Kicking Horse Pass & Spiral Tunnels

British Columbia


The historic Kicking Horse Pass between Banff and Yoho National Parks is one of the most important passes in the Canadian Rockies. It was discovered in 1858 by the Palliser Expedition, which was tasked with discovering a possible route across the Rockies for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Accessible 8km east of Field from the westbound lanes of Hwy 1, the viewing area is often closed and the view obscured by vegetation.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby British Columbia attractions

1. Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint

0.13 MILES

Canada's marvel of railway engineering, the so-called 'spiral tunnels,' can be viewed from this pull-out on the Yoho Valley Rd.

2. Upper Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint

0.9 MILES

The main viewing platform for Canada's ingenious spiral railway tunnels is off Trans-Canada Hwy/Hwy 1, 8km east of the hamlet of Field.

3. Burgess Shale Fossil Beds

4.54 MILES

This World Heritage site protects the amazing Cambrian-age fossil beds on Mt Stephen and Mt Field. These 515-million-year-old fossils preserve the remains…

4. Takakkaw Falls

5.68 MILES

A thundering torrent of water tumbles from its source in the nearby Daly Glacier over a sheer cliff face for 255m (836ft), making it the second-highest…

5. Emerald Lake

6.04 MILES

For most visitors, this vividly colored lake is Yoho’s most unmissable sight. Ringed by forest and silhouetted by impressive mountains, including the…

6. Yoho National Park

6.14 MILES

Although the smallest (1310 sq km) of the four national parks in the Rockies, Yoho is a diamond in the (very) rough. This wilderness is the real deal; it…

7. Lake Louise

7.71 MILES

Considered by many to be the crown jewel of Banff National Park, Lake Louise is nearly impossible to describe without resorting to clichés. This…

8. Lake Louise Summer Gondola

10.41 MILES

For a bird’s-eye view of the Lake Louise area – and a good chance of spotting grizzly bears on the avalanche slopes – climb aboard the Lake Louise Gondola…