Incredible Crossings

Historian and bestselling author Derek Hayes brings hundreds of colour photographs, archival images, and illustrations together with a meticulously researched commentary on the bridges, tunnels, and inland ferries that connect British Columbia.

The very nature of the topography of BC has meant that engineers have had to be innovative in their solutions to formidable barriers. The province is home to a multitude of rivers and mountain torrents that had to be bridged to create both railway connections and the modern road network. Their vital nature was exposed in November 2021 when so many bridges in the Coquihalla and Nicola valleys were wrecked by floods and landslides, disrupting the entire province. British Columbia has over three thousand bridges, in a surprising variety, with uses ranging from crossing a river to bungee jumping. Many are graceful works of art and a tempting subject for the photographer.

There are collapses and demolitions by explosions, as well as challenging bridge relocations. There are suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges, with both wooden and steel trusses. There were once five covered bridges, and one still remains today. Photographer and historian Derek Hayes traversed the province to find crossings with the most interesting stories and structures, combining artistic images and intriguing history in Incredible Crossings. This book is for anyone with an interest in engineering, transportation history, and the story of the province of British Columbia itself.