Exploring Hell’s Gate, British Columbia: Where History Meets Adventure in the Fraser Canyon
Discover the rich history, thrilling adventure, and modern-day attractions of Hell’s Gate in British Columbia’s iconic Fraser Canyon.
This post is all about the history, adventures, and attractions at Hell’s Gate, British Columbia.
Nestled in the forest-covered mountains of British Columbia’s Fraser Canyon, Hell’s Gate is more than a natural wonder—it’s a dramatic meeting point of history, nature, and adventure. Hell’s Gate is located near Boston Bar in British Columbia.
Click Here to Book Tickets to Visit Hell’s Gate
Check out more about the Fraser Canyon, where Hell’s Gate is located here.
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A Brief History Of Hell’s Gate, British Columbia
Indigenous Roots: The Nlaka’pamux People and the Sacred Significance of Hell’s Gate
Long before explorers and railway builders arrived, the dramatic narrowing of the Fraser River known as Hell’s Gate held deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) people. For generations, they relied on the Fraser River salmon runs for sustenance, with the canyon serving as a key fishing and gathering place. The river wasn’t just a food source—it was part of their identity and seasonal life rhythms.
When colonial and commercial forces began to alter the riverbanks, these disruptions significantly impacted Indigenous communities who had lived in balance with this land for millennia.
Simon Fraser’s 1808 Expedition: The First European Journey Through Hell’s Gate
In 1808, Simon Fraser, working for the North West Company, undertook a harrowing journey down the Fraser River. When he reached the narrow gorge we now call Hell’s Gate, he noted the violent rapids and near-impenetrable cliffs, describing the area as “the most tremendous place I ever beheld.” How did people get through the canyon, with the high mountains and rushing rapids of the Fraser River?
Explorers such as Simon Fraser passed through along the cliffs using makeshift bridges and ladders like the one pictured below. Imagine looking down at the rushing rapids and clinging onto the cliff with your finger tips, hoping you don’t lose your step or that what you are carrying will be too heavy.
Gold Rush Impact: How the 1858 Fraser River Gold Rush Shaped Hell’s Gate
The 1858 Fraser River Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of prospectors to British Columbia, many of whom passed through Hell’s Gate on their way north to the goldfields. This rush transformed the Fraser Canyon into a corridor of commerce, conflict, and colonial expansion.
New settlements, wagon roads, and ferries sprang up—while competition for land and resources escalated. The increased river traffic and mining disrupted salmon migration, further impacting the Nlaka’pamux and other Indigenous peoples.
Railway Disaster of 1914: The Canadian Pacific Railway’s Lasting Impact on Hell’s Gate
Hell’s Gate took on a new identity during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). In 1914, a massive landslide caused by railway blasting sent tons of rock into the Fraser River, severely obstructing the salmon run and triggering one of the most ecologically devastating events in the canyon’s history. It caused the narrow part of the gorge to go from 35 to 23 meters. More pictures and details about the 1914 landslide here:
The federal government eventually intervened, commissioning fish ladders that are still in use today. They allow the salmon to safely swim upstream to spawn using a series of steps to mimic a natural river.
The History and Legacy of the Hell’s Gate Airtram
Built in the 1960s, the Hell’s Gate Airtram was designed to offer visitors safe passage down the steep canyon walls while showcasing the incredible geography and power of the river. Today, it’s one of British Columbia’s most iconic attractions by offering a dramatic descent above the fast-moving Fraser River.
From the tram, you can view the roaring rapids, the original fish ladders, and the site of the CPR’s intervention. The airtram experience ties the past and present together, offering a glimpse into how Hell’s Gate has evolved from sacred ground to industrial passage to a top-tier tourist destination.
Hell’s Gate, Fraser Canyon: What to Know Before You Go
Hell’s Gate Travel Guide
Hell’s Gate is located approximately 2 1/2 hours from Vancouver, British Columbia. Enjoy the scenic drive through mountains, forests, through tunnels, and over bridges on your way to the Fraser Canyon.
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Where To Buy Tickets: You can purchase tickets at Hell’s Gate or online here.
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Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best weather and water levels for dramatic canyon views and active salmon runs.
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Hours of operation: 10 am – 5 pm, but confirm on the official website for current seasonal hours.
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Accessibility: The airtram and main viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.
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What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes, layers for unpredictable canyon weather, and sun protection (always!).
Things to do at Hell’s Gate
- Airtram: The first attraction will be the airtram across the Fraser River. Buy a ticket and hop in the airtram. As you travel across the river, you can look out at the River and see the rushing waters below.
- Bridge: Walk across the bridge and look down at the rushing rapids below you.
- Gold Panning: Try out gold panning for yourself at this interactive exhibit. Grab a pan and try and find some gold among the rocks.
- Fisheries Exhibit: Lean about the sockeye salmon run in the Fraser River
- Fudge Shop: They make their own homemade fudge right onsite. I recommend the cookies and cream fudge.
- Museum: Walk through the museum to learn more about the construction of the
- Gift Shop: Walk through the gift shop and find all sorts of souvenirs.
- Photo Opportunities
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Hell’s Gate Airtram
Fraser Canyon Attractions
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Yale Historic Site – A preserved Gold Rush town with a museum, church, and heritage walking tours. Check it out here.
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Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park – Walk across the historic 1926 suspension bridge and enjoy forested river trails. Check it out here.
- Kumsheen Rafting – For the adventurous, book a rafting trip starting just upriver from Hell’s Gate. Book here.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Hell’s Gate, Fraser Canyon
The Fraser Canyon in British Columbia is rich in layered history. It’s home to the Nlaka’pamux people, marked by the journey of early European explorers like Simon Fraser, and transformed by the Fraser River Gold Rush of 1858. This historic stretch of the province tells a story not only of natural wonder, but of cultural change, resilience, and innovation.
As you explore the Fraser Canyon, you’ll find places like Hell’s Gate, the Yale Historic Site, and the Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park, each offering a glimpse into different chapters of British Columbia’s past. Whether you’re walking the old wagon roads, viewing salmon ladders, or riding the airtram above the roaring Fraser River, you’re standing in a place where history is carved into the landscape.
What makes Hell’s Gate especially unforgettable is how it fuses all these elements—Indigenous heritage, industrial ambition, and natural beauty—into one immersive experience. It’s not just a scenic stop; it’s a living archive of the province’s most dramatic moments.
About the Author
Jodie Laughlin is a history student at the University of the Fraser Valley and a volunteer researcher at the Agassiz-Harrison Museum and Archives. She specializes in British Columbia’s settler history and archival storytelling. Learn more on the About page
