The Fraser Canyon Gold rush of 1858

In 1858 The Fraser Canyon was transformed forever when word that Banks of the Fraser River were rich with gold Hundreds  of thousands of Pioneers made there way to the fierce Fraser Canyon in hopes to strike it rich. Thousands and Thousands of men died in there efforts as the Fraser Canyon was such a dangerous terrain to cross. Like Simon Fraser Said in the words of his Journal after naming an especially fierce point of his journey "Hell Gate" his journal wrote No Man should Ever Venture through this point it was surely like passing through the gates of hell! However this would not stop these gold hungry miners to continue on in the Chance they would too become rich like the many successful gold prospectors of that time! Small Cities started to burst up everywhere in the Fraser Canyon turning Yale BC into the largest north American city east of Chicago. After the hype has died down these communities remain rich in history there is many places throughout the Fraser Canyon where you can visit and learn about the Gold Rush Such as Yale BC where a Museum, Historic Church, and Pioneer Grave Yard has been preserved for viewing. You Can still pan for gold in the Fraser Canyon. Historic Yale and Hells Gate Airtram both have gold panning setups where you can learn how to pan for gold and keep the gold as a souvenir. Visit the Hope Visitor Info Center for more information regarding open claim spots to pan right on the Fraser River (Experience Required) and maybe you too can strike it rich!