Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint Yoho National Park
Witness the engineering marvel of trains navigating the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. A unique stop for railway history buffs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance to see trains
Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint Yoho National Park
Best Time
Best chance to see trains

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the engineering marvel of trains navigating the Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. A unique stop for railway history buffs.
"Really cool, especially for train lovers. The highlight is catching a train in motion."
🎯 Patience for Train Sightings
Be prepared to wait for a train; seeing one is the highlight! Check schedules if possible.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be fast. Be aware of your surroundings when stopping at highway pull-offs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Witness a Train in Motion
Viewpoint pull-offs
The ultimate thrill is seeing a train enter and exit the Spiral Tunnels, showcasing incredible engineering.

Engineering History Display
Larger viewpoint pull-off
Learn about the fascinating history and ingenuity behind the construction of the Spiral Tunnels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Train Spotting
Road Safety & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Patience for Train Sightings
Be prepared to wait for a train; seeing one is the highlight! Check schedules if possible.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be fast. Be aware of your surroundings when stopping at highway pull-offs.
📚 Read the History
The larger pull-off has great info about the tunnels' construction.
📸 Capture the Moment
If you're lucky enough to see a train, it's a unique photo opportunity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Patience for Train Sightings
Be prepared to wait for a train; seeing one is the highlight! Check schedules if possible.
🚗 Drive Cautiously
Roads can be fast. Be aware of your surroundings when stopping at highway pull-offs.
📚 Read the History
The larger pull-off has great info about the tunnels' construction.
📸 Capture the Moment
If you're lucky enough to see a train, it's a unique photo opportunity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint a unique and intriguing stop, especially for train enthusiasts. The highlight is witnessing trains navigate the impressive engineering of the tunnels. While not a traditional scenic spot, the historical context and the thrill of spotting a train make it a worthwhile detour for those interested in railway history.
"Rather dangerous entry to the site. The main road had no lines to be seen, which is why they were being repainted. The road is fast, some hard central reservations to make it easier to navigate would help.
As a site, yes you can see the train exit, while the carriages are still passing under you. It would be lovely if all the trees in the area were chopped down, so the entry and exits of both tunnels were in view."
Steve The Techy
"Really cool, especially for train lovers. It is just a couple highway pull offs, but the larger one had a lot of interesting information about why this was made. We saw a train enter the tunnel, come out, and then lower down again."
Lisa Landi
"I'd describe this as an intriguing viewpoint more than a traditionally scenic one. The real highlight is catching a train in motion—it truly brings the engineering wonder of the Spiral Tunnels to life. I was fortunate enough to witness a train making its spiral journey, which was a fascinating sight."
Sawmya S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint is located along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. There are designated highway pull-offs that serve as the viewpoints. Be mindful of traffic as it's an active highway.
Yes, there are highway pull-offs that function as parking areas. The larger pull-off often has more space and historical information displays.
Public transport is not a practical option for reaching the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint, as it's situated along a major highway. A personal vehicle is highly recommended.
The viewpoint is directly accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) heading west from Lake Louise or east from Field. Look for the signs indicating the viewpoint.
Some visitors have noted that the highway can be fast, and road lines may not always be clearly visible, especially during maintenance. Drive with caution and be aware of other vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Yoho National Park. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
There is no separate entrance fee for the viewpoint itself, but the park entry fee (covered by the Discovery Pass) applies to Yoho National Park.
The viewpoint is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's a highway pull-off. However, train activity is most common during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required or bookable for the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint as it's a natural attraction within a national park.
The viewpoints are highway pull-offs, so accessibility can vary. The larger pull-off may offer more stable ground, but it's not a paved, accessible path.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during daylight hours when you have the best chance of seeing a train. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light, but train activity might be less predictable then.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing trains as they navigate the tunnels. A wide-angle lens might be good for capturing the overall landscape.
The larger pull-off often provides a good vantage point. Experiment from different parts of the pull-off to find your preferred angle.
While technically possible, photographing trains at night at this location can be challenging due to limited lighting and safety concerns on the highway.
The primary subject is the train itself as it enters or exits the tunnels. The surrounding mountain scenery of Yoho National Park is also a significant photographic element.
🎫 🚂 Train Spotting
There's no guaranteed schedule, but trains are more active during daylight hours. Some visitors suggest checking with local railway enthusiasts or visitor centers for potential activity, though official schedules are rarely public. Patience is key.
You'll primarily see freight trains operated by Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) as they traverse the mountain passes.
A train can take several minutes to fully pass through the Spiral Tunnels, depending on its length. This gives you a good window to observe and photograph.
Yes, you can often hear the rumble and horns of the trains before they come into view, especially if you're at the larger viewpoint.
The Spiral Tunnels were an engineering feat designed to reduce the steep grade of the Kicking Horse Pass, allowing trains to ascend and descend safely by creating two 360-degree loops within the mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
Bring your best camera gear, especially a telephoto lens, to capture the trains as they enter and exit the tunnels. The unique engineering of the tunnels is a fascinating subject for photography and study. Don't miss the chance to learn about the history of this incredible railway achievement.
🚗 Road Trippers
Be sure to drive cautiously when accessing the pull-offs, as the highway can be busy. Take a few minutes to read the interpretive signs at the larger viewpoint to appreciate the engineering marvel you're witnessing. It's a quick but memorable stop that adds a different dimension to your journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Spiral Tunnels
Visitors can learn about this fascinating history at the larger viewpoint pull-off, which often features interpretive displays. Seeing a train navigate these hidden loops, entering one tunnel and emerging from another at a different elevation, is a truly unique experience that highlights the ingenuity required to conquer the Canadian Rockies. It's a must-see for anyone interested in industrial history or the development of transportation in Canada.
Experiencing the Viewpoint
While the natural beauty of Yoho National Park surrounds the area, the focus here is on the man-made wonder. Some reviews mention that without seeing a train, the appeal might be limited. However, the opportunity to see a train emerge from one tunnel and disappear into another, demonstrating the spiral's function, is a captivating sight that brings the engineering to life. It's a great place for a short break during a road trip, offering a unique perspective on how the Rockies were tamed for travel.
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