700 KM of Rail that Never Saw A Single Train. Abandoned & Forgotten. Destination Adventure

Abandoned places have always fascinated me - the stories they hold, the lives they have seen come and go, but this one is a little different. This rail line is nearly 700 km long, and was built to connect Northern BC to the rest of the province rail system. The entire rail grad, including this massive bridge was laid, constructed and levelled, but just several km before completion, the entire project was abandoned. This was at a massive cost to the country, coming in at more than 2 billion dollars in todays value.
What is the most strange to me, is that it has basically become forgotten. With all of the large scale mining happening in northern BC, especially in this particular area, the infrastructure for a rail line has been hidden in the forest for half a century, but nobody has taken advantage of the opportunity.
Fuel is expensive in the north, food is expensive in the north, everything is expensive in the north, all because it costs so much to ship goods that far. In fact, things are so expensive that people living in the north actually get a tax break. Yet, for the past fifty years, a mostly finished railway has been sitting, waiting for rail and waiting to service the north.
Trains are massive machines, and they have to burn a lot of fuel to power those big electric motors, but for the amount cargo they can carry, they are one of the most efficient forms of transportation. Countries all around the world utilize a rail system for all different types of transportation, from human to livestock and freight. You can travel across continents on trains, and even under the ocean, but here in Canada our only passenger train is for tourists. I wish our country had a rail system open for passengers, because it would be a beautiful and affordable way to travel around the country.
Abandoned or not, I am happy to have finally had the chance to make my way out there and find that old train trestle bridge.
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[@johnanderson2977]

Did anyone else get the jitters when Dustin was racing across that slippery bridge on his ebike... Great adventure as always!

[@OMCCsam]

absolutely ! 😮

[@conniewojahn6445]

"Jitters" doesn't begin to describe the feeling. Stopping over the raging river didn't instill confidence, either.

[@rawdio.docdar5715]

Nope

[@banjosqueezebox]

This actually makes me so mad… in Canada we have very limited transportation…. We used to be so proud of CNR and the CPR. And now they are all but the main line gone rails to trails … we have very limited railway service an no greyhound busses anymore. Honestly we can’ give up our cars or we’ll have to go on foot.

[@Jagabot_Esq.]

The only reason the line to Dease Lake was built was to haul asbestos and copper. And both of those went tits up in the late 70s so the project was abandoned before it was ever completed. This line had NOTHING to do with the CPR or the CNR, this was a BCR (BC Rail) project, BCR used to be the third largest railroad company in Canada. Now it's leased almost in entirety to CN.

[@thepiedpiper-i7x]

Especially knowing that even every single 3rd world country has nation-wide public transport!

[@LaOwlett]

I used to take a greyhound to a small town, hike to some crown land, camp, fish and hunt small game for a week, then hop on a bus home... all on a minimum wage income in the 90's and early 2000's. Back country camping used to be accessible to anyone who really wanted it.

[@robertbates3935]

@@Jagabot_Esq.the whole northern. Bc is full of resources, including timber, copper, iron ore, jade, etc it was a So intended to provide great South BC and Washington State freigh to

[@davidtyler-ul9vw]

Aye, if it was legal to sue Greyhound over improper abandonment of service, then I am sure some look legal organization would have done it.

[@chucktheperson1063]

Worked on the Dease Lake rail extension 1974-75. My first camp job as a young HD mechanic. 10-12 hour days, 7 days a week for a one month minimum. Fly in or drive by assess road near Tatogga lake. Second camp was fly in only. Beautiful but remote. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍

[@HITEKSTRANGER]

Thankyou for adding reality to something almost unreal in it's scope ! Could you imagine trying to fill positions like what you did these days?? How many panzies would it take to build that amazing bridge? It would not happen... Cheers to a real alpha male from an old panzie !

[@chucktheperson1063]

@@HITEKSTRANGER The money was a draw. Also wanted to work on repairing big road construction equipment to learn more for future jobs. Most guys (75%) were divorced or alcoholics. Almost became an alcoholic myself. Tough men to be sure.

[@come4t_a_bull]

​@@HITEKSTRANGER- would still happen, we're a tough breed and always will be. The "pansies" have their place (indoors somewhere) and do some important things too. As for the rest of us... Happy (or not) trails... The effort's the thing! Cheers... and thanks Dustin.

