The unofficial BC Travel & Tourism Guide
The Vancouver area is well known for having a rare blend of urban amenities set alongside natural beauty. Nowhere is this better exemplified than in Pitt Meadows. Set on the north side of the Fraser River 45 minutes east of Vancouver, the community of Pitt Meadows (population 17,000) has an active commercial area but is set alongside a rich complex of fields, forests, lakes and rivers. Pitt Lake itself is the largest freshwater tidal lake in North America. As the Fraser River is backed-up from where it meets Georgia Strait, the tidal push moves inland for 40 km, moves up Pitt River and raises Pitt Lake, flooding marshes and peat bogs; as it recedes, it exposes grassy ‘reverse deltas’ in the centre of the lake. Additionally, the Alouette River flows from Alouette Lake and forms the eastern boundary of Pitt Meadows.
Pitt Meadows waterscapes are framed to the north by the Coast Mountains. These tower upwards at the head of the lake and include Golden Ears Provincial Park. For most of the summer, snow continues to melt from these peaks and forms a freshet that feeds Pitt Lake and the river.
The broad flat topography has made Pitt Meadows a desirable agricultural area since the late 19 Century. Today, it is best known for growing cranberries, blueberries and strawberries (and even berry-based wine making). There are also specialty greenhouses growing flowers and other produce.
Activities in Pitt Meadows naturally centre on the great outdoors. The dykes that hold back the river, lake and tidal waters make for great walking, cycling and wildlife viewing. Pitt Meadows is also favoured by cyclists for its quiet, paved roads that criss-cross the agricultural lands. Golf is another favourite, with several courses nearby. Fishing for a variety of species, including trout and dolly varden, is a popular pastime. Boating on Pitt Lake (access at south end) is very popular and includes a tour on an old paddle wheeler which departs from New Westminster.
Pitt Meadows waterscapes are framed to the north by the Coast Mountains. These tower upwards at the head of the lake and include Golden Ears Provincial Park. For most of the summer, snow continues to melt from these peaks and forms a freshet that feeds Pitt Lake and the river.
The broad flat topography has made Pitt Meadows a desirable agricultural area since the late 19 Century. Today, it is best known for growing cranberries, blueberries and strawberries (and even berry-based wine making). There are also specialty greenhouses growing flowers and other produce.
Activities in Pitt Meadows naturally centre on the great outdoors. The dykes that hold back the river, lake and tidal waters make for great walking, cycling and wildlife viewing. Pitt Meadows is also favoured by cyclists for its quiet, paved roads that criss-cross the agricultural lands. Golf is another favourite, with several courses nearby. Fishing for a variety of species, including trout and dolly varden, is a popular pastime. Boating on Pitt Lake (access at south end) is very popular and includes a tour on an old paddle wheeler which departs from New Westminster.