Journey Through Time: B.C. Highways of the Past
While a time machine hasn’t yet been invented, British Columbia offers a fascinating glimpse into the past through a unique initiative by its Ministry of Transportation. On the TranBC website, the “BC Road Trip Time Machine” serves as a digital portal to the province’s highways as they were over six decades ago, thanks to a collection of road trip reels from 1966.
The Art of the Photolog
Instead of traditional videos, these historical captures are known as "photologs." Created from a series of still photographs, each taken by a camera mounted on a car’s dashboard, these photologs capture the scenery in a way that emulates continuous motion. The camera would snap a picture approximately every 80 feet while the vehicle traveled along the highways. This innovative approach allowed for a detailed documentation of road conditions across more than 8,000 kilometers of highway. Remarkably, the B.C. Highways Department was the first in Canada to utilize this method, generating a visual record that highlights not only the roads but the evolving landscape of the province.
More Than Just Pavement
Though the primary purpose of these photologs was to document asphalt conditions, they reveal so much more. The reels provide a window into a bygone era, showcasing long-forgotten landmarks, dilapidated buildings, and vintage cars that stir nostalgia. The people captured in these frames add to the rich tapestry of life in mid-20th century B.C., creating vivid snapshots of a different time.
Highway 3: A Journey of Change
One of the captivating routes featured in these photologs is Highway 3, stretching from Princeton to the Alberta border. According to the Ministry of Transportation, this stretch has undergone numerous changes over the decades aimed at enhancing safety. Improvements have included wider roadways, clearer signage, installed barriers, and additional turning lanes. Historical insights reveal that tiny villages like Cascade, Kinnaird, Kaleden, and Tadanac once served as recognizable waypoints that guided travelers.
In 1966, the highway’s route through Salmo marked a key point for drivers heading to Burnt Flat and Kootenay Pass. The mountainous segment we now know as the Kootenay Pass had just been established, illustrating the ongoing development of B.C.’s highway system. Notably, in this video, we can see the challenges faced by drivers, with several cars pulled over due to overheating on the rugged terrain.
Cultural Landmarks Through the Lens
As the photolog takes us through West Creston, it feels like stepping into a snapshot of history where time seems to have paused. The farmlands remain lush and vibrant, providing a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of the region. Entering Creston, two iconic grain elevators loom on the horizon, historical markers of the area’s economic landscape. While one elevator has sadly been dismantled, the other stands as a testament to preservation, being one of just three remaining wooden structures in B.C.
The downtown area appears timeless in the images, featuring an array of antique cars that offer a nostalgic look at community life. The streets of Main Street today bear a resemblance to those captured in 1966, marked by the absence of modern traffic lights and retaining that old-world charm.
A Scenic Drive Through the Kootenays
The journey further extends into Yahk, where expansive orchards paint a picturesque scene. As the virtual traveler continues through towns like Cranbrook and Fernie, the stunning natural beauty of the Kootenays unfolds. The photologs capture not only the landscape but also the vibrant small towns, rivers, and lakes that epitomize this cherished region.
Explore the Past
For those interested in experiencing this virtual vintage venture, the TranBC website is your destination. Each road trip includes highlights and intriguing historical facts, making it a delightful resource for both history buffs and casual viewers alike.
All 37 photologs have also been digitized for easy viewing on the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit’s YouTube channel, under the “BC Road Trip Time Machine” playlist. Other notable routes include journeys from Nelson to Balfour on Highway 3A, the U.S. border to Vernon on Highway 97, and Lytton to Revelstoke on Highway 1, offering further glimpses into B.C.’s rich past.
By exploring these insights and visuals, one can appreciate not only the evolution of infrastructure but also the cultural and historical narratives woven into the very fabric of British Columbia.