[@rodmcdonald980]

thanks for sharing this, brought back lots of memories. I was contracted to do an assessment of access along the rail grade from Tatogga Lake south to the area we called The Headwaters. this is the area where the Klappan, Nass and Skeena Rivers all start. I did the work in 2012, then again in 2015. In 2012 I was able to drive the entire route with a pickup, by 2015 there were some sections of the rail grade that had washed out that made access by pickup a no go so we flew the entire route in a helicopter. the area you wanted to camp was the staging area for horse access into Spatsizi Park. Keep safe and the great videos coming.

[@stickynorth]

EPIC video! I have been obsessed with this abandoned project for decades since it's part of the backbone railway to Alaska project that was conceived during WWII but never completed. It still blows my mind that Alaska and The Yukon remain isolated from the rest of North America because the railway was never completed...

[@come4t_a_bull]

Yup, well said.

[@leobaltz2057]

Destination Adventure and Simple Living Alaska are what keeps me on KZbin. Two channels who NEVER disappoint!!

[@zackwindisch1595]

If you like those you’d probably like Truck House Life too! This channel and that one are my favorite 2 I’ll have to check out simple alaska living

[@oxygen454]

@@zackwindisch1595same here has a great channel too! And Forestry Forrest

[@ronbaer67]

if only they would dual upload to rumble

[@patperron8790]

Jenny Adrift, Life of Luke are also good juans

[@HoneyandMe]

This was fun to watch as it brought back memories! Years ago, when we were living in Smithers, BC, and looking at a transfer to Dease Lake in the future, we hauled our then 3 kids and our Lionel tent trailer up the Cassiar for 2 weeks of camping. We wanted to look at a place down the rail grade, and at that time it was still in pretty great shape for quite a distance. We enjoyed a week of boondocking, saw gorgeous scenery, and on our way out got a flat tire. lol! On taking the spare off from where it was mounted under the vehicle (a Ford Explorer), we discovered it had been mounted stem down. As we had travelled, each time the stem dragged on a high point in the road, air had been let out! So now we had 2 flats! Thankfully, we were not the only ones out there and we were helped by someone with a compressor to reinflate the spare. It was just another event on a pretty eventful 2 weeks! We did end up moving to Dease Lake a few years later, and then bought property on the Cassiar, where we travel to every fall from southern BC for a few months. We LOVE it up there!

[@tracyb8193]

I live in Sweet Home Alabama in the south and I'm getting too old to travel that far. Thanks so much for taking me and everyone else with you. I had no idea Canada was so beautiful!

[@mikehunt4797]

We don't call it Beautiful British Columbia for no reason. Lived there my 43 years on this rock.

[@shilohandme3697]

I’ll be seventy next May. Spent my first two years away from home in Alaska in early 70’s. My brother and I enjoyed the Alaska Hwy when it was dirt and gravel. Lived in AK for two years. I’m an old man with heart disease but I never stop dreaming of going back.

[@melanie_meanders]

hahaha what did ya think was up here?? all snow!!!? ❤

[@mikehunt4797]

@shilohandme3697 you should go now while you still can my man! If your capable.make that dream come true. Goodluck sir.

[@lorellgingrich6603]

@@shilohandme3697 One of my uncles was part of the team building the Alaska highway during WWII.

[@michellebreau1124]

Happy to spend another Saturday morn with you, Dustin and Emi

[@Destination_Adventure]

Happy to have you here 😊

[@MrCanamkid]

ses une destination pour Aventure toute les semaines , belle vidéo 👍

[@JaYf7709]

You do what people love. I hope you get a million subs. From Maine with all the love and appreciation to see what you've done.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Thank you very much 😊

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@Destination_Adventure I believe that it would be helpful if you also mentioned the damage that the Hudson Bay Trading Company did to the Metis and First Nations People when the Hudson Bay Company "needed their land"... Perhaps I shouldn't complain too much about the abuse of First Nations People, as I owe my existence to this part of Canadian History. If my mom's biological mother hadn't been raped as a 15 year old Residential Boarding School Student by a White Staff Member, my mom wouldn't exist, and thus I wouldn't exist...

[@SaltyNationalist]

Here's a little bit to go towards fuel Dustin.. These adventures are nothing short of absolute beauty, from the scenery to the music and beyond.. Y'all stay safe out there, and we'll see you next week..

[@Destination_Adventure]

Thanks so much for the support. 😊 🍻

[@sforgus27]

Awesome. I can’t believe all the work that went into that rail bed and trestle, but it worked out for a great episode for you (and us)!

[@andrewkuperstein3892]

Thanks for taking us along.

