Brief History of Albert Canyon

Approximately half way between Rogers Pass and Revelstoke, was situated the town of Albert Canyon. Little is left of the town it once was. The remains of Albert Canyon are a ghost town situated a short distance south of the present day hot springs pool site.

The village of Albert Canyon, the gorge and the hot springs were all named after Albert Rogers, who undertook many exploration trips in the area, including the discovery of Rogers Pass. Throughout the years of steam locomotives, Albert Canyon was a “pusher station”, with a small roundhouse built in 1916. They built a railway station providing housing for operators, a section gang, and living quarters for the CPR agent upstairs in the station.

The mineral waters of Albert Canyon were allegedly discovered by CPR workmen at the turn of the century. The railway employees dug a pit at the hot springs and lined it with heavy timbers.

The open air "hot tub" was used by visitors and residents for many, many years. Today the Canyon Hot Springs are some distance away, with the water from the hot springs being piped to their pools.

In addition, Albert Canyon had a very active sawmill and logging operation, we can still remember the old WWII truck that used to haul logs to the mill. Nothing remains of the mill now, except our wonderful memories of the times we had there.

Friday, May 31, 2013

May 31, 2013 - Movie found

Hi all,

Just to let you readers know, that I have been in contact with Mario Iadarola, one of my Albert Canyon classmate, he has a copy of the movie made by CBC during our stay in Albert Canyon. This movie called "Pacific Northwest Adventures: No Other Highway", is a 20 minute documentary showing the difficulties of the CPR railway maintenance crews maintaining the railway during winter times. In addition, it shows the life of the community in Albert Canyon... showing our school, and social events. It shows our friends, classmates, my mum, dad, my brother and I in this film. It was very emotional viewing this film... reinforcing the great memories of those times.

I am not sure how to connect a link to this movies, but will find out. In the meantime, anyone wanted to view this movie, please contact me.

Mario is presently putting together of additional photos of his family during the times in Albert Canyon. Once received, I will change the blog title and add his photographs as well.

Love to hear from any other community members during those times.

Thanks
Hank
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