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Mission (population: 34,505) is located along the Fraser River by the Loughheed Highway, about 70 km (43 mi) east of Vancouver. Originally inhabited by the Sto:lo First Nation, the city was officially incorporated in 1892.
Mission has an intriguing history of firsts: it is the site of BC's first rail link to the United States and of Canada's first train robbery. It is also home to such popular attractions as Westminster Abbey monastery, Xá:ytem National Historic Site (the oldest known First Nations' archaeological site in BC) and the Power House at Stave Falls (one of the earliest hydroelectric dams).
Mission is renowned as a fishing destination, particularly for sturgeon, which are often 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft) in length, as well as salmon, steelhead and trout. From its location on a mountain slope, Mission enjoys magnificent views of the lush Fraser Valley.
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