Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park — Attraction in Area A (Boston Bar/North Bend/Canyon Alpine)

Avoid going to Hells Gate and, instead, visit this park and bridge; the scenery is just as good and the bridge affords you a great view of the Fraser River. Hiking/Walking Trails are nearby and the area is relatively quiet depending on the day/time that you go.

As with most of these types of parks in BC, the facilities are few to none. I am never quite sure why this Province refuses to pave a simple parking lot and add some park benches here and there. The parking area is small and appears to be a free-for-all; that is, one person parks length wise, one person parks width wise, and ends up taking all of the parking spaces leaving none available.

I get it that this Province is environmentally extreme (some would say insane), but what's wrong with paving over the gravel and adding some lines so that parking is rectified so that people can actually visit the park?

Be aware that you do have to walk across an active train track; so look for trains before crossing. It would also be hard for someone in a scooter, wheel-chair, or with movement problems to make their way to the bridge without assistance. There is a hill that you have to walk down and walk up - for most individuals in average shape, this will pose no problems. But for movement problems, it might be of some concern.

But for a free attraction that has some spectacular views of the Fraser River and Canyon, Alexandra Bridge is...

She's looking mighty fine in her autumn surroundings today, Wednesday, October 9, 2019!

The Alexandra Bridge is a favorite place to stop when driving between the Cariboo and the Lower Mainland. From the parking area to the bridge and back, including a few minutes to shoot photos, is a nice 18 minute HIIT walk/run to break up your drive and burn off some of those travel snacks.

Or you can take your time and hike around on either side of the bridge, through beautiful forest trails with a huge variety of green life to enjoy.

Be careful crossing the railway - trains show up suddenly without warning.

The mighty Fraser River down below is awe-inspiring. Those with a fear of heights might be a bit uncomfortable crossing the rusty metal deck, but even to stand and gaze from the foot of the bridge, from where this photo was taken, is a pleasure.

I am one who carries bear spray with me any time I am in the woods. It doesn't hurt to have a can on hand here. I've been to the bridge at least a dozen times and never seen a bear, but better...

What a great place to visit to soak in some history, built in the 1800's. The original road bridge was constructed in 1861 by Joseph Trutch, Commissioner of Public Works for the Colony of British Columbia, as part of the development of the Cariboo Road using aboriginal and Chinese labour (though a government minister, Trutch contracted the job privately to his own profit and had the toll license at the location as part of his remuneration). He named the bridge after Princess Alexandra of Wales (wife of Queen Victoria's eldest son, who would become Edward VII). Trutch's bridge was rebuilt by the Royal Engineers as construction of the Cariboo Road progressed, with the newer span...