Kent
. . . . .
| ROUND TRIP | 14.3 km (9 miles) or 19.9 km (12 ½ miles) with optional side trip |
| TERRAIN | Paved roads; flat |
| TRAFFIC VOLUME | Low, except for Lougheed Highway (Hwy 7) |
| ALLOW | 1 ½ to 2 hours |
| HIGHLIGHTS | Maria Slough, wetlands, mountain views |
| STARTING POINT | Seabird Island Road near the Community School |
| HOW TO GET THERE | BY CAR: From Lougheed Highway (Hwy 7), approximately 3 km east of Agassiz, turn left on Seabird Island Road. |
| BY TRANSIT: There is no viable transit option at this time. | |
| WHEN TO GO | Attend the Seabird Island Festival in May. |
EAST OF Agassiz, the Lougheed Highway bisects Seabird Island, home of the Stó:lo¯ First Nation. Established in 1879, the reserve comprises farmland and wetlands lying between the Fraser River and Maria Slough. The enterprising Seabird Island Band operates a cattle ranch, a nut grove, a truck stop and café, as well as running its own community school. Cyclists on Seabird Island Road will most likely get a friendly wave from residents.
We highly recommend the side trip on Chaplin Road. This country lane winds through a flat, narrow valley between the slopes of Bear Mountain and wide, peaceful Maria Slough. Returning (the road ends at a farmyard) you’ll have a grand view of Mount Cheam rising to 2100 metres above the valley.
Although we have not specified a picnic spot on this short ride, perhaps you’ll discover a suitable place, or load your bikes on to the car and head for Pioneer Park in Agassiz.
KM THE ROUTE
0.0 Seabird Island Road near the Community School.
0.9 OPTION: Left on Chaplin Road takes you along the north side of Maria Slough to a turnaround point at Riverwyk Farm. Otherwise,
0.9 Continue on Seabird Island Road through the reserve. The road eventually becomes Wahleach Road.
8.1 Right onto Lougheed Highway.
10.8 Right on Chowat Road. Cycle behind the buildings to find the road; it runs parallel to the highway and will take you past Seabird Island Community Centre to your starting point near the school.
14.3 Seabird Island Road.