Journey into the Past with B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation Videos
While we may still be waiting for the invention of a time machine, the "BC Road Trip Time Machine" provided by British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation offers a fascinating window into the past. This digital treasure chest, available through the TranBC website, features a series of road trip reels that capture the essence of B.C. highways as they were six decades ago—specifically from 1966.
What Are Photologs?
Instead of traditional videos, these historical captures are known as "photologs." These unique records were created using a camera mounted on a car’s dashboard, which would photograph the highway at approximately every 80 feet. The result is a sequence of still images that, when compiled together, create an illusion of continuous motion. This innovative approach allowed the then B.C. Highways Department—now the Ministry of Transportation—to document road conditions across over 8,000 kilometers of highway, providing valuable insights for highway engineers while reducing the need for in-person evaluations.
A Visual Record of Change
Looking at these photologs not only offers clues about road conditions but also serves as a time capsule capturing the cultural and geographical landscape of 1966. Each reel encapsulates forgotten landmarks, vintage vehicles, and the daily lives of people from that era, presenting a vivid and nostalgic snapshot of life on the road.
Highway 3: A Historic Journey
One compelling photolog transports viewers along Highway 3, from Princeton to the Alberta border. This route has undergone significant transformations since 1966, including the addition of traffic safety features such as wider roadways, clear signage, and better exits and turning lanes.
In the mid-1960s, tiny communities like Cascade, Kinnaird, Kaleden, Tadanac, and Waneta were more prominent as directional markers along the highway. While some of these villages have faded in significance, they serve as reminders of the province’s rich history.
Interestingly, the mountainous section between Salmo and Creston, known as Kootenay Pass, was relatively new, having been established just two years prior to the filming. The photolog reveals the challenges of navigating this pass, as several cars can be seen pulled over due to overheating on the steep inclines. This portion of the highway remains the highest point on Highway 3 at 1,774 meters (5,820 feet).
Glimpses of Nostalgia
As the photolog continues into West Creston, viewers are greeted with imagery that seems almost untouched by time. Lush farmlands and iconic grain elevators dominate the landscape. While one of the grain elevators has since succumbed to age and been dismantled, the other stands as a restored relic—a testament to the area’s agricultural legacy.
Strolling through downtown Creston in the vintage photographs reveals an array of antique cars, echoing a style and charm that still permeates the streets today, albeit with a noticeable absence of modern traffic lights—an unexpected reminder of a simpler time.
The Charming Kootenays
Leaving Creston toward Yahk, the orchards stretch infinitely, serving as a reminder of the region’s longstanding agricultural roots. As the photolog continues through Cranbrook and onto the breathtaking Crowsnest Pass, it encapsulates the stunning scenery that characterizes the Kootenays, showcasing small towns, rivers, and lakes that have become synonymous with this part of British Columbia.
Explore the Time Machine
For anyone intrigued by the allure of nostalgia and history, visiting the "BC Road Trip Time Machine" is a delightful venture. You can explore the full collection of photologs on the TranBC website, where each journey is supplemented with historical facts and highlighted features of the highways.
Additionally, all 37 photologs have been digitized and made available for viewing on YouTube via the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit channel. Spectators can find these under the “BC Road Trip Time Machine” playlist, allowing easy access to a variety of road trips, including routes such as Nelson to Balfour on Highway 3A, and the remarkable journey from Horseshoe Bay to downtown Vancouver—a glimpse into a time when the city was much different than it is today.
Whether you’re a history buff, a transportation enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, the Ministry of Transportation’s photologs offer an engaging and insightful experience that captures the spirit of British Columbia in 1966.