Hells Gate...

Hells Gate... History
On june 26, 1808 the explorer Simon Fraser passed along these cliffs on a series of bridges and ladders built by the local Thompson Indians.
The route of the present Trans-Canada Highway trough the Fraser Canyon follows what was originally a fur brigade trail. It became a wagon road in 1863 and after 1925 it was passable for automobiles.
Trough this canyon man has travelled by foot, boat, mule, horse, wagon, steam tractor, automobiles, railroad and even camel.
At one side is the Canadian Pacific Railway. Construction through the canyon took four years and was completed in 1884.
Across the river is the Canadian National Railway. Originally called the Canadian Norhern Railway, this stretch was completed in 1914. Rockslides during construction narrowed the channel just above Hells gate. Resulting in the need for the present fishways.
Local Indians are the only ones authourized to fish the river, however, fishing is prohibited 1 mile north and south of this historic site...