Morant’s Curve is a beautiful area that the Canadian Pacific railway passes through along the Bow River. The location is not far from Lake Louise. It can be viewed from the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic alternative route that runs between Banff and Lake Louise. It’s worth traveling this slower route, especially early in the morning because of the wildlife that can often be seen along the roadside.
The spot was made famous by Nicholas Morant, a staff photographer for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He took photographs for the company during the middle of the 20th century. Many images of the trains traveling through the curve were used for CPR promotional materials.
When Do The Trains Pass Through Morant’s Curve?
Some patience is required if you want a shot with a train in it. The majority of trains that pass through Morant’s Curve are freight trains and unfortunately there is no schedule that can be followed. In the non-winter months there are a couple of passenger trains, but they are quite small and lack the vibrant red colour of the CP cars that stand out so nicely against the backdrop of trees.
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Take A Photo At Morant’s Curve?
Some photographers say catching a train coming from the west in the morning light is the prime shot, but the view of the curving Bow River and the mountains in the background makes for a stunning photograph regardless. However, the morning light is the best time of day if it’s a time of year with harsh sunlight.
Directions To Morant’s Curve
There is no sign marking the spot of Morant’s Curve. The quickest way to get to the location is from the Northwest end of the Bow Valley Parkway. The access to the parkway is on the opposite side of the Trans Canada Hwy across from the village of Lake Louise. From the village cross over the highway as if you are heading to the ski hill. Take the first right that is marked Bow Valley Parkway. Morant’s Curve will be approximately five minutes driving time. It can be a little tricky to see the location because the view through the clearing of trees is not easily visible in this direction.
Coming from Banff you can access the parkway from the southeast end. There’s a marked exit off the Trans Canada Highway just a few minutes west of the town of Banff. As you get closer to the Lake Louise end of the parkway the clearing will be the first opening along the road that allows you to see the river, mountains and railway tracks. It will be approximately 55 minutes driving time from Banff.
Morant’s curve is of special interest to me as I have a picture/painting by, max jacquiard, with “The Canadian” passenger train at its centre. The picture is special to me, in that I was a “sleeping car conductor” on this very train during my student days in the 1950s. I worked for the CPR during 3 summers while a medical student between 1953 – 1957. Although I don’t actually remember this curve, I obviously passed it many times, 1 – 2 times every week, as I worked the train between Vancouver and Calgary. I vividly remember this particular train, “The Canadian” CPR train. Of further interest is the fact that the trees in your picture, and the trees in the picture I’m looking at on my living room wall are still there but much larger in yours.
I’m now 86 years old and retired; however, I still remember those trips through BC’s beautiful mountains. I’ve driven the trans canada highway by car through there since; however, never a train after those summers. You are indeed fortunate to actually live there. We live in the lower mainland.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, that is really neat to hear.
Cheers,
Audrey
George…I also worked for the C.P.R. as a Machinist Apprentice in Calgary and do remember the picture that you stated and I remember it as an advertisment posted in Railway stations. I have not been able to see a copy of that memorable picture any where on the internet. Would you post it on Google for all to see the personality displayed by the age of steam locomotives that you and I and thousands of other RailRoader’s experienced.
It would be a real treat to see the photo.
The picture you speak of was during the Steam Locmotive time and the bright silver coaches being pulled by a steam locomotive is a sight for the new generation to see.
If you recall every steam Locomotive had it’s own personality. The motion of the main rods and drivers, along with the steam and smoke bellowing out the smoke stack and the whistle blowing gave a feeling of the excitement of travel.