The Freedom Highway

Connecting with the province

Highway may be a misnomer, but the story of the Freedom Highway is a memorable saga of independence that dates to before World War I.

Request denied

Residents of Bella Coola asked the government to build a road from their isolated community to Anahim Lake on the Chilcotin Plateau, a distance of 65 km (40 mi). The request was denied and there were many more pleas over the next 30 years.

Taking initiative

Finally, in 1952, exasperated citizens decided to build their own road.

In the fall of 1953, after a year of intense work, which included two bulldozers pushing towards each other, Highway 20 from Anahim Lake to Bella Coola was officially opened. The endeavors of local citizens meant wheeled freedom for the tiny coastal community, previously served by only boat or plane.