Journey Back in Time: B.C. Highways Through the Lens of History

While we may not have a time machine, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation has unveiled a unique way to relive the past: the "BC Road Trip Time Machine." This fascinating initiative features over 30 road trip reels from 1966, captured across the province, showcasing not just highways but a vivid slice of life from nearly six decades ago.

What Are Photologs?

The captures presented are not conventional videos but rather "photologs." These are intriguing compilations of still images taken by a camera mounted on a car’s dashboard. As drivers traversed the highways, the camera snapped a photo about every 80 feet. This ingenious method created the illusion of continuous motion, allowing for a comprehensive visual record. In fact, it was the B.C. Highways Department—now known as the Ministry of Transportation—that pioneered this technique in Canada, documenting over 8,000 kilometers of highway.

A Glimpse into the Past

Beyond merely documenting road conditions, these photologs serve as remarkable time capsules. They capture long-forgotten landmarks, age-old buildings, vintage cars, and everyday people, painting an immersive picture of life in that era. Each frame is a testament to history, filled with memories infused in the landscapes.

An Iconic Journey on Highway 3

One notable photolog features the journey along Highway 3, connecting Princeton to the Alberta border. According to transport officials, this historically significant route has undergone substantial changes over the decades, incorporating enhanced safety measures like widened roadways, better signage, and improved barriers. The journey from Princeton sees tiny villages such as Cascade, Kinnaird, and Waneta, once crucial waypoints on the map. Although some of these communities have faded, their past significance remains apparent.

In 1966, to travel west from Salmo toward Burnt Flat and Kootenay Pass, drivers had to navigate the present-day Airport Road. At that time, the mountainous stretch between Salmo and Creston was only two years old, previously known as the Salmo-Creston Cut-off.

Snapshots taken during this particular drive highlight moments of struggle, like vehicles pulled over from overheating on the steep climbs of Kootenay Pass. Known as the highest point of elevation on Highway 3 at 1,774 meters, this area was once dubbed "Southern Trans-Provincial," reflecting its pivotal role as a main thoroughfare in and out of the province. It wasn’t until 1977 that it received the name “Crowsnest Highway.”

The Sturdy Charm of Creston

As the camera enters West Creston, many aspects appear unchanged over the years. The lush farmlands exhibit an incessant agricultural bounty, while Creston’s landmark grain elevators rise starkly against the landscape. Unfortunately, the white elevator has succumbed to decay, but the red one remains, lovingly restored, a relic of the past still standing strong amidst modern developments.

Footage from downtown Creston features an array of antique cars, reminiscent of a period where charm reigned supreme. Interestingly, the absence of traffic lights stands out, illustrating the gradual evolution—or perhaps, devolution—of town design.

The Allure of the Kootenays

The journey continues along the orchards towards Yahk, revealing a picturesque panorama of nature’s bounty. The photologs intricately document Cranbrook, Fernie, and Crowsnest Pass, effectively capturing the quintessential elements of the Kootenay region—small towns, flowing rivers, majestic mountains, and serene lakes.

Explore the Treasures of the Past

For anyone eager to embark on this virtual vintage journey, the BC Road Trip Time Machine page offers an engaging experience. Each trip comes adorned with highway highlights and historical nuances, providing not just a visual treat but also educational insights. For those who prefer video, all 37 photologs have been digitized and are accessible on the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s YouTube channel, under the "BC Road Trip Time Machine" playlist.

Other memorable road trips from 1966 include:

• Nelson to Balfour on Highway 3A
• The U.S. border to Vernon on Highway 97
• Lytton to Revelstoke on Highway 1
• A captivating segment from Horseshoe Bay to downtown Vancouver

Each of these routes is not just a journey through geography but a glorious trip through time, encapsulating moments that defined an era now long gone.