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John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints |
The fascinating Spiral Railway Tunnels are visible from an overlook on the Trans-Canada Highway between the town of Field and the summit of the pass. The two Spiral Tunnels were built so as to increase the length of the railway track in its ascent of the pass, so easing the gradient considerably. There is an excellent model at the Spiral Tunnels overlook which shows the somewhat complex layout of the railway tracks. Photograph (89KB). If you are lucky and see a train running through the tunnels then it will help to make the track layout even clearer. The railway line which ascends the west side of Kicking Horse Pass through the Spiral Tunnels is also known as "The Big Hill". Lengthy freight trains run fairly frequently on this line and there is also a far less frequent tourist passenger service.
UPDATE: In June 2000 the pedestrian walkway at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway was closed. According to a notice at the site this is because the structure was in imminent danger of collapse. Sadly, there was no sign whatsoever of anything being done to rectify this situation. The parking area at this viewpoint remains open and from there the lower tunnel entrances and trains on the upper railway line can still be seen.
The Yoho Valley Road leads north from the Trans-Canada Highway just east of Field. A few miles along this road there is a viewpoint from which the upper spiral tunnel can be seen. Unfortunately there is no indication at the viewpoint of where on the mountain to look and we couldn't make out the tunnel. An arrow, or even better a viewing tube, pointed at the tunnel would be a very useful addition here. This road continues to Takakkaw Falls but this section was closed by snow when we visited. The road is paved at least to the spiral tunnel viewpoint.
Just west of Field the Emerald Lake Road leads north from the Trans-Canada Highway. A short way along this road the Natural Bridge is well worth a stop. Emerald Lake itself is scenic and well worth a visit. The road is paved all the way.
Lake O'Hara lies to the south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Reaching Lake O'Hara involves an eight mile hike. Alternatively, a bus service to the lake is provided in summer but numbers are strictly limited and a CDN$10 reservation fee is required (which may be in addition to the bus fare); there is no statement of where the bus runs from - Field seems the most likely possibility. Lake O'Hara is reported to be highly scenic.
Amusing, Interesting And Mysterious Place Names
Canadian Rockies National Parks
Scenic Railway Journeys in the Canadian Rockies
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Most recently modified 26-Feb-06