 The "Fort Fraser" was launched in late June 1910 and was put under the command of Captain John Bonser, who was transferred from the company’s other sternwheeler, the "Nechacco".Piloted by Bonser, the "Fort Fraser" pioneered the upper reaches of the Fraser River, not only successfully navigating the Grand Canyon of the Fraser but also travelling further upriver, thus becoming the first sternwheeler to reach the head of navigation at Tête Jaune Cache.Because of her small size and ability to travel on rivers that were previously unnavigated, she was often chartered by pioneer surveyor, Frank Swannell.