Canadian Rockies Railfanning (CP Rail)

[Anonymous]

I'm heading to Calgary and West toward Rogers in a few weeks. I've seen pics and read about Morant's Curve, the Spiral Tunnels, Mt. McDonald Tunnel, Stoney Creek Bridge, etc. I'm wondering if anyone can help pin down locations (ie. Morant's) I know its between Lake Louise and Banff, but nothing more. Also, are these other sites accessible? Any tips much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Howdy
It has been several years since I have been through the Rogers Pass. But I do remember that the Spiral Tunnels are easily seen from Hwy #1. There is a large rest area on the right side of the highway coming from Calgary. With lots of info and good view of the Tunnels, there is also remeins of a steam engine that blew its boiler in the years before the tunnel.
Micheal

[Anonymous]

Morant's curve is easily accessible, to the exact spot Nick took his pictures, on the Bow River Parkway, which parallels the Trans- Canada at that point - not far from a campground as I recall.
It used to be and maybe still is recognizable due to a large pine hanging out over the left bank of the river which showed up in all of Morant's pictures taken from this spot. A copy of his album would be helpful...for this and orther sites.
Rogers Pass has a visitors cenger which can orient you when you get to the summit and large parts of the old roadbed are hikable nearby, including near a campsite just west of Roger's Summit that used to sport a large hotel where trains stopped to feed passengers. Many ofd the old hairpins have been superseded by the tunnel(s).
The spiral tunnels are best observed from several points, including a campsite, along the trans-canada, as is the Stoney Creek Bridge. Hiking up to these is possible but a long climb.
Exploration is limitless if you have the time and it's a gorgeous area.
The McDonald Tunnel entrances are just off the road but do not present any spectacular views other than the trains themselves.
Kicking Horse Pass also has a lot of great vistas and there are plenty of places to stay in Golden, which is less touristy than Banff, which is literally overrun in the summer...fall is better there.
Also the little RR town of Field (where helpers were added or removed after the spiral climbs) is a good spot to visit, just off the highway, as the crews still change there sometimes.
And don't miss Emerald Lake along the way...an old resort with great views of the mts, and just off the trans-Canada...have a nice trip....

[Anonymous]

Thanks Bob and Michael for the info. Its printed and in my camera bag.
Thx again,
Dan