The 109km path opening up the Canadian Rockies

Designed as a year-round, multi-use path for hikers, cyclists, equestrians, snowshoers, dogsledders, cross-country skiers and off-highway autos, the brand new rail path leads travellers by way of boreal forests, above sweeping valleys and into seldom-seen corners of Canada that, till now, have largely been inaccessible to guests. It’s a uncommon alternative to see how nature is reclaiming a panorama as soon as formed by steam engines and coal; and to expertise a quieter, lesser-known facet of the Rockies past Canada’s two most-famous nationwide parks – Jasper and Banff.

To date, greater than 50km of the path from Nordegg to Jackfish Creek has been accomplished, with the remaining half underway. 

Calgary resident Maddy Tailor discovered herself on the path “almost by accident”, after driving for hours to close by vacationer drawcard Abraham Lake. “I met an older couple really into trains while I was camping at Preacher’s Point who mentioned they’d just biked a section of the trail from Nordegg. They were sort of raving about it,” she mentioned.

After visiting the revitalised path herself, Tailor wished to carry her grandfather – an area historical past buff – to expertise it. “It’s a stunning spot,” she added. “I can definitely see us camping along it… who knows, maybe my grandad will even learn a thing or two he didn’t know about [Canadian] history.”