We were sitting around a campfire with some of our friends from British Columbia Canada talking about our upcoming RV trip to Alaska and they told us that we would be driving right by Hells Gate, and we needed to stop and check it out. A place called Hells Gate definitely brings forth some questions, so as we planned our travel day, we made sure to include it on our agenda.
What is it?
This Swiss built airtram descends in to the Fraser Canyon, from high in the Cascade Mountains to the base of the Coastal Pacific Mountain Ranges. It rides on a 1000’ 44mm wide steel track rope and is driven by a 140 horsepower engine. There are 2 trams that move at the same time (one up and one down) as they are both connected to the same cable and 40 ton counterweight system.
This tourist attraction was built alongside fishways in the gorge that assist salmon migrations through this narrow passage. This section of the canyon had been blocked by a rock slide in the 1960s caused by railroad construction hence decreasing salmon populations in the area. There are train lines running along both sides of the gorge, one belonging to the Canadian National Railroad, the other the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
Good to know:
*Located 54 kms north of Hope BC, along the Trans-Canada Highway
*Plenty of free parking, both North and South of the visitors center, with more than enough room for RV’s, trucks and trailers
*Hours of Operation:
10-4 (10-5 July-September)
7 days a week
*Rates
Prices include: round trip tram ride, museum, fishery education center, suspension bridge & observation decks.
Adults (19+) – 24.00
Seniors (65+) – 22.00
Students (19+) – 22.00
Youth (6 – 18) – 18.00
Child (0 – 5) – Free
Devil of a Deal – 84.00
(2 adults plus max. 4 youth)
*The only restrooms are at the bottom, there are no washrooms at the top
*There is a small gift shop & store at the top, and a larger gift shop and restaurant at the bottom
*Benches and picnic tables are plentiful throughout the observation decks at the bottom
*There is a gold panning exhibit and kid zone
*Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities
*It gets very windy on the suspension bridge, so leave any hats or loose items in the car
The drive up to Hells Gate was spectacular, but going down into the Fraser Canyon took our breath away. This road side attraction is rich in history, and worth stopping for if you happen to be in the area.
Click here to check them out: http://www.hellsgateairtram.com/
