Kicking Horse Pass - Photographic Locations

Grey One Jun 22, 2022

  1. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

    8,903
    3,622
    137
    My sister and her husband will be hiking in British Columbia this coming July. They would like to get photos of where the trains enter the spiral tunnels'.

    Any suggestions of where? What trail names? or Requirements?
    They are both in good shape and have hiked much of the Appalachian Mountains.

    I'm not sure what else to ask.
     
  2. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

    10,673
    44,835
    142
    I've never been there, but I did find some insight on the web. I hope to see this line someday, so know a wee bit about it. I'm hoping some TrainBoard members can help you.

    One website shows these locations where you can watch trains, but the sample photos don't look that good because trees partially obscure the railroad.
    • From the viewpoint 7.4 km east of Field on the Trans-Canada Highway, you can see the Lower Spiral Tunnel in Mt. Ogden.
    • The Upper Spiral Tunnel in Cathedral Mountain can be seen from the pull-off 2.3 km up the Yoho Valley Road.
    Here's an old map showing the original and new lines:

    upload_2022-6-22_18-36-49.png

    Also this https://www.frograil.com/railroad/bc.php

    Your sister and her husband may do well to stop at some open spots on the mainline along the Trans-Canada Highway where there's more opportunity for good pictures, perhaps Golden, Field, Lake Louise, Banff and others might be good. This is a busy line, so with a bit of patience and an eye for composition, they could bring home some great stuff. (y)
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2022
    Hytec likes this.
  3. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

    22,208
    49,621
    253
    We stopped at a scenic overlook on the highway overlooking one of the tunnels. Don't know anything about hiking trails.
    [​IMG]
     
    gmorider, Kurt Moose, Hytec and 2 others like this.
  4. Trainguy64

    Trainguy64 TrainBoard Member

    71
    145
    5
    Was camping a few years ago at Yoho National Park in the valley not far from Field.
    There are some trails heading up in the direction of the tunnels but I don't remember exactly where the trail head starts and I'm not sure if trails go all the way up to the tunnels.
    It doesn't really look all that far but distance looking up on the side of a mountain can be a very deceiving no matter how good of shape your in trust me I been hiking in the Canadian Rockies for years.
    Certainly a beautiful area and you can see the trains entering the tunnel from the campground.
    You can also hear trains at all hours when you trying to sleep LOL.
     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2022
    gmorider, Hytec and Hardcoaler like this.
  5. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

    8,903
    3,622
    137
    @ Everyone, Thanks! My sister and husband are following this thread and are grateful.
     
    Hytec and Hardcoaler like this.
  6. Todd Hackett

    Todd Hackett TrainBoard Member

    93
    201
    8
    I have been on the roads that CN/CP follow from Golden back to the West side of Fraser River Canyon. If you find a pull-out on the hiway, use it and wait for a few minutes and you will see a movement. Busy lines as someone else posted - you will not be disappointed. I has been a few years since my last visit so I don't really know train density although with 2 lines, you will get something.
     
    Kurt Moose and Hardcoaler like this.
  7. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

    8,903
    3,622
    137
    @ Everyone, thanks! I hope to be posting pics from her trip in a few weeks. As most know, communications are limited. ☻
     
    Kurt Moose and Hardcoaler like this.
  8. Dogwood

    Dogwood TrainBoard Member

    525
    1,860
    31
    Revelstoke and Field are good hot spods. There are many options along the Trans Canada Highway.
     
    BNSF FAN and Kurt Moose like this.
  9. Dogwood

    Dogwood TrainBoard Member

    525
    1,860
    31
    Another tip for your BC holiday... download the Mobile Drive BC app onto your smartphone. This is very helpful for highway road conditions and weather info.
     
    BNSF FAN likes this.

Share This Page