Bodies of water in Vancouver
From Freepedia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is home to several bodies of water within and around its boundaries.
Of over 30 historically salmon-bearing streams diverted into underground culverts due to urbanization, several have been restored to a state visible and habitable again by plants and wildlife.[1]
- Spanish Banks Creek flows through Pacific Spirit Regional Park near U.B.C. It terminates at the beach under the Spanish Banks cliffs on Northwest Marine Drive. Urban development rendered the creek impassable to adult fish for many decades but the creek has been restored and since 2001, Coho salmon have been returning there to spawn.
- Musqueam Creek flows through the Musqueam Reserve in the Southlands region of Vancouver and is protected by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. It is in the process of restoration by the Musqueam Band. Coho and Chum salmon have returned to this creek in small amounts.
- Still Creek is a 17 km long creek that begins in Vancouver, crosses into Burnaby, and terminates in New Westminster. In Vancouver, the Still Creek Watershed is bounded by 1st Avenue, 49th Avenue, Nanaimo Street, and Boundary Road. Portions of the creek are visible and the City of Vancouver is working to uncover (or "daylight") more of the creek, however most of it still lies underground, directed by culverts and storm sewers.
- Beaver Creek begins at Beaver Lake and terminates in the ocean, under a bridge at the intersection of Pipeline Road and Stanley Park Drive.
- Beaver Lake is a lake in the interior of Stanley Park, surrounded by walking trails and home to many water birds.
- Lost Lagoon is a captive body of water, west of Georgia Street, near the entrance to Stanley Park. It is a nesting ground to many species of bird, including swan, Canada geese, and heron. East of Lost Lagoon, across Georgia Street, is Coal Harbour, an extension of Burrard Inlet. The lagoon is now landlocked but used to be connected to the inlet, resulting in significant tidal changes along its gradual shores. While rare in recent decades, Lost Lagoon can freeze during a cold spell, permitting public ice skating and ice hockey. A large fountain graces the northeast end of the lagoon, spraying water in the air which can be seen for many blocks. The lagoon was named by poet Pauline Johnson.
- Trout Lake is a popular swimming location and nesting ground to many species of bird. In the late 1800s, Trout Lake was a floating peat bog that supplied water to Hastings Mill. Adjacent to the lake is a community centre, playground, ice rink, and a summer farmers' market. It is located at East 15th Avenue and Victoria Drive in East Vancouver's John Hendry Park.
Boundary waters
External links
- Spanish Banks Creek at urbanstreams.org
- Spanish Banks Creek at GVRD
- Musqueam Creek
- Wild, Threatened, Endangered and Lost Streams of the Lower Fraser Valley, a Fisheries and Oceans Canada publication
- Still Creek information page
- Lost Lagoon Photo Gallery
- Trout Lake
- Map of Beaver Lake and its surrounding trails
