THE FRASER RIVER DISCOVERY CENTRE

Our Vision

A living, working Fraser – with thriving peoples, ecosystems, and livelihoods – from headwaters to the Salish Sea.

Our Mission

To bring together the many stories and voices of the Fraser to discover, celebrate, and inspire passionate stewards of the River.

The Discovery Centre is…

A way to explore the Fraser River

Discover the stories and diversity of the entire Fraser River. Through rotating exhibits and hands-on programmes, the Fraser River Discovery Centre presents the river’s contribution to the life, history, and future of British Columbia and its people.

A resource centre

Students and researchers will find diverse research material in the Resource Centre.

A meeting place

Meet and exchange ideas about the Fraser River. The Discovery Centre seeks to connect communities up- and down-river and to provide a place to discuss, debate, and showcase the living, working Fraser River.

Fraser River Discovery Centre Timeline

1986 Development of the idea of the Fraser River Discovery Centre
1989 Fraser River Discovery Centre Society incorporated
2001 5,000 square foot Preview Centre opens along Westminster Quay
2001 Establishment of Fraser River Discovery Centre Foundation
2004 $3 million secured for construction through Founding Patrons and BC/Canada
Infrastructure Grant
2007 Construction begins to expand Preview Centre
2009 17,000 square foot Discovery Centre re-opened with exhibits on the first floor
2013 Second floor opened with three new exhibits
2017 Launch of “Journey Through the Working River” exhibit
2020 FRDC and Musqueam Indian Band (MIB) announced their intention to develop xʷtatəl̕ləm – A Place of Learning About the Indigenous Heritage and Teachings of the Fraser River
2021 $250,000 grant secured by Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Seaspan and Southern Railway of British Columbia, to support both xʷtatəl̕ləm (A Place of Learning) and River School programs.