[@tanyamccarron7628]

Ahhh ... that railway and that bridge have been on my bridge to explore for a while now. And the hubs just showed me a pic of when he was there. Can't wait to see it in person because you've showed it beautifully. As always, thanks for sharing :) see you next week!

[@realcanadian67]

Theres some massive culverts you can see from satellite view too, further back. Its very sad.

[@TinTin-nz2kt]

That was pretty impressive going across the bridge that fast. An that was definitely worth the time to get there to show us this. The concrete at the base of the bridge from the drone shot looked to be in pretty good condition.

[@mpetrino7330]

Dustin hi from Calgary. Man absolutely damn fantastic area. The rail bridge is amazing engineering and construction all the way out there , they built it to last. Its crazy think of all the river water and Spring ice flow that have passed those concrete bridge piers and they look new. Great cinematography most viewers have no idea how much time and talent you put into each segment. Fantastic adventure today, thanks !!!.

[@linusdegrell]

Here in Sweden we have thousamds of kilometer of abandoned railroads that were all removed during the 60ies and 70ies to favour road transport.. The embankments are mostly still there 50 years later either as roads, bicycle tracks or just hidden in the forrests. We could have had an amazing environmental friendly transportation network to many desolate places. But yeah, it was another time.. 🤷 Many thanks for this insight into Canadian history! Love your creations.

[@gtvgranberg]

600mil=6000km=3728miles destroyed :(

[@countryboytrappedinthecity9473]

Awesome as always Dustin. You never cease to remind me how BEAUTIFUL BC is. I'm so thankful my ancestors settled here giving me the opportunity to live in the most amazing Province in the Country.

[@wilbback8589]

Thank you for taking me somewhere other than here, Sleepy Hollow (hahahaha) even if it was only for a short while ~ My sphinter sure tightened when you went to the edge of the trestle !!! Much Love and Many Blessings ...

[@lharestad6804]

Stellar video of areas most will never see. Thanks Dustin and Emmie! 😁

[@daveschofield9448]

Very Cool!!!! Thanks again, Dustin, for Saturday morning TV!

[@Destination_Adventure]

😊

[@ArK047]

Very fascinating piece of rail history in BC. The grade is still mostly visible on satellite imagery so I've tried to map it on Gaia. I get the environmental concerns about reactivating the project, and the forestry and mining industry no longer have as free a hand as when the route was originally planned, so there's practically no chance of it being restarted. It would be amazing if it was at least regraded as a rail trail for recreation, like a linear park or something, but there are so many major water crossings that maintaining them would probably consume the entire parks budget, let alone clearing the slides that probably happen every spring.

[@harleygem5049]

AND...Saturday can begin...thx for another spectacular video sharing the wilds of Canada! Thx Emi for joining the tour this season. You need another e-bike now though....

[@landlice48]

Absolutely love seeing you and Emi really enjoying life out in the wilderness of beautiful BC . Thanks for sharing your expert photography, music and humour. You make life I more interesting for us viewers .

[@staceyhazelett2397]

Beautiful footage, and that bridge was amazing!

[@onthewater4020]

Dude, I've been waiting to see what that bridge looks like for a decade. I don't have the means to get up there, thank you for doing this.

[@almorris1623]

As a young buck growing up with all the controversy of the "Dease Lake Extension" you are correct......I had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for taking me there

[@gerryrozema8338]

I remember the controversy, then some years later I was working up in the Takla area, that train came up to the logging camps (mills) in that area for a while. Problem was, the grade was built so poorly the trains had to run 5mph and slower most of the time. There was a good reason it ended up abandoned, the piece headed to to Takla did get rails, and was virtually unuseable shortly after it was put into use. Bottom line, BCR was more about politics than railroads, hence the reason it was eventually sold off. The only real value by that point was the rolling stock and a few of the more southern lines, those lines up to the north were virtually unmaintainable.

[@MW-nOttawa]

​@@gerryrozema8338 they should have used some type of track system that could pull/push up and down slopes. Like a cable or pulley buffer system like a roller coaster.

[@gerryrozema8338]

@@MW-nOttawa That wouldn't have helped. The base was not properly compacted, the problem wasn't that tracks were to steep, the problem was they kept sinking on one side, not the other, then trains would rock and compound the problem, and ultimately there were to many derailments because of the poor base they built.

