Spring Update from our General Manager

Hello & Ey Swayel,

Spring has arrived at Fraser River Lodge, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share all the excitement with you!

We've warmly welcomed some wonderful new members to our lodge family, our llamas Kuzco and Kronk (yes, inspired by The Emperor's New Groove!). These friendly additions have quickly become favorites, bringing joy to everyone who visits. You'll love meeting Kuzco and Kronk, so make sure to stop by and say hello during your next visit!

Weddings are special to us all year round, but things really took off beautifully in April, with 17 wonderful couples tying the knot against the backdrop of Mount Cheam. It's an incredible privilege to share in these unforgettable celebrations, and we can't wait to be part of yours.

We've also had the pleasure of hosting a number of corporate retreats and team-building groups. Whether brainstorming in our meeting spaces, laughing together on jet boat rides, or connecting over sturgeon fishing, it's always inspiring to watch people step away from the everyday and rediscover what makes great teamwork. (And yes, landing a dinosaur-sized sturgeon might be the only time the quietest person in the office gets to scream louder than the boss!)

There’s exciting news from our culinary team. We are thrilled to welcome Ian Miller as our new Executive Chef. Ian started at the lodge in 2021 as our Executive Sous Chef. Before his time here, he helped open Published on Main, one of Vancouver’s most renowned restaurants. Ian’s passion for local ingredients, foraging, and creativity has been impressing our guests for years.

At the same time, we’re proud to share that Justin Paakkunanien has stepped into a new leadership role as our Director of Hospitality & Operations. For the past four years, Justin led our kitchen as Executive Chef, feeding tens of thousands of guests with his signature farm-to-table approach, a culinary experience guests still rave about. This new chapter allows Justin to bring his passion for excellence and his deep understanding of guest experience to the broader Lodge operations. Justin will continue to show his food passion while collaborating with Chef Ian during our Long Table Dinners.

Speaking of Long Table Dinners, mark your calendars for June 6th! By popular demand, our Long Table Dinner returns, featuring an exquisite multi-course meal, thoughtfully paired beverages, and breathtaking wild bison views. Only 12 seats remain, so book your spot soon! It's truly an immersive culinary experience that every foodie must see. (Limited tickets available!)

Though we won't be welcoming new baby bison this year, we're already planning to expand the herd in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates!

Fishing season is off to an exceptional start, thanks to our exclusive Indigenous fishing partner, Great River Fishing Adventures. This year, we're particularly excited for the return of pink salmon, traditionally known as the "humpback" or "Skwówech" salmon. These salmon are especially fun for fly fishers and beginners alike. In Sto:lo tradition, the journey of the Skwówech symbolizes resilience, determination, and interconnectedness.

We’ve also welcomed many guests this season for local staycations, a relaxing break from city life just a short drive from Vancouver. Soaking in a private hot tub, wandering by the river, or simply enjoying quiet moments away from traffic and noise has been the reset many folks have said they needed.

Our hardworking maintenance team has been trimming back blackberry bushes to keep the views pristine. Between those prickly projects, they’ve also been caring for our chickens, llamas, and bison, activities we suspect double as animal therapy after tangling with the blackberries!

Don't forget our Open House coming up on June 15th, hosted alongside our owners, Cheam First Nation. The event will feature salmon, Bannock and a pig roast. It is a great chance to tour the property, meet our team, and experience the heart of what makes this place so special. As a lodge proudly 100% Indigenous owned we're eager to share all we have to offer with you.

None of this is possible without the hardworking team I have the absolute privilege of leading. This year we are proud to employ 35 locals and 10 working holiday employees from Australia, the UK, and Poland.

Thank you for being a part of our lodge family. We can't wait to welcome you soon!

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Warm regards,

Claudette Krahn

General Manager