Journey the Route of the Salmon,
from Headwaters to Sea

Riley Brennan, a Fraser Basin Council Youth Advisory Committee representative, reflects on what the month-long Sustainable Living Leadership Program meant to her. Video supplied by the Fraser Basin Council.

Our 2020 trip is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can participate in the 2020 Virtual SLLP.

We are looking for dedicated, passionate leaders who are striving to heal and protect the Fraser Watershed. The RSBC is working to conserve, protect and restore the Fraser Watershed within this generation. We aim to support a Watershed Champion in each of the Fraser’s 34 riversheds. If you would like to become part of this exciting initiative, then the Sustainable Living Leadership Program is for you!

Since 2002, the SLLP has run fifteen times producing 110 graduates. You will join this amazing group of almuni working to heal and protect the Fraser and it’s watersheds.

A video about Brock Endean, a Fraser Basin Council Board Director and Youth Advisory Committee representative, and his 2018 SLLP experience.
Video supplied by the Fraser Basin Council.

You will travel 1,400 kms down the mighty Fraser River, one of the world’s great salmon rivers, by canoe, raft, shuttle van, and on foot.

Evenings are spent camping under the stars along the banks of the river, while days are spent learning about Watershed CPR and designing your own Watershed Solutions project to implement in your community.

Traveling through ten of BC’s fourteen biogeoclimatic zones, you learn about watershed threats and solutions, salmon, land and resource management, and how to conserve, protect and restore watersheds. You’ll share, strategize and discuss what it means to live sustainably.

Engaging with peers, facilitators, and the RSBC’s extensive network of community leaders, you will learn from – and get inspired by – their experiences and knowledge as you meet them in their communities. Team building, conflict resolution, communication and critical thinking are part of this dynamic program.

Each day you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from ancient rainforests, deserts and grasslands to sage brush and floodplain. By the time you reach the Salish Sea, you will have designed your own Watershed Solutions project suited to your community, and will have gained the skills and confidence to make a difference in your community.

*Please note this trip is alcohol and recreational drug free.

How to Apply

Itinerary

Please keep in mind these dates and times are subject to change due to weather, logistics or other unforeseen circumstances:

Day 1 – 3 
Introductions
Rivershed biographies
Sustainability projects‎
Walks to Overlander Falls, Kinney Lake and Fraser Headwaters
Practice paddle
Leadership activities
Fraser River and riversheds

Day 4 – 7 
Paddle from Tete Jaune to Crescent Spur
Community dinner in Dunster
Layover in McBride
Work on sustainability projects
Walk to Rainbow Falls

Day 8 – 12 
Layover in the Goat River valley
Group leadership activity
Goat River Trail clearing and hike
Hike Goat/Milk Ridge or project plans
Ancient Forest walk (near Crescent Spur)
Community dinner in Prince George
Community dinner in Quesnel
Shuttle to Xatśūll

Day 13 – 22
Layover day in Xatśūll – work on Project plans
Community dinner in Xatśūll
Raft from Xatśūll to Yale
Fish capture demonstration with DFO
Tour of Potato House in Williams Lake
Community dinner in Williams Lake
Layover day in the Cathedrals
Solo hike
Guided tour of Bridge River
Community dinner in Lillooet
Community dinner in Tuckkwiowhum
Raft Hell’s Gate
Community dinner in Yale
Community dinner in Kanaka Bar

Day 23 – 27 
Shuttle to Hope
Paddle from Hope to Vancouver
Tour of Glen Valley Organic Farm
Tour of Colony Farm community gardens
Tour Fraser River Discover Centre, New Westminster
Paddle from Musqueam to Jericho Sailing Centre
Final closing circle
Graduation ceremony
Final group photo

How to Apply

Our 2020 trip is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can participate in the 2020 Virtual SLLP.