On September 20, we're excited to offer a series of walks and workshops that invite you to connect more deeply with the river and its stories. These include a family yoga session, a guided walk along the quayside, a horticulture walk, and a smartphone photography workshop. Space is limited – pre-registration is recommended and will be prioritized.
1. Family Yoga with Yoga at the Quay
Time: 9-10am
Location: Tipperary Park
Join us for a playful river-themed, family yoga class. We’ll journey downstream together, moving through gentle poses inspired by the mighty Fraser River. Designed for all ages, this class encourages connection, creativity, and relaxation for the whole family. Come ready to move, breathe and drift into calm. This yoga class is led by Laura O’Reilly from Yoga at the Quay. Laura’s mission is to make traditional yoga accessible for everyone.
Notes:
- Meeting location: Tipperary Park Parking Lot
- Suitable for all ages.
- Please bring a yoga mat or towel as this session will be on the grass.
- Register: https://form.jotform.com/FraserRiverDiscoveryCentre/RiverFest2025GuidedWalks
2. Quayside Tour Time: 10:30-11:30am
Location: Quayside Boardwalk
Learn about the many communities, both human and non-human, the Fraser River is shaped by and supports as you stroll down the New West Boardwalk.
Notes:
- Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
- Suitable for all ages but intended for older children to adults.
- This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
- Register: https://form.jotform.com/FraserRiverDiscoveryCentre/RiverFest2025GuidedWalks
3. Horticulture Walk with Julia Alards-Tomalin
Time: 12-1pm
Location: Quayside Boardwalk
Learn to see the city in a new way! Join Julia Alards-Tomalin for a walk along the New West Boardwalk. We’ll explore the native and ornamental plants that shape our urban ecosystem, uncovering the unique features of common plants and learning practical tips for identifying them on your own. Julia Alards-Tomalin is an instructor and Program Head for the Forest and Natural Areas Management program at BCIT. Her background is diverse, including horticulture, arboriculture, invasive species management and ecological restoration, but is united by a common theme of plants. Starting in 2019, Julia began working with her students to create an Open Education textbook focusing on the winter identification of plants entitled Buds, Branches and Bark: A Guide to Winter ID in the Pacific Northwest. This book is free to download, and the 3rd edition is currently available online.
Notes:
- Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
- Suitable for all ages but intended for older children to adults. - This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
- Register: https://form.jotform.com/FraserRiverDiscoveryCentre/RiverFest2025GuidedWalks
4. Smartphone Photography Workshop with New Westminster Photography Club Time: 2-4pm
Location: Quayside Boardwalk
Learn how to make the most of your smartphone camera’s tools and capabilities. You’ll practice “seeing” light and explore basic composition tools. Develop new skills and confidence to create photographs you’ll enjoy with the best “camera” you have – the one that is always with you. This smartphone photography workshop will involve a presentation and a photo walk with coaches. This workshop is hosted in collaboration with the New Westminster Photography Club.
Notes:
- Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
- This workshop is for ages 12 and above.
- This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
- Register: https://form.jotform.com/FraserRiverDiscoveryCentre/RiverFest2025GuidedWalks
