Upper Fraser, British Columbia, is a small community nestled between Aleza Lake and Hansard on the southwest side of the Fraser River. This quaint community of about 20 residents is home to a post office and several houses along Upper Fraser Road.
Upper Fraser is accessible by train, with a trackside signpost marking the flag stop for Via Rail's Jasper – Prince Rupert train. The immediate Via Rail stops are Aleza Lake to the west and McGregor to the southeast.
Upper Fraser lies at Mile 104.0, Fraser Subdivision. Previously designated as Mile 194 and the Hudson Bay Spur, it was the closest railway point east of Willow River for accessing the Fraser. The railway played a significant role in the community's development, providing a vital link for mining and hunting activities in the region. The Canadian National Railway station was known as Upper Fraser Spruce Mills from the early 1940s and was officially named Upper Fraser from 1964.
Upper Fraser, British Columbia, is known for its forestry industry. The narrow strip of accessible spruce forest bordering the railway that stretched some 100 miles (160 km) east of Prince George was known as the East Line. The Upper Fraser Spruce Mills, a modern mill with a 40,000-foot per shift capacity, opened in 1939 and was a significant contributor to the local economy.
The community of Upper Fraser developed during the mid-to-late 1940s. The community held dances and other fundraising socials in the local school building. The town site received water and sewer pipes in the 1970s, and the population of around 500 began declining with the closure of the sawmill.
Upper Fraser, British Columbia, has seen significant advancements in its infrastructure over the years. In 1964, BC Hydro constructed high-voltage pylons from Willow River to Summit Lake and Upper Fraser. In 1974, an automatic telephone exchange replaced hand cranking and party lines. The 2010s saw the introduction of high-speed internet connections to the area through fibre optics and satellite.
The road transport in Upper Fraser, British Columbia, has been a significant part of the community's development. The Hansard section covers road building, the relief camp, road transport, and bus services.