[@foamer443]

Think I've got this correct, vaguely recalling a newspaper storey, where they mentioned muskeg being a problem and they had left a locomotive parked one night and the next morning found it had sunk. Also in some places they were using plywood for ties to spread the weight and they were lighter than regular ties. Wouldn't mind betting all made up nonsense to sell papers.

[@shanemitchell7870]

The north lines are the only ones that actually make cn money. They have but abandoned the south portion. Freight no longer runs south of 100 mile house. Except for the rocky mountaineer trains don’t run between Squamish and 100 mile.

[@jennysolomon-haase9103]

I love your adventures; rain, mud, graveled roads, and all. My career was in the Coast Range of Oregon. I can almost smell the air! Your sense of humor is the best. I can't wait see you take us next.

[@johnmccormick175]

Great video Dustin and Emi..interesting the old rail line and bridges never used wow imagine the time and cost! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next video!

[@toddtraficanti4832]

I’m a born and raised desert rat from Az, it’s so nice to watch your videos. We have forests nearby but nothing like your beautiful country side.

[@carymnuhgibrilsamadalnasud1222]

Nothing beautiful about Canada

[@esidedude2869]

My Saturday morning routine. First, fix coffee. Step two,Smash like button. Step three, change picture quality to 480 from default 360 auto. Step four, set screen from original to full picture. Step five, press play. Then sit back and enjoy the show. Thanks Big D! 👊🤙✌️

[@Destination_Adventure]

You should bump that quality up to 4K if your internet supports. 🤘🏻. Stoked to be part of the Saturday morning routine 😊

[@evileyeball]

I use dustin at night to keep myself going when working night shift :) hahaha Drink a pot of tea and listen to the smooth tones of adventure.

[@richardbeee]

Thanks!

[@Destination_Adventure]

Thanks so much for the support. 😊 🍻

[@maxmegamax2174]

Great video! Abandoned railways like this are really fascinating

[@andrea6421]

Wow! Everything is so lush & green & truly wild! Thanks for another great and fun video 😊

[@shanemitchell7870]

Thank you Dustin for sharing this video! Track was laid from Fort st James to mineret which was a log load out for Bc rail. This track was laid in the mid 90’s and lasted until about 2007 when cn condoned the line. Prior to the line being re opened in the 90’s it was temporarily abandoned in 1983. At that time the track ran to driftwood where they loaded logs out to PG. An interesting ghost town is Leo creek where a sawmill was built. They shipped out raw logs and wood chips to go to PG. It would be awesome if you did a follow up video on Leo creek. You can somewhat see on google earth the remnants of the old sawmill. I know of photos too. Cheers and thanks for all the adventures!

[@genesturby9247]

In 1973 I loaded worktrains hauling gravel out of the gravel pit at Leo Creek. Also out of pits at Fort St James, Takla Landing... Also spent some time stationed at Buckley House... It was a fantastic time for a young fellow to work on the Railway 🚂🚃🚃 ☺️

[@k.wi.7991]

I was happy to finally be able to give you a real thumbs up between Carmacks and Pelly Crossing on Tuesday! One of the few good things that come out of waiting at the bridge renovation at McCabe Creek😁 Happy and safe travels to both of you, and may you never run out of battery power for your cameras and drone!

[@Destination_Adventure]

Wish there wasn’t any traffic, I would have been stoked to pass over a sticker. 😊

[@k.wi.7991]

@@Destination_Adventure That would have been nice. But I learned a long time ago, that I can't have it all. Maybe another time, another place.

[@plumbobmillionaire6246]

So enjoyable. I’ve travelled a lot of bc but it’s slowed down a bit since having kids . Heading off for our first camping trip today with my one and two year old kids, so many adventures ahead. Your videos keep the fire fueled

[@tobyz.3452]

Great video Justin!! Superb on so many levels. Keep up the great work and safe journey for you and Emi.

[@herbchilds1512]

Drove the Cassiar Highway in July 1984. We noticed the unused railway construction along the way. We also noticed the Cassiar Asbestos Mine was offering free guided tours. We passed on that.

[@c.d.7742]

My father and I drove the full length of the Stewart-Cassier in '97. I am from Ontario and that year we took a month to go up the Alaska Hwy and do the circle in Alaska along with the length of the Dempster to Inuvik and then back down the Classier and home through the USA to cross at the Soo and back to Ottawa area. Good times.

[@Stacyr4567]

Awesome video. Amazed by the supposed railway and abandoned bridge.

