Walking BC's Dewdney Trail

The Dewdney Trail was historic in BC’s early history. It played a crucial role in opening up the province’s rugged interior during the gold rush era and solidifying British control over the territory. Originally built in 1865, the trail stretched from Hope, in the Fraser Valley, all the way to Fort Steele in the Kootenays, a distance of approximately 720 kilometers. The construction of this trail helped connect remote goldfields, allowing miners, traders, and settlers to move more easily through the region.

A Lifeline for Gold Rush Communities

The trail was named after Edgar Dewdney, the engineer who oversaw its construction. During the 1860s, gold rushes were attracting thousands of prospectors to BC’s interior, and the colonial government needed a reliable route to prevent American expansion and maintain British influence. The Dewdney Trail became one of the key infrastructure projects in the development of British Columbia, laying the foundation for the province’s growth.

Significant communities along the trail included Hope, Princeton, Rock Creek, Grand Forks, and Fort Steele. Each of these areas developed in part due to the access provided by the trail. Hope served as the western starting point, while Princeton and Rock Creek became vital outposts for miners. Further along, Grand Forks developed due to mining and agriculture, while Fort Steele, at the eastern end, boomed during a gold rush in the 1890s.

Who Used the Dewdney Trail?

The Dewdney Trail saw use by prospectors heading to goldfields, traders transporting supplies, and even the North-West Mounted Police, who patrolled the region. Indigenous peoples also played a role in its history, as some sections followed well-established First Nations trade routes. However, by the late 1800s, the trail began to decline in importance with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 and later, the Kettle Valley Railway in 1915, which offered faster and more efficient transportation.

Remnants of the Trail Today

Although much of the Dewdney Trail has been absorbed by modern highways or disappeared into the wilderness, several sections are still visible, particularly along Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway) between Hope and Princeton. This portion offers a glimpse into the past, with parts of the original trail running parallel to the highway.

Travelers driving along this scenic route can still see remnants of the old path cutting through the rugged terrain. It is a unique experience to witness firsthand the historical significance of the Dewdney Trail while appreciating the stunning landscape that once challenged early travelers. The rocky hillsides, dense forests, and narrow valleys remind us of the difficult conditions faced by those who journeyed along this trail during its peak.

For those interested in history and outdoor adventure, the trail offers excellent hiking opportunities in areas such as Cascade to Christina Lake and Rock Creek. These sections are preserved as historical hiking routes with interpretive signs explaining their significance. Additionally, some areas near Grand Forks and Fort Steele have shorter sections accessible for day hikes, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of BC’s early settlers.

A Lasting Legacy

The Dewdney Trail may no longer serve as the critical transportation route it once was, but its impact on the development of British Columbia is undeniable. The trail helped open the province’s interior, secure British control, and pave the way for the future infrastructure that would shape BC’s growth. The legacy of the Dewdney Trail lives on in the communities that grew around it and the sections that remain for modern-day explorers to discover.

The section of BC Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton, known as the Hope-Princeton Highway, was officially opened on November 2, 1949. Construction began in the 1930s but was delayed by World War II. The highway was built to provide a more direct route between the Lower Mainland and the interior of British Columbia, reducing travel time and opening up new economic opportunities.

Conclusion

Before the construction of BC Highway 3 (the Hope-Princeton Highway) and the dominance of the railways, non-rail traffic along the route that would later become Highway 3 traveled in stages that evolved over time. The Dewdney Trail, which was originally designed for foot traffic, packhorses, and mule trains, was the primary route for non-rail transport in the late 19th century.

Here's how travel evolved along the Dewdney Trail route before the highway was built:

1860s–1880s: Dewdney Trail Era

The Dewdney Trail, completed in 1865, was a rugged, narrow trail primarily used by pack trains (mules or horses) to transport goods and people between the coast and the interior.

Wagons were not ideal on the trail due to its narrow, mountainous paths, so pack animals were the primary means of transport. It was not suited for large-scale wagon travel, though short stretches may have seen some limited wagon use.

1880s–1930s: Wagon Roads and Early Roads

As the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) began operations in the 1880s, most long-distance freight and passenger traffic switched to rail. However, there were still some old wagon roads and rough routes that paralleled the trail for local traffic.

These roads were improved slowly, primarily to support regional access rather than long-haul traffic. The Dewdney Trail itself was no longer used for large-scale travel as improved wagon roads were built elsewhere.

1930s–1940s: Early Automobile Roads

By the 1930s, the Dewdney Trail had been largely replaced by rough automobile roads that were part of a developing road network in BC. These were still very basic, and traveling by car along what would become Highway 3 was a difficult and slow process.

The construction of what became the Hope-Princeton Highway began in the 1930s, though it was delayed by World War II. During the war years, travel in the area was still possible on a combination of rough roads that followed or paralleled parts of the old Dewdney Trail route.

Post-1949: Hope-Princeton Highway

When BC Highway 3 (Hope-Princeton) officially opened in 1949, it provided the first modern, reliable road link for vehicle traffic between Hope and Princeton. This highway followed a more direct route, cutting through areas that the Dewdney Trail had traversed but offering far easier and safer travel.

In summary, by the time the Hope-Princeton Highway was built, the Dewdney Trail had not been a primary route for decades. Prior to 1949, wagon roads and rough automobile roads had taken over for local transport, though they were much less reliable or developed compared to the modern highway.

Walking BC's Dewdney Trail