I remember first seeing photos of the dam years ago, shortly after my initial adventure through Kitsault. I couldn’t believe that such a massive structure not only existed — but was still standing, abandoned and defiant against time! From that moment, I made it my mission to one day stand atop this colossal landmark and take in all its history.

Standing on top of the 137-foot dam (the tallest in Canada during its era) was nothing short of ethereal — it felt like standing on top of the world. The dam stretches over 635 feet and once held back an astonishing 20,000 acre-feet of water.

When the site was first surveyed in 1921, I can’t help but wonder if they realized just how iconic this engineering feat would become. Construction began in early 1922 (making it a century old now) and was completed in December 1923, at a cost of $500,000.

Built to meet immense power demands and manage the enormous volume of water for the concentrator, it remains a testament to human ingenuity.

As we made our way down to its base, I felt a sense of awe and humility — gazing up at this monumental structure, a true marvel of engineering, still standing strong after 100 years.

What’s the first thing you notice about this dam that sets it apart from others you may have seen? The stunning, almost artistic archways.

The Granby Mining Company enlisted John S. Eastwood — a pioneer in concrete and dam construction — to bring this vision to life. Eastwood was known for incorporating elegant arches into his dams, a bold design choice at the time that many people were skeptical of.

Traditionally, dams were built to resemble imposing walls, radiating sheer strength and power. When Anyox’s dam was completed, critics feared the intricate design wouldn’t hold under pressure. But in 1923, nature put it to the test.

Relentless rains pounded Anyox, and the waters rose quickly — yet the dam stood firm, not a single crack.

A century later, it remains as solid as the day it was built. The current owner of Anyox dreams of reviving the structure, perhaps feeding its power back into the grid or supplying nearby communities. Even after 100 years, if fully restored, this dam could generate enough power for two neighboring cities.