HELL’S GATE Suspend Above the Mighty Faser A trip through the Fraser Canyon would not be complete without a stop at Hell’s Gate In 1808, explorer Simon Fraser described this section of the Fraser River as a place “where no human being should ever venture, for surely we have encountered the gates of hell.” Aboriginal guides led Fraser and his crew over rope ladders strung from the cliffs above the turbulent river. Blasting during the construction of the Canadian National Railway in 1913 resulted in a landslide that wiped out millions of salmon and seemed to permanently block their upriver spawning path. In 1937, Canada and the U.S. worked together to create the International Fishways, a series of ladders which allow salmon to navigate the rapids at Hell’s Gate. The Fraser River’s entire flow of water from its 135,185 km2 watershed rushes through the narrow gorge at 757 million litres per minute. At 40 km/h, twice the volume of Niagara Falls roars through during spring run-off in May/June.
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HOPE | CASCADES | CANYONS
The Airtrams The upper terminal, is 244 metres above the Fraser River and is where you board the airtram. The lower terminal features an educational exhibit showcasing Simon Fraser, the Fraser River Gold Rush, and the life cycle of the salmon. There is also gold panning, observation decks, and a suspension bridge. A gift shop, fudge shop and cafe are also located at the lower terminal. Hell’s Gate Airtram is a 40 minute drive northeast of Hope on Highway 1. For more information go to hellsgateairtram.com.