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About Banff / Lake Louise
History of Train Travel in the Canadian Rockies
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| Banff/Rocky Mountains Train Travel |
The saga of train travel in Canada began in the 1800s, when the transcontinental railway was begun on instructions from, Sir John A. MacDonald Canada's first Prime Minister. For him, a railway across Canada represented a strong and united country. Opponents, on the other hand, thought MacDonald was crazy to attempt such expensive project. Sir John ignored all criticisms and 1881 commissioned the Canadian Pacific Railway company to build the tracks across Canada.
The tracks would go through uninhabitable and uncharted wilderness, and the most challenging portion of the route would be through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The high mountain passes and the narrow river canyons allowed for few options for train tracks through to the west coast, and the harsh winters, deep snowfalls and avalanche hazards posed additional problems.
To find the best route for a railway through the region, the CPR sent eager young surveyors off into the mountains. After years of explorations, and great hardship a passable route was discovered through the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
When the railway was completed in 1886, the magnificent scenery became easily accessible for any traveller. Today although there are many forms of transportation to the Banff and Lake Louise area, bus, car and flying. However nothing gives the region the respect that the train still presents. The rugged beauty is still as impressive as it was 100 years ago.
The Rocky Mountaineer connects Vancouver with the areas of Banff and Calgary. Cars are accommodated with large picture windows. Travel occurs during day light hours so that no scenery is missed. When boarding the Rocky Mountaineer one will be transported over rolling ranch lands, ascends great mountain range after mountain range and bridges mighty rivers. Take a trip back in time when passing through the small town of Craigellachie where the 'last spike' was driven to complete the Canadian Pacific Railway, in 1885.
There are many great rail excursions by rail, which give a look at not only Lake Louise but also the Columbia Icefield, Banff and Jasper areas.
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