[@barbweimar8278]

Wow just a fascinating and beautiful episode. Hard to believe the enormity of the rail line project and that it would be abandoned. Thanks for this. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@marketmalc]

I must admit that I didn't feel happy until you got off that old bridge. Glad it was you and not me!! 🤣 Thank you for the experiance.

[@macaelapayn7529]

Thanks guys,perfect again,soundtrack,views,commentary,the hosts,All on key. Love it

[@stephan7144]

By far one of your best videos. Wish places like this were more open to explore.

[@marilyncosby7106]

Thanks, Dustin, for the close up of the bear scat as you drove by. So lovely!😂 I could just hear the conversation between you and Emi over that one. It had me laughing out loud!

[@ronhansen1316]

Thanks for the memories. I worked on the north end of the rail grade for a company called Keen Industries. We had to fly in and out on their own DC3 aircraft. I retired to Thailand 15 years ago. Just found your channel and have greatly enjoyed what I’ve seen. Keep up the good work. (I’m originally from Prince George)

[@stevenbridge]

That one was fun Dustin. I had a hard time finding your route, it wasn't was what I first thought it was. I kept saying, "why is the river on his left when it should be on his right. Took me a while to figure it out but I learned a lot of interesting things about the area while I was at it. In fact there is one that you might be interested in. Simon Gunanoot's grave site on Bowser Lake. The significance of the site lies in its historical, social, cultural, and spiritual values, particularly as a place of memory and legend about the accused and acquitted outlaw Simon Peter Gunanoot. You would have to use your Rib, (but that is part of the fun), and access Bowser Lake from Bowser Main off the Stewart-Cassiar Hwy. Thanks again for another great vid.

[@richarddrum9970]

Thanks to you Dustin and Emi for that wonderful view of the British Columbia countryside. It’s a shame that they never completed that line, but fascinating that the bridge is still there and sturdy. The BCR is one of my favorite railroads in North America. Travel safe.

[@ozzfest2]

This has become my favorite part of Saturday ❤. My breaks at work is filled with the BC beauty

[@katheriner9970]

So nice to see those abandoned structures coming up again; the strange and complex story of our shared North American history as told through the loose threads of the outer weave. Also, watching you dodge the branches had me thinking you doing that would make a hilarious video game, all expressions included. Loved this episode.

[@jonsymmonds1120]

Dustin, as always I loved your explore! Once again, thank you so much for taking me to someplace I will never see!

[@ruckseed]

I love everything about trains. The tressels are awesome. Loved it.

[@mt0115]

Watching this I so enjoyed when you were calling out for “bears” and some of what you do on the ride to amuse yourself. It reminds me of myself as I do things by myself or with my wife out in the wild. Your sense of wonder and thoughts of the things you find are right up my alley. Thanks for taking us along again. 😎🍺☮️🇨🇦

[@isabelmendi3973]

You really know how to have fun. Especially with your e-bike. Wow to the bear prints on the mud. I’m glad you did not come face to face. Impressive size. Beautiful place your at, will look forward to next weeks video. Hope you catch some fish.

[@mariekatherine5238]

Had the same thing happen in on a guided hike in Glacier Nat. Park. About 2/3 way to Grinnell glacier it had poured rain maybe 10 minutes earlier and our group of eight plus two guides, armed, thankfully, came upon perfect grizzly tracks in the trail. The guides were cocked and ready, the guide up front walked point just like military. All of us had jingle bells laced into our hiking boots not to scare bears, but to give them a warning of our presence. Only difference from military is that we had to sing “O, Susanna” loudly as we hiked along. We never did see any bears though the guides assured us they probably saw us! We saw no moose, either, or snakes. We did see and hear mountain goats up above us on the rocks, several males battling over a cow or practicing for it. It made a strange clacking sound. Almost back to the base a bobcat leaped across the trail in front of us. It was getting dark so we saw more the outline than the fur. You could tell by the size and neck configuration it was a male. He wanted no part of us; didn’t bother to turn and look. This was the adventure of my life thus far. I was the only child and one of two women on the hike. Officially, you had to be age 12 or older, but my Dad had spoken in advance with someone who granted permission for me to go. This was back in 1969 when I was age nine.

[@quarlow1215]

So beautiful up there. I never made it past Prince George by land. Prince Rupert by water. Nice to see it up there through your eyes Dustin. Hi Emi.

[@JohnCouch-m4f]

Beautiful bike ride thru some unique history, as always done with your personal touch! That's what draws us in with you on your adventures Dustin. You bring us places we would love to go see and things we would love to get to experience. Thank you!

