When you meet Big Bar Ferry Operator Rebecca (Bec) Sturm, it’s immediately clear she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
Bec began her role as a ferry operator at Big Bar Ferry in May 2025, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and deep respect for the Fraser River crossing she now calls her second home. Operated by Dawson Road Maintenance on behalf of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, the Big Bar Ferry is more than just a river crossing, it’s a gateway to the Chilcotin and an experience many travellers carry with them long after they’ve crossed.
For Bec, that connection is personal.
A Connection to the Chilcotin Cariboo
Seven years before stepping into the role herself, Bec crossed Big Bar Ferry for the first time as a tourist.
“It was sentimental for me,” she remembers. “We crossed through Gang Ranch and into Farwell Canyon, visiting the sand dunes that no one expects to find in Canada. The views along the journey into the Chilcotin just captured my heart.”
That first crossing set her on a path to eventually move to the area. After relocating from Chilliwack with a background in agriculture, she built a life rooted in the Cariboo’s rural landscape.
Working 14 days on and 14 days off, Bec returns home to Clinton, B.C., between her shifts. There, she remains closely connected to the land by haying, riding her horse, and spending time outdoors with her border collie, Bear.
Today, as she watches travellers begin their own adventures at Big Bar, she often thinks back to that moment.
Learning from a big Bar Ferry Legend
When Bec joined the team, she was trained by Richard (Rick) Booker, who spent 28 years with Dawson Road Maintenance, including eight years operating Big Bar Ferry. She describes the experience as “such a treat.”
“He was so knowledgeable, an active historian,” she says. “Rick instilled the confidence in me to safely handle whatever the Fraser River and the elements might bring, from high water and debris to strong winds.”
Tourists still ask about him, having heard stories from others who travelled the ferry before them. The two remain in touch, and Bec is proudly following in his footsteps, not only as a skilled ferry operator, but also as the current steward of Big Bar’s history.
She is currently building a scrapbook dating back to the early 1900s to preserve the story of the ferry for herself and to share its history with those touring the area.
Images e-04410 and 29-00389 courtesy of the BC Archives.
A Warm Welcome on the Fraser River
Most of those crossing Big Bar Ferry are tourists, and many leave with more than just a ride across the Fraser River. While her role is focused on operating the ferry safely and reliably, Bec often goes a step further by sharing stories about the region with those who ask, along with offering recommendations that support Cariboo businesses.
On long weekends, the team can complete as many as 30 trips in a single day. During quieter winter months, the cable car continues to serve local families and workers who rely on the crossing year-round. Downtime at the ferry is dedicated to maintenance, ensuring the service remains dependable throughout the seasons.
A Passion for Reaction Ferries
Bec’s passion for reaction ferries runs deep. In fact, she has made it a personal goal to cross every reaction ferry in British Columbia.
“I really love this job,” she says. “There’s something magical about this place and about being part of it every day.”
She is also proud to be a woman in the industry and part of the first all-female crew at Big Bar Ferry — a milestone she does not take lightly.
“There’s nothing better than seeing a young girl watching me operate the ferry with excitement,” she says. “If I can inspire even one person, that means everything.”
When asked about the future, her answer comes easily.
“I see myself following in Rick’s footsteps and retiring here one day.”
Build Your Career in the Chilcotin Cariboo Coast
Across the Chilcotin Cariboo Coast, our teams work every day to keep communities connected — from highways and bridges to the historic Big Bar Ferry.
If you’re passionate about hands-on work and contributing to B.C.’s transportation network, Dawson Road Maintenance offers the training, mentorship, and support to help you succeed.
Join the Dawson Family and see where your career can take you.