Banff 
When someone suggests the scenic route, we suggest taking it! Throughout the Canadian Rockies, visitors get access to some incredible spots thanks to major highways and scenic parkways alike. And one of those drives with some of Canada’s most jaw-dropping views is that which connects Lake Louise and Banff. Many of those beautiful views and scenes are sought after during the spring, summer or fall. However, Banff’s Bow Valley Parkway is where visitors will want to go for the best winter scenes, like Morant’s Curve.
Credit: CPKC Holiday Train
When looking out over the curve in the river, the railway, and the highway edge, you’ll get to take in local history, nature, and at certain times, views from the pages of a storybook.
Getting the Best Views at Morant’s Curve in Banff National Park
One of Banff National Park’s most photographed locations may come as a surprise. Many would first think of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. However, one of Banff’s most iconic locations and views is from a simple roadside stop!
Morant’s Curve, near Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway, is a section of the highway which offers space to pull over and park. From the famous curve, those who make the stop get a picturesque view of the Rockies, the Bow River, and the Canadian Pacific Rail bending around the tracks at certain times. Between the Bow River and the base of the mountains stretches an immense valley of dense forest. Together, these elements all combine to create beautiful mountain scenes.
Some of the most fantastical images of Morant’s Curve are in the winter, too! This is thanks to the white snow contrasted with the green of the coniferous trees and, sometimes, the bright colours of the railcars.
About Morant
The rest stop area at Morant’s Curve allows you to take in the local Banff and mountain history with views of the significant Canadian Pacific Railway, and with interpretive panels on display at the roadside. This section of the highway was named for one of the first photographers to add fame to the views around the Bow Valley Parkway: Nicholas Morant.
He was a prolific and rather busy early 20th-century photographer who eventually went into tourism photography with the Canadian Pacific Railway. Many of his Rocky Mountain shots include images of the CP trains, with his most famous among them being taken from what is now Morant’s Curve. This black and white photo from 1945 is considered the original capture of Morant’s Curve, with the train rolling toward the shot, the snow blanketing the forests, and the tall peaks casting shadows on it all.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trains and Holiday Train through the Mountains
The iconic view is made spectacular with CPKC freight trains in the background. There is no specific schedule for when you can expect a train, and you may have to wait more than an hour or two for a shot, especially if you want an eastbound (engine view) train.
The dazzling festive display courtesy of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway will make its way across Alberta in mid-December. The CPKC Holiday Train is an annual tradition with the railcars completely decorated with 1000s of LED lights for the holidays. The train is often easy to spot as it travels across the U.S. and Canada and features live performances from the train. One of the most incredible parts of the Holiday Train’s Journey is through the Rocky Mountains, which winds alongside rivers and through the valleys.
Those visiting Banff during the Holiday Train’s scheduled stop have a unique opportunity to see the festive train as it winds around Morant’s Curve. The train, mountains, river, and possibly falling snow, all combine to create an epic Christmas scene.
Although there isn’t a published schedule for the CPKC Holiday train passing through Morant’s Curve, there’s a good chance of seeing one early in the morning after its stop in Banff in 2026.
Planning your Trip – Morant’s Curve
What: a specific part of Highway AB-1A (Bow Valley Parkway) which offers iconic and famous views of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Below the rest area, and between the highway and Bow River, is a CP rail line. For many, the Morant’s Curve views and sightseeing become more iconic as the CPKC trains pass by on the tracks.
Location and how to get there: Highway AB-1A/Bow Valley Parkway, 5km south of Lake Louse
The parking area is on the roadside, opposite the viewpoint.
Best time to go: accessible year-round
Cost: Banff National Park Pass Admission fee.