[@Destination_Adventure]

🍻

[@RK-fm4fw]

Just wanted to say thank you for all the great videos and for you being the best tour guide for this old man. Live in Michigan and have plans for the future to visit some of these great places in God's country up your way. Again thank you and stay out there.

[@timpage8996]

Love your unknown Canadian history lessons Keep up the great work

[@davecottrell3044]

There is yet another railway that was built but never finished in the Stikine region. You can still see and walk on the rail grade along the Stikine River down at Glenora below Telegraph Creek that was being built to service the Klondike gold rush. It was abandoned when the gold rush ended.

[@kevinhall3449]

Awesome, thx

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

IT's always a good way to start Saturday morning, with Dustination Adventure and some incredible scenery and adventuring.

[@Destination_Adventure]

🍻 😊

[@geezerhead1]

Thanks for that, I surveyed between Gunanoot and Dease lake in the mid 70's was stationed in Stikine camp mostly however we did all the final surveys between Chipmunk and dease lake, there were trains running between chipmunk and Ft. St James hauling logs. i always thought they took the bridge out. just south of Dease lake there was a huge through cut near the Tanzilla river, also there was a land fill north of the Stikine 250' at the time it was the 3rd largest landfill in North America. Saw my 1st Golden Eagle on the south end of the Stikine Bridge, that was very cool to see, Thanks Again

[@randybooth9192]

Definitely a huge waste of money grading all that installing a bridge and never using it... but makes for a great adventure thanks Dustin 🤘

[@MarkRose1337]

It's possible a rail connection to Alaska would use the route. The alternatives are to connect at Fort Nelson or near Hay River.

[@northernmetalworker]

​@@MarkRose1337Hay River still has its line in use at least. Plus, they're building a highway, so it'll be easy to build a railroad along side it.

[@MarkRose1337]

@@northernmetalworker Yep, I think Hay River gets a train a week? So much diesel and gasoline goes up that way. I'm surprised they haven't built a small container yard with road and break-bulk lake access up there. It's far enough away from the distribution centers in Calgary/Edmonton that it should save on transportation costs for non-urgent and non-perishable cargo. Fort Nelson also gets a train per week. It hasn't been as busy since the OSB mill shut down. The proposed wood pellet mill would make it busy again, both in pellets and shipping out the good logs to another mill. I think the Fort Nelson connection makes the most sense if the connection goes south of the Mackenzie Mountains, and Hay River/Enterprise if the connection goes north. The Dease Lake route could also work, and while it would require more track to be laid. Any route through the Yukon would pass near mining areas and could pick up traffic. Any route to Alaska would pick up a lot of container traffic.

[@paulharach8894]

It was a change of Government in BC during the 1970's that shut the project down before it was completed. WAC Bennet knew about the mineral potential of the Golden Triangle and Northwestern BC and this was another one of his mega projects. At the time, Asbestos from the Cassiar BC mine was being hauled north by truck and then by rail to Skagway Alaska for transport south. Eventually Highway 37 was completed and freight that would have been carried by rail now goes by road.

[@bobbates5737]

@@paulharach8894To add to yours, I was working for the logging contractor at Leo Creek as my first flying job in 73, 76 and 77. North West BC is very rich in resources. Maybe the richest in Canada. Unfortunately The NDP shut down maybe the most important investment for BC at the expense of possibly thousands of resource and transportation jobs for BC. Highway 37 cannot provide the economy of scale that a railway can, considering tonnage capabilities and its connection from Washington to Alaska. Also the railway was a fair ways East of highway 37.

[@bearnuggets]

I grew up camping the rail grade my whole life, you went left where the 25km access road reaches the rail grade. We would turn right and go as far as 160km “up the Klappan.” We camped every inch of that area, so many memories. After about 92km you’ll start to get amazing views, about 116km you can drive up onto a mountain where they mined coal, you can still see the coal seam. This place is amazing, you seriously need to experience it, take a UTV tour.

[@davidpoor8638]

Absolutely interesting!!!! I had NO idea such a line was built.

[@Dogtub]

well that was an amazing episode and trip.. thanks for sharing .

[@the_lost_navigator7266]

In the early 1900s , a railroad tunnel was dug through solid rock near Swansea UK. The outbreak of WW1 meant that the railway was never completed. The tunnel was never used but still looks in good shape. I've stood at the entrance but decided not to go in just in case it Collapses! Those railroad Ties are in good shape considering their age too. That was a well built bridge. Another great episode, thanks.

