Historic Yale

Yale, BC was once the largest city north of San Francisco and west of Chicago. The gold rush boomtown has now dwindled in population but the history remains. Yale Originally established as a trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, it grew with the gold rush and became the main terminal for one of the largest stern wheeler routes in North America. The museum, which is located in Yale, is packed with great surprises. You can learn all about the rich history of Yale. Beside the museum is the historic church. It is the oldest church in British Columbia and still on its original foundation. The historic church is open for viewing. Also located on the grounds is the National Monument to the Chinese railway Yale workers. Take a historic walk to view historic sights spread throughout the community. This quiet beautiful community is right in the heart of the canyon. This area is home to many great activities for all ages, especially outdoor adventure and exploration. There is a lot of great hiking in Yale. From trails to backcountry, the views are breathtaking. The photo above was taken from Spirit Cave trails in Yale. These caves  are known for the mystic whistling sound. The sound is Yalemade when the wind passes through them. Also in Yale are the Fraser River Rafting Expeditions that offer day trips, week trips and more. Take a nature float trip or hit the white water of ?Hells Gate?. For many decades, locals have said that Yale is haunted because of the all-girl private school that burnt to the ground twice, the many people who died in the gold rush or the construction of the railway. Some locals say it's a legend and others say it's for real! You be the judge. Come visit historic Yale and find out for yourself!

Spirit Caves Trail

Spirit Caves Trail is located in Yale. The Spirit Caves are a  great trail to view the Canyon which overlooksView of Yale B.C from the Spirit Caves Trails Yale. At the top, the caves are hidden behind some large rocks. The caves are known for the mystic whistling sound made when the wind blows through them. The trail difficulty is moderate and has some difficult areas. It is 5 km long and an elevation gain of 500 m. Round trip is approximately 3 hours. To get there, visit Yale, which is 25 km from Hope, and look for the sign on the left side of the highway. Be sure to pack a lunch, lots of water, and bring your camera!  

Lady Franklin

 The Lady Franklin is aYale beautiful large rock, or one might say a island in the middle of the Fraser River in Hope BC. This Rock... Island was named after Lady Jane Franklin, Husband of Sir John Franklin an early explorer who loved this area so much This Beautiful Area is along the Old Caribou Wagon Trail. To get there drive along the Trans-Canada HYW east bound through Yale, across the small bridge take for first right, and fallow the road that runs along side the Fraser River for a couple minutes. This is a great spot to stop for a picnic.

Pioneer Cemetery

 The Pioneer Cemetery is the resting place to some of British Columbians Yaleearliest pioneers located off the #1 HYW in in Historic Yale, This beautiful peace of history is a lush meadow like flats overlooking the banks of the Fraser River, Although This Cemetery is a beautiful resting spot for many settlers, some of the history involving those that rest here is horrid. Locals tell the legends of tragedy And greed, a powerful poison during the Gold rush many gold rushers were murdered, and there spirits left to rest along the gold banks of the mighty Fraser. And of course Al Hallows the all girl private school that burnt not once but twice to the ground burning innocent children. Many say because of some many tragic deaths the Cemetery is haunted! The Pioneer Cemetery is open to the public, Although it is recommended daytime visit those who dare can tour the cemetery at night a choice not recommended by locals. 
 

 Alexandra Provincial Park

  Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park is a small park centered around the site of the original Caribou Wagon Road bridge over the Fraser River. The original bridge was constructed in 1861 by Joseph W. Trutch and named after Princess Alexandra of Wales. To recover the $45,000 construction cost for the 90 meter bridge, a toll of $7.40 per ton was charged. Today a second bridge, built in 1926, sits on the site of the original which was dismantled in 1912. The park was established in 1984. It provides both rest stop and picnic facilities for travelers. Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park is two kilometers north of Spuzzum and 40 km north of Hope. There is a hiking trail that can lead visitors down to the site of the old Alexandra Bridge. Part of this trail is remnant of the old highway from the 1920s. This trail is less than ? km in length one way. Fish passing through this area to tributaries of the Fraser include Pink, Chum, Spring, Coho and Sockeye. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have the appropriate license. The park is open April 28 to October 9.

 

Spuzzum

Spuzzum BC a small community almost non-existent these days, made famous for the T-shirt "Where the Heck is Spuzzum?"  This small community between the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, and Yale BC was once a popular tourist stop in the 50's,60's,70's, Even hosting there very own Playboy Bunny Restaurant. Since The Spuzzum era was at its highest most of the community has burnt down, including the road side service station which burnt down 10 years ago. Now there is really nothing left, not even a road sign. 30 years later the T-Shirt that helped made this roadside attraction popular really has a meaning now, Where the Heck is Spuzzum! Start Planning your trip to the Fraser Canyon today! Can you find Spuzzum?

Fraser cANYON tUNNELS

The Fraser Canyon Highway Tunnels were constructed in the late 1950's to about the mid 1960's as part of the Trans Canada project. There are seven tunnels in total, the shortest being 57 m (190 ft); the longest,  is  610 meters (2,000 ft) and is one of North America's longest. They are situated between Yale and Boston Bar.

www.travelthecanyon.com is proud to be sponsored by the blue moose cafe in hope bc

 

Discover the Fraser Canyon