chacter. The route is 4 lane arterial for much of this section. It follows in close proximity to the Canadian Pacific Railway for most of its route.
Highway 7 ascends from Albion to continue on to Ruskin and Mission.

Highway 7 leaves the heavily populated areas of Maple Ridge and continues eastward through the
rural portion near Whonnock.
Still an arterial highway, Highway 7 passes by the local settlement of Whonnock.

Whonnock is landmarked by the first of many sawmills and shake and shingle mills that dot the Fraser River's north bank which is just to the right
Proceeding through the area, Highway 7 returns to its 2 lane configuration.

Ruskin.

Ruskin is a small settlement on the banks of the Stave River.

The area has a large cedar shake and shingle mill on the left, with sawmills on the left.
 
287th Street Junction.

Turning left here will begin travel on 287th St., which heads north past Ruskin Dam and provides access to Stave Lake Dam. Both dams are medium sized hydroelectric generating dams which provide additional power to the Fraser Valley region.

Both resevoirs imponded by the dams offer fishing. B.C.Hydro maintains day use areas for biking, hiking trails and picnicing, at each location.

Stave River and bridge.

The Stave River begins in the coast mountains towards the north or left, emptying into the Fraser River at its estuary outlet just to the right.

The Stave River between here and Ruskin Dam has exceptional salmon fishing in autumn.

The current bridge was completed in the 1980's to accomodate a future widening to 4 lanes. It replaced a two lane truss bridge completed in
the 1950's
 

Highway 7 runs atop a raised road off the floodplain. This location was where a major flood of the Fraser River cut the highway in 1948.

To the north or left is Silverdale Lake, a natural lake that empties into the Stave River.

Silverdale Lake is dotted on the eastern shore by well kept summer homes and permanent residences.

Silverdale.

Silverdale is a small local community on the highway.




Highway 7 continues east on a straight stretch of about 2 km across flatland.

A number of farms are located here.

Mission.

.Mission is a supply centre for the region on this side of the Fraser River. Mission used to be largely rural, but has enjoyed increased growth since the 1980's.

Mission is named for an abby which is located east of the city.

 

 

The downtown area of Mission.

Originally Highway 7 continued through the downtown area on the route to the left. The route ahead was used as an aid to access the old Mission Bridge to cross the Fraser River.
   
Continuing eastward through downtown Mission.

On the right is the Westcoast Express commuter train station. The West coast Express has twice a day scheduled service between here and Vancouver. The service was implemented in the mid 1990's.

Beyond the station in the distance is the overpass that carries Highway 11 to its end with Highway 7.

 
Highway 7 continues past the Westcoast Express with passenger car rolling stock in view
on the right.
Highway 7 East of Mission

Transition point with Mission to Agassiz section begins.

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Click on this picture to continue travel to Agassiz.