Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint
Spiral Tunnels
Railway spiral tunnels completed in 1909, where you can watch long freight trains cross through the mountain, with the front and rear of the train passing each other inside.
The 'Big Hill' on Kicking Horse Pass was once the steepest mainline railway grade in North America, and accidents were frequent. In 1909 the Canadian Pacific Railway bored two spiral tunnels into the mountain, reducing the grade to about 2.2%. From a viewpoint beside Highway 1 about 8 km east of Field, you can see the spectacle of a freight train one or two kilometres long: its head has already emerged from the lower tunnel portal while its tail is still entering the upper one. Panels explain the railway's history. Trains do not keep a fixed schedule, so be patient while you wait. Admission is free.
Opening hours
Open all day (winter viewpoints may close)
Nearby sights
- Takakkaw Falls
- Lake O'Hara
- Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Natural Bridge, Yoho
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Lake Louise
- Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass