The First Trans-Canada Auto Trip

Halifax: August 27, 1912 <<<    >>> Victoria: October 17, 1912

Daily News: October 13, 1997

The Fertile Fraser Valley

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Hope, British Columbia to Chilliwack, British Columbia
Distance: 64 km	Driving Hours: 1.5 h	Fuel: 15 l	Weather: Cloudy	Temperature: Min. 4 Max. 12

After it reaches Hope, the Fraser River quickly broadens out as it flows through a wide valley. The Fraser Valley contains some of British Columbia's finest farmlands. Many vegetables are grown in the valley, particularly corn in the area around Chilliwack.

When the Reo arrived in Chilliwack, members of the Antique Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada had assembled to meet them, having made the 110 km drive from Vancouver in the morning. The cars included Ken Findlay's 1912 Oakland, as well as a 1910 Cadillac, 1913 Cadillac, and a 1914 Model T Ford. As well, Geoff Crowe had accompanied the antiques in his 1931 Model A. Geoff and Ken have been instrumental in organizing the Vancouver end of the Reo's trip.

After an afternoon of visiting, the whole group gathered together for a dinner and an opportunity to make plans for a busy day tomorrow. Tuesday's itinerary includes stops in New Westminster (11:30), Speedy Mufflers on Kingsway in Burnaby (1:30) and Vancouver City Hall (3:15). Wednesday the Reo will be on display at Speedy on 4th Ave from 9:00 to 10:30 AM before proceeding to Vanier Park for a wheel dipping ceremony at 11:00 AM.

It was only a short drive to Chilliwack, in the fertile Fraser Valley

Nearby Cultus Lake is a popular summer recreation spot for the people of B.C.'s lower mainland.

Members of the Antique Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada met the Reo at Chilliwack (1912 Oakland, 1913 Cadillac).

... The cheapest gas of the whole trip was found in Chilliwack, B.C.

On this day in 1912 ...

• The Pathfinders were shown 3 kilometres of "the new road," which was to join Hope and Princeton. The road was not completed for many years.