River Crossings

Black and white photo taken circa 1920s of a car on the deckof a wooden ferry that is floating across a river. The opposite bank is heavily wooded and a trail and a track can be seen leading down to the landing. On the near shore is a wooden landing in the water off the river bank.

Car crossing the Athabasca River on the Ferry, c. 1920s. Athabasca Archives AA00743.

In anticipation of the new Athabasca Bridge that will be finished in 2026 and replace the 1952 bridge, Athabasca Archives is pleased to present a series of articles which describe what it was like to cross the Athabasca River before there was a bridge here. The articles also explain building the bridge, planning for the opening ceremonies, and the ceremonies themselves. A great deal of preparation, pomp and pagentry went into the long-awaited bridge opening. 


Ice Roads and the Ferry

The Cage

A Bridge is Built

Planning an Opening

The Opening Programme

Opening the Bridge

An Aging Bridge