Calgary: Follow the Historical Canadian Pacific Railway

Explore the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Heritage in Alberta

The Calgary: Follow the Historical Canadian Pacific Railway tour offers a comprehensive 10-hour journey into the railway’s storied past, departing from Calgary with pick-up options in Canmore and Banff. Priced at a reasonable rate, this tour is rated 4.7 out of 5, reflecting strong satisfaction among past participants. It features visits to iconic landmarks such as Morants Curve, the Spiral Tunnel, and the Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant, providing a blend of scenic vistas and historical insights.

This tour suits those eager to explore railway engineering marvels and mountain scenery, with a focus on photography, history, and local charm. While the tour does not include train rides, it offers several photo stops—making it perfect for travelers who enjoy picturesque views and engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides. The tour’s small group size, limited to 11 participants, ensures a personalized experience, though it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

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Key Points

• Duration: 10 hours, with flexible stop times to maximize train sightings
• Highlights: Morants Curve, Spiral Tunnel, Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant
• Guides: Bilingual options available in English and Chinese
• Pickup Points: Calgary, Canmore, Banff; with multiple convenient locations
• Experience Type: Sightseeing, photography, historical commentary—no train ride included
• Booking: Flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; reserve now, pay later

Starting at Calgary and Scenic Viewpoints

This tour begins early in the morning with pick-up options in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, making it accessible from central Alberta locations. The guide picks up the group from designated spots such as the Loading Zone 1421 in Calgary or the Travel Alberta Canmore Visitor Information Centre, ensuring smooth access for travelers.

Once underway, the tour heads to Surprise Corner in Banff, a renowned viewpoint overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Opened in 1888, this hotel is a striking example of Châteauesque architecture, and the guide shares stories of its historic visits by royalty and Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe. The scenic overlook provides an excellent photo opportunity of the hotel with the mountains in the backdrop.

Discovering the Hoodoo Trail and Kootenay Rock Spires

Next, the tour explores the Hoodoo Trail, where travelers see the unique rock spires formed by wind and water erosion. The Hoodoo formations are visually striking, and the guide explains how these natural sculptures have been shaped over centuries. The trail offers a short 15-minute stop perfect for photos and for appreciating the rugged mountain landscape.

The tour also covers Tunnel Mountain, originally considered as part of the railway route, though plans changed. Its rocky profile is a familiar sight in the region, and the guide discusses its geological significance and the history behind its name.

A Classic Photo Spot at Morants Curve

The highlight for many visitors is the stop at Morant’s Curve, situated along the Bow Valley Parkway. This location is renowned for its dramatic views of a railway curve cutting through snow-dusted peaks and pine forests. The guide waits patiently at this 15-minute stop, encouraging guests to capture the iconic shot of trains winding through the mountains—an image synonymous with Canadian railway history.

This location offers a great chance for photography enthusiasts to frame a passing train against some of the most stunning scenery in the Rockies. The timing of this stop is flexible, depending on train schedules, as the tour aims to maximize chances of seeing a train in action.

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Lunch at Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant

One of the most charming stops is the Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant, a heritage-listed building that once served as a busy railway stop for the Canadian Pacific Railway and Via Rail. Now, it functions as a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a hearty lunch in historic surroundings.

The station has been officially designated as a Heritage Railway Station since 1991, making it a rare spot to dine inside a preserved piece of railway architecture. Travelers typically spend about 1.5 hours here, giving enough time to relax and soak in the ambiance while enjoying local cuisine or a quick coffee break.

Witnessing the Spiral Tunnel Engineering Marvel

After lunch, the tour heads to witness the Spiral Tunnel, one of Canada’s most impressive railway engineering achievements. Built through sheer determination, the tunnel allowed trains to safely ascend steep grades in the Kicking Horse Pass area. The entrance of the tunnel is a popular photo spot, and if timing permits, the guide may help guests watch a train navigate the mountain in real time, highlighting the engineering ingenuity involved.

The story of the tunnel’s construction is filled with tales of engineers and workers overcoming tough terrain and tight deadlines, making it a fascinating stop to learn about Canadian railway history.

Exploring the Historic Town of Field

The final stop is Field, a quiet yet historically significant small town once home to a roundhouse and turntable. Its location served as a crucial hub for train operations in the mountains, and the guide shares insights into its past as a bustling railway center. Today, Field offers a peaceful mountain atmosphere, perfect for a brief walk and photo opportunities.

The town’s alpine charm and connection to railway history make it a fitting end to the day’s exploration before the return journey to Calgary.

Practical Details on Logistics and Group Size

The tour is designed for small groups, capped at 11 participants, which ensures personalized attention from the bilingual guide. The morning pick-up times vary depending on the departure location: 08:00 in Calgary, or 09:15 in Canmore, or 09:40 in Banff, with all groups arriving at each stop refreshed and ready for sightseeing.

The tour lasts 10 hours, including all stops and lunch, with timing adjustments made based on train schedules and weather to maximize photo opportunities. Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing, as some stops are outdoors and at higher altitudes.

Important Tour Policies and Accessibility

This tour does not include any train tickets or actual train rides; it focuses on sightseeing and photography at key railway sites. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, given the outdoor stops and uneven terrain.

Cancellation is flexible, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible too—reserve your spot now and pay later to keep plans adaptable.

Why Choose This Railway Heritage Tour?

This guided day trip from Calgary offers a rich blend of scenic views, engineering marvels, and historic sites. It appeals particularly to those interested in railway history, mountain scenery, and photography, without the need for train rides or long hikes. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more engaging stories and tailored stops.

While the tour does not include train travel, the stops at Morants Curve and the Spiral Tunnel give a genuine feel of the landscape and the feats of engineering involved in Canada’s railway construction. The lunch at Lake Louise Station adds a touch of historical charm, making the day both educational and scenic.

This tour fits well into a broader Alberta itinerary, especially for visitors staying in Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. It provides a practical way to explore iconic railway sites with knowledgeable guides in a comfortable, well-organized setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include train rides? No, it does not include train tickets or train travel. It focuses on sightseeing at key railway landmarks.

What is the duration of the tour? The full-day experience lasts 10 hours from pick-up to drop-off.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there options for pickup? Yes, pickups are available in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff at designated locations.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to outdoor stops and uneven terrain.

What should I bring? Pack comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are guides bilingual? Yes, guides operate in English and Chinese.

How many participants are in each group? The tour is limited to 11 participants, ensuring a small-group experience.

What makes this tour different from others? The focus on railway landmarks like Morants Curve and Spiral Tunnel, combined with historic dining at Lake Louise Railway Station, offers a unique mix of scenic and cultural exploration.

Is there a lunch included? Yes, a lunch at the Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant is included, providing a chance to enjoy historic surroundings.

What are the main highlights of this tour? The Morants Curve, Spiral Tunnel, Lake Louise Railway Station, Hoodoo Trail, and the town of Field are the key sites packed into this full-day experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby