Calgary: Follow the Historical Canadian Pacific Railway

If you’ve ever wanted a taste of Alberta’s railway heritage combined with breathtaking mountain scenery, this 10-hour guided tour from Calgary offers just that. Led by knowledgeable guides and limited to small groups for a more personal experience, you’ll explore some of the most iconic railway sights in the Rockies—like Morants Curve, the Spiral Tunnel, and the charming Lake Louise Railway Station. With pickup options from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, nature, and authentic mountain town charm.

What makes this experience shine are the spectacular views—especially from Surprise Corner overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs—and the chance to see railway engineering marvels up close. We loved how the guides shared stories about the engineers who built the Spiral Tunnel and the history behind the historic stations. It’s also a tour where you’ll get excellent value by combining sightseeing, a delicious lunch, and photography opportunities all in a single day.

A possible consideration is that the tour’s itinerary is subject to change, especially the train sightings, which are not guaranteed. This means your schedule might shift slightly to maximize chances of seeing a train or other sights. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of activity and those interested in railway history combined with scenic mountain landscapes.

This tour works beautifully for those who appreciate storytelling, stunning scenery, and a manageable group size. If you’re looking for a way to experience Alberta’s railway heritage without worrying about logistics, this is a compelling choice.

Key Points

• Iconic Sights: Spot Morants Curve, Spiral Tunnel, and Lake Louise Railway Station
• Authentic Experience: Learn stories about railway engineers and historical landmarks
• Stunning Views: Capture photos of trains winding through snow-capped peaks and pine forests
• Delicious Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the Heritage Railway Station in Lake Louise
• Small Group: Limited to 11 participants for a more personalized experience
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Calgary: Follow the Canadian Pacific Railway Tour

We’ll start with the logistics: After pickups from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, the tour kicks off bright and early, usually around 8 AM, with the option to meet at several convenient locations. The small group setting—no more than 11 people—ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd and that your guide, like the friendly Rachel or Mike, can share detailed stories and answer questions.

First Stop: Surprise Corner Viewpoint

Your first breathtaking glimpse will be from Surprise Corner, overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel—a structure so grand it’s been called the “Castle in the Rockies.” Opened in 1888 by the CPR, this hotel embodies the grandeur of railway-era architecture and has hosted royalty and Hollywood stars alike. From here, you’ll get a sweeping view of the hotel with the mountains behind, perfect for photos. Several reviews mention how “seeing the hotel from this vantage point makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time,” and it’s a fantastic way to set the tone for the day.

Next: The Hoodoo Trail and Tunnel Mountain

Moving on, the tour takes you to the Hoodoo Trail, where wind and water have carved striking rock spires that seem almost otherworldly. It’s a brief stop, but the unique shapes and layers of sedimentary rock are worth noticing. Following that, you’ll learn how Tunnel Mountain was originally intended as a railroad route—before plans shifted—leaving behind a natural monument that’s both scenic and steeped in history.

Morants Curve: The Heart of Railway Photography

The highlight for many is a visit to Morants Curve, a legendary spot along the Bow Valley Parkway. Here, you’ll wait patiently—possibly with layers of clothing to stay warm—to catch a train winding through the snow-topped peaks and pine forests. Many reviewers mention how “it’s a classic shot,” and if luck is with you, you might see a freight train or passenger train making its way through this stunning landscape. This stop often sparks comments like “we loved the anticipation and the view—truly postcard-perfect.” The guide will share insights into the history of the railway line and why Morants Curve has become a favorite among photographers.

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Lunch at Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant

Next, you’ll step back into history at the Lake Louise Railway Station, a beautifully preserved heritage site declared a Heritage Railway Station in 1991. This station once bustled with activity, serving both Canadian Pacific Railway and Via Rail travelers. Now, it’s home to a restaurant where you can enjoy a relaxed meal while soaking in the mountain atmosphere. Several travelers have raved about how “dining where generations of train travelers once gathered” adds authenticity to the experience. The station’s architecture and memorabilia make for great conversation starters and photo ops.

The Spiral Tunnel: Engineering Marvel and Scenic Wonder

After lunch, the tour takes you to the Spiral Tunnel, an extraordinary feat of engineering. Built to help trains navigate the steep grades of Kicking Horse Pass, this tunnel is a testament to human ingenuity. You might get a chance to see a train winding through the mountain—an awe-inspiring sight that many find “surprisingly elegant,” considering the effort involved in its construction. Guides tell stories of the workers’ grit, how they faced treacherous terrain, and their determination to connect eastern Canada with the Pacific coast.

End at the Town of Field

Finally, the tour visits Field, a quiet but historically significant railway hub. Once home to a roundhouse and turntable, it was a pivotal point for train operations in the mountains. Today, it’s a charming mountain town where you can take a break and soak in the scenery. Travelers often mention how “the town’s rustic charm and scenic setting made for a peaceful conclusion to a busy day.”

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

While the cost might seem high at first glance, the value is in the experience: access to private viewpoints, the storytelling from guides who truly know their stuff, and the chance to see some of the least accessible but most photogenic railway sites. The lunch at Lake Louise is a highlight, offering authentic mountain ambiance alongside good food. The small group size means more personalized attention and better chances to ask questions or get that perfect photo.

What We Love

• The ability to see several iconic railway sights in one day, without the hassle of planning multiple trips.
• The stories and insights about the engineering feats and history behind each site, which add depth to the scenery.
• The quality of the photo opportunities, especially at Morants Curve and the Spiral Tunnel, for those keen on capturing stunning images.

Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is that train sightings are not guaranteed—the tour’s itinerary might be adjusted to maximize your chances, depending on train schedules. Also, this isn’t a train ride; it’s a sightseeing tour with plenty of photo and story opportunities. If you’re seeking a scenic train trip, you might want to look at other experiences like the Rocky Mountaineer, but for railway history and mountain vistas, this tour hits the mark.

Who It’s Best For

This tour is ideal for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, and nature lovers who want to combine a scenic day with engaging storytelling. It suits travelers comfortable with a full day of activity, including some walking and outdoor stops. The small group setting makes it perfect for those who prefer a more intimate experience rather than large bus tours.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from specified locations in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff, with a small group size to ensure a comfortable experience.

Do I need to bring my own tickets?
No, the tour includes sightseeing and guided commentary. However, train tickets are not included, and the schedule of train sightings depends on actual train movements.

What should I wear?
Weather can vary, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bring a camera for the stunning photo ops.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments, as some stops involve walking and outdoor exposure.

Is food included?
Lunch at Lake Louise Railway Station & Restaurant is part of the tour, offering a chance to relax and enjoy local fare.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides operate in English and Chinese, which can be helpful for diverse groups.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, with scheduled stops and sightseeing. Starting times vary based on pickup location.

Will I see a train?
Train sightings depend on train schedules; the tour is designed to maximize these opportunities but cannot guarantee them.

Final Thoughts

For travelers interested in railways, mountain scenery, and Alberta’s heritage, this tour offers an engaging and visually stunning experience. The combination of stories, photographs, and authentic stops makes it a compelling way to spend a day exploring the Rockies’ iconic railway sites. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a more intimate and informative adventure, perfect for those who want more than just a bus ride.

This tour is especially suited for history lovers, photography buffs, and anyone keen to learn about the engineering behind the mountain railways while enjoying spectacular vistas. If a full day of sightseeing, storytelling, and mountain scenery sounds appealing, this trip delivers a well-rounded, authentic experience that’s worth the value.

Experience the majesty of Alberta’s railway history with stunning mountain views, engaging stories, and a taste of mountain town charm. This tour offers a memorable slice of Canadian history and scenery, best suited for curious, active travelers eager to explore in depth.

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