[@petestephen4922]

Great adventure video.. Thanks for taking this States side visitor along. The drone footage is spectacular.

[@Stikkelsbær]

I study many of these kinds of projects as part of my PhD at UBC. Sadly, nerds like me are mainly the only people who know about these kinds of projects. These days, I sometimes see these places and projects pop up on KZbin, which is neat. The project was basically cancelled due to cost-overruns during a fiscal belt-tightening era. Once BC Rail was privatized, the project was certain not to be revived without government funding, because it won't make profit for CN Rail shareholders on Wall Street.

[@patallen5095]

Thanks for this.....beautiful country many BCers will never see. Reading about the Dease Lake extension......over-budget and cancelled due to issues you saw yourself.......flooding, marshy areas and washouts.

[@ernestwalker5173]

Wow Dustin! Beautiful scenery and adventure you live in, Thank you for taking us along, I used to live the vagabond life around the great USA, but now I can’t get out, it was fun while it lasted, live your best life while you can!

[@nateraff8708]

Great episode, Dustin! I really love how you show a bit of the unknown, off the beaten path highlights. It was a pleasure meeting you on the road to Stewart last year, my Destination Adventure sticker has a special place to remember that memory.

[@Destination_Adventure]

Awesome 😊🤘🏻

[@raybeaudette74]

I love you sprite of enthusiasm for adventure and exploring some of the forgotten history and place throughout British Columbia

[@WhiteCavendish]

Absolutely love seeing old abandoned stuff like that. Channels like yours are doing good work preserving a history that is slowly fading away, reclaimed by the power of creation. Feeble indeed are the works of man in comparison with the forces of nature. As a BC expat living in Alberta near Edmonton, it's nice to see the beauty of British Columbia again as well, although Alberta has much beauty of her own to share. Keep adventuring!

[@mvrv7069]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful places each week. I really appreciate your videos. Witty, great video, great music. Fun to watch! Thanks again. 👍

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Cool adventure! I love that you find and tell the stories of these obscure little pieces of BC history, and of course, do it in a cinematic way.

[@Destination_Adventure]

🍻 😊

[@willong1000]

Some of us have never forgotten about the RR that never was--you can read ample evidence of that posted here among the comments--I knew instantly which line you were referencing when I saw the "700 KM" mention in the title! I first learned about the Dease Lake Extension in the early Spring of 1970 while it was still under construction and I was hitchhiking down the Alaska Highway from Fairbanks, AK on my way to Everett, WA in response to an unwelcome letter from my Uncle Sam. It has long been a favored fantasy of mine, especially after learning that the project had been abandoned a few years later, to find some site to homestead a couple of hundred miles along the grade. If you deduce from my fantasy that I am not particularly fond of cities but love remote wilderness, you are correct! I've grown quite fond of your adventure videos for that reason.

[@ispheria3421]

what an awesome video. thank you so much.

[@aleanarobins2651]

Thank you for another great episode

[@vance8565]

Thanks for the ride along, you are in a beautiful Historic place, thru your lens is the only way some of us will ever see it. Can't wait for the next one. P.S. dirt on the face is always a good sign of a good time.😉

[@lhollybow]

I always wanted to do that whole railway on a quad , but alas have just run out of time in this lifetime , so next time around . I mean you are in wilderness extraordinaire , except for the odd logging and mine road crossing. Thx for doing this and filming it for us all.

[@Awsom47Merc]

Ok Dustin and Emi let's not play Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard ! You watch out for the bears ! Good rainy day adventure. As always thanks for a Saturday Treat . Cheers 👊😎👍

[@stephenrrose]

Loved this adventure and great job with the editing, music, and taking us along! Also love the history along the way! Thank you Brother for all you do!

[@lostrailbeds8289]

Wow! Where to begin! .....The graded and abandoned railbed is beautiful, and puzzling at the same time. Why? Why did they ALMOST complete it, then....simply give up? Was it money? Political? The stresses of Mother Nature and time? Perhaps none of us will ever know. What we do know- those of us savvy enough and lucky enough to be followers of your adventures- is you took us there!! As a rail fan and Historian and flagman on a tourist line I, along with all your friends here, am forever grateful to you Dustin! THANK YOU!! Wonderful presentation!

