Bridge of the Twenty-Three Camels, Highway bridge over Fraser River in Lillooet, Canada
The Bridge of the Twenty-Three Camels spans the Fraser River with five main sections, carrying British Columbia Highway 99 across the water for approximately 340 meters. The structure connects the town of Lillooet to the surrounding region on both sides.
The bridge opened in 1981, replacing an earlier suspension bridge built in 1913 that had long served river traffic. Its unusual name came from a local naming contest won by resident Renee Chipman, honoring an overlooked chapter of the region's mining past.
The name references 23 Bactrian camels brought from Asia during the 1858 gold rush to carry supplies to mining camps in the area. This backstory remains woven into local identity and how residents think of their bridge.
The bridge carries vehicles daily across the Fraser River as the main crossing for Highway 99 in the area. Weather conditions can change quickly, so travelers passing through should be prepared for variable road conditions, especially during colder months.
The naming choice inspired locals to name a nearby bridge over Yalakom River the Bridge of the Twenty-Three Chipmunks, following the same playful pattern. This tongue-in-cheek response shows how a single quirky idea took on a life of its own in the tight-knit community.
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