BC's Cariboo Wagon Road today, the old Hells Gate Tunnel, Fraser Canyon

[@Jimsathome]

Thanks for walk down memory lane. Prior to the Coquihalla Highway, we traveled the Canyon (HWY #1) numerous times every summer from Vancouver to Kamloops; or into the Cariboo to Loon Lake, Lac La Hache, etc, via Hwy #97. We went through the old tunnel at Hells Gate in the 1950s, and as they added the "new" ones progressively, we went through them as well. We memorized them not only by name but which ones were the longest. Before the Tunnels often times we dipped down very close to the the Fraser River. I can still remember the 2 lane highway (no shoulders) was stapled to the canyon wall along the approach to the "old" white Alexandra Bridge (which is not used anymore but still standing last time I looked). I walked down to Hells Gate from the Highway with my Grandfather a couple of times. One time the Tram was there, but he was too cheap to pay for it. He was in his 70s! I had not thought of that in decades. Thanks again.

[@maggiehamm365]

Thank you this video. I have travelled the Fraser Canyon all my life (I'm 75) from Vancouver to Prince George and the Interior. I am very curious about the abandoned tunnel in this video. I remember there being an old tunnel that was abandoned when I was still a child but can't remember exactly the name and I used to know them all. You could see this tunnel clearly when travelling south to the right and up fairly high compared to the highway now. It took many decades for that tunnel to be obscured by trees. I am assuming it is the same tunnel. The Fraser Canyon highway has changed over the years to a much easier travel. When I was a child it was a two day trip from Vancouver to Kamloops, which as an adult on a motorcycle the trip was 4 1/2 hours. But then I remember when the highway from Williams Lake to Prince George was gravel. I'm sure many others will also enjoy hearing about the old tunnel so thanks.

[@exnews6138]

The old Hells Gate tunnel is higher up than the new one. Maybe its the one you remember. Di you ever us the old Alexandra Bridge and road that I showed?

[@maggiehamm365]

@@exnews6138 When I was little we travelled on the old bridge and went through the old tunnel. I have been travelling down the Fraser Canyon for over 70 years now (from Prince George first then later Kamloops) and have seen many changes. When the Coquihalla opened up I still went down the canyon as there was now less traffic, but it has been sad to see the little towns, gas stations, fruit stands, etc., diminish. I can't travel any more but will always remember the Fraser Canyon fondly as so many memories generated during those travels, many on a motorcycle.

[@exnews6138]

@@maggiehamm365 Thanks for the recollections. The building of the Coquihalla was the end of an era for the Fraser Canyon

[@jaquigreenlees]

@@maggiehamm365 So many of the residents in the small communities were not happy with the travelling visitors, likely do to the traveller's attitudes about the community yet the Coquihalla has shown them they needed those same travellers as the lifeblood of their economy. I miss stopping in those small communities for a meal, a break from the trip up from Vancouver, the unique elements of each one made the journey itself an important part of the holiday trip.

[@russallert]

There used to be two tunnels at that site: the Old Hell's Gate Tunnel and another tunnel that some Canyon fanatics refer to as Old Ferrabee Tunnel. It ran just outside the current Ferrabee Tunnel, and there is a section of overgrown road outside Ferrabee as well. These were the two original tunnels from when the highway was built in the 1920s (following the same general route as the Cariboo Wagon Road of the 1860s). There are several pix of the two old tunnels online at various websites. I remember when you could see the old Hell's Gate Tunnel from the highway, from both the north and south ends.

[@exnews6138]

Hi there. I've included a link to my walk along the section of old road that was replaced by the Ferrabee tunnel. I would like to find the old Ferrabee tunnel one day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6jalqOOfJl6ntU

[@dennis2376]

I use to drive that road and it could be very dangerous with people taking the turns to fast and crossing the centre line. It is one of very interesting roads in B.C..Thank you.

[@lucidlifestyle8799]

Cool 😎, I've driven that road many times and didn't even know it was there.

[@patallen5095]

Thanks for the video and the history lesson! Have driven by the Hell's Gate parking lot numerous times and have never stopped.......might have to do the Tram ride one of these days!!

[@ryanrowat6640]

Thanks for this. Always wanted to stop to see it. Now I know what it is like

[@professordogwood8985]

In your opinion, could the highway be widened and brought up to modern freeway standards? People are usually reticent because of nostalgia but the highway was clearly upgraded once before with these newer tunnels in the 1960s.

[@willharper4372]

Take the leap of faith, walk the Hells Gate tunnel.

[@Alex-pi4tn]

Never knew those were their thx

[@register1430]

WOW ! had no idea. Stopping next time. Was told about the trail overlooking the canyon. This you access at the south end of the parking area?

[@jbrisby]

I've often thought the province should turn this tunnel into a live music and dance venue. Ample parking at the far end, it could be a cultural hub for the entire Fraser Canyon.

[@smokeymacpot76]

i had no idea the old tunnel was still there...next time i go threw there il have to stop and look..no i wont be going inside the tunnel lol

[@professordogwood8985]

I was told the rapids were caused when the railway was blasting rock and let it settle in the river. This of course crippled the steamboats who couldn't pass through the rapids. The "Hell's Gate" name came from an explorer who was frightened by the sheer size of the canyon.

[@SteveSmith88]

The CN engineers mistakenly blasted too much away - resulting in the rocks narrowing the channel so much that it stopped the salmon run until they built the fish ladders along the side. I think it took about 50 years for them to build the fish ladders and attempt to restore the migration of the fish..

[@nowistime8070]

you have a very distinct voice. but I don't know...

[@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611]

Some new stuff to check out. Thanks!😎

[@jeffross5424]

if you go to the south end of the china bar tunnel you can see the old (1930's) cariboo highway wall that would have been built along the side of the road...about 20' down (found a 7-up pop can there dating from the early 60's)

[@BADBIKERBENNY]

Both Hells Gate Tunnels are to the west of Hells Gate by 1.4 miles.

[@neilh6217]

I still go into spelunk for missed history items. Still many to be found. No Tommy knockers thus far. It is dangerous even for experienced cavers. The expansion seasons are when it is most active and deadly.

[@just-incase]

Lol, it's fine! But if you don't feel safe that's okay too. Remember though how long that tunnel has been closed with no highway crews maintaining it. Considering the short time that anyone goes in there, I'm sure it'll be fine.

[@Paul-o4u2v]

We went through the old tunnel in 59 l have picture of it

[@dennis2376]

Cool.

[@meherbabaisgod9967]

💖💖❤❤💘💘

[@rzarectz]

Honestly I think the first BC settlers were just a bunch of wimps relative to people elsewhere at the time. These types of rivers were no problem for people across the world contemporary to this time. The modest Fraser just happened to be all too intimidating for British and Canadian "men" at the time.