Journey into the Past with B.C. Highway Photologs
While a time machine is yet to be invented, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation offers a unique way to travel back in time. On their TranBC website, the “BC Road Trip Time Machine” showcases over 30 captivating road trip reels captured in 1966, providing a fascinating glimpse into the province’s highways over six decades ago.
The Concept of Photologs
These captures are not your typical videos; they are "photologs." A camera, mounted on the dashboard of a car, took a photo approximately every 80 feet as the vehicle traversed the highway. These still images were interwoven to create a seamless film, giving the illusion of continuous movement. This innovative technique documented road conditions across more than 8,000 kilometers of highway, enabling highway engineers to assess specific sections without needing to visit them in person. Remarkably, the B.C. Highways Department was among the first in Canada to employ this method, establishing a valuable visual archive of the province’s infrastructure.
Nostalgic Highlights
Looking back at these nearly 59-year-old reels reveals a treasure trove of history beyond just the conditions of the roads. The footage captures long-forgotten landmarks, vintage vehicles that exude nostalgia, and everyday people from an era gone by, collectively illustrating a vivid snapshot of life as it once was.
A Trip Through Highway 3
One captivating photolog follows Highway 3 from Princeton to the Alberta border. According to the Ministry of Transportation, this route has undergone numerous changes over the years, including safety improvements such as widened roadways, enhanced signage, constructed barriers, and better connections between communities.
Villages like Cascade, Kinnaird, Kaleden, Tadanac, and Waneta, once significant enough to serve as navigational waypoints, have seen their importance diminish over time. In 1966, travelers had to pass through Salmo on the current Airport Road to proceed westward. The mountainous highway segment between Salmo and Creston, initially termed the Salmo-Creston Cut-off, was only two years old at the time these images were captured.
The Kootenay Pass Experience
As you journey through the stunning landscapes captured in the photologs, one can’t help but note the steep climbs and winding roads. The Kootenay Pass holds the distinction of being the highest point on Highway 3, reaching an elevation of 1,774 meters (5,820 feet). In 1966, the highway was referred to as the Southern Trans-Provincial, a nod to its significance as a primary route for traversing the province.
Interestingly, travelers during that era often encountered overheating issues, with several cars seen pulled over along the route. It wasn’t until 1977 that this entire stretch was officially named the “Crowsnest Highway.”
Time Stands Still in West Creston
As the video transitions into West Creston, it feels as if little has changed. With lush farmland and the town’s iconic grain elevators prominently displayed, the area’s agricultural richness remains as it was decades ago. While one of the grain elevators has recently succumbed to deterioration, the remaining red one stands as a proud testament to the past, restored by the Columbia Basin Trust and one of only three remaining wooden structures in B.C.
The streets of downtown Creston, filled with charming antique cars in the footage, still evoke a sense of nostalgia. Amazingly, much of the area remains recognizable today, albeit with the absence of traffic lights.
Scenic Views and Local Flavors
Leaving Creston toward Yahk, the photolog showcases sprawling orchards that stretch endlessly, marking the agricultural bounty of the region. The journey continues through scenic towns such as Cranbrook and Fernie, ultimately leading to the Crowsnest Pass. The photologs capture an incredible variety of small towns, rivers, mountains, valleys, orchards, and lakes that make the Kootenays so renowned.
Experience the Time Machine
For those eager to embark on this virtual journey, the TranBC website hosts each trip, complete with historical facts and highlights. You can also explore all 37 photologs, which have been digitized and are available on the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s YouTube channel under the playlist titled “BC Road Trip Time Machine.”
Among the other road trips from the 1966 collection are routes like Nelson to Balfour on Highway 3A, the U.S. border to Vernon on Highway 97, Lytton to Revelstoke on Highway 1, and a remarkable expedition from Horseshoe Bay to downtown Vancouver, each providing an invaluable glimpse into a world long past.
With these captivating photologs, the past is just a click away, allowing you to relive a piece of British Columbia’s rich highway history from the comfort of your home.