[@katie-5869]

With railway, it definitely wasn't almost done making the grade and building that one bridge was only 30% of the job. It was a crippling amount of money, and they weren't going to see the return on the investment fast enough to stop everyone going bankrupt first. They had hopes that investment in infrastructure and resource extraction would pour in once construction started but it didn't work out that way. The timing just wasn't right :(

[@lostrailbeds8289]

@@katie-5869 I believe you're correct.....such a waste for all that work with zero return.

[@OscarVaughn]

I know you like to watch the time on your amazing episodes but just so you know. I wouldn't get mad at you if you made a 2 hour episode lol. Thank you for taking us with you along the way. I had to watch this one twice because im not having a good anything. My daughter almost died and she had to be shocked and all that to be brought back last night im very tired very sad and lost.

[@Destination_Adventure]

I’d love to make two hour episodes, but it just comes down to making it sustainable weekly. So 20 to 30 minutes is about what I can manage. lol. Thanks so much for enjoying 😊 I’m very sorry to hear about your difficulties, I hope the challenge subsides.

[@OscarVaughn]

@@Destination_Adventure thank you that means alot to me and yes I totally understand about the videos lol I know it can be alot at times.. I look forward to my Saturday mornings with you 😊

[@michaeldonaldson2387]

Sweet, I've been waiting all week for this. Thanks, Dustin.

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

We so love and appreciate you Dustin. If u only knew the the whole trailer restoration we are doing because you have inspired us...and sparked a fire to travel north next year lol. Oh man the complete tear down and restoration of a 1959 westerner lol. But you are a teacher. You teach us that have that adventurous spirit...how its done. Thankyou. You're the best. We appreciate you. Tons❤ Julie and Bill ❤

[@Destination_Adventure]

So happy to hear it 😊.

[@HermannKerr]

I knew about the PGE Dease Lake extension and as a cycle tourer I like rail trails. And even better I don't have to worry about battery range because I don't have one. Thank you for broadening - it is something I am going to have to look into as a cycle tour. Thanks

[@ChristineZimmer-y2b]

Loved this weeks episode as usual..best "TV" out there! Very cool telescopic fly rod! Looking forward to the next one!

[@drewpackman2929]

In awe again man. Thanks for putting this out.

[@kenf4903]

Absolutely fabulous! Thank you so much.

[@dianeb.4791]

Another great video, Dustin! Amazing history…both the rail bed and bridges and the Hudson Bay Company buildings! Thanks!

[@lindamesa5122]

Always a joy to turn on TV on Sat and see the beautiful scenery on Destination adventures! Too bad GoPro won't film that beautiful foliage in the trees! An an absolutely amazing marvel of engineering just sitting there!❤️❤️❤️ Thanks Dustin!❤️❤️❤️

[@SunshineSkys]

What's up Dustin n Emmy! Thank you for sharing ur adventure, as always it was magnificent. Be safe, See ya next time

[@danielsadventures360]

Such a fascinating journey! Exploring 700 km of abandoned railways is both eerie and intriguing. The history and forgotten nature of these tracks make for an incredible adventure. Thanks for taking us on this unique exploration of forgotten places! 🚂🌌🛤

[@jorgematias4943]

Not abandoned just not built because BC government got cheap and did not want to spend the money to actually get the rail line built.

[@katherinespong]

Another absolutely stellar vid!

[@dwightwindrum7886]

Beautiful scenery and awesome adventures

[@cnevle]

Beautiful. Really glad I stumbled upon your channel - looking forward to catching up on sold older videos. Very entertaining and inspiring.

[@snowiowl826]

As you were on the train bridge, I could hear a train here in my background. Lol....too weird! But perfect timing. Great video as always!! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@MargaretKolosky]

I spent some time in that area but the best camping was at red goat lodge and its glacial lake it was so deep and so clear I wanted to fish but the lake was too cold for fish Deese Lake had the best fishing but you were on the wrong side of the beaver dam for anything of size. The road there is so cleared out that the views are great. There is the best price for gas in Iscut and the best grocery store in Deese lake. The log cabins were built by the locals as the government sent people there to teach them carpentry but they destroyed them as fast as they built them as they were inadequate to the needs of the people. I took my level three first aid there and had a blast with the people who lived and worked in the area. You are right the area is beautiful.

[@madisonfireman5006]

Thoroughly enjoyed your adventure. As soon as you mentioned the names of the rivers I had to look it up. I wasn’t able to locate any photos of the bridge on Google but man that is a long abandoned structure.

[@madisonfireman5006]

After a little more research I did find some photos of it.