F ewer than ten minutes from the town of Lake Louise on Alberta Provincial Highway 1A — which is more popularly known in Banff National Park as Bow Valley Parkway — is a place called Morant’s Curve at which I stopped for a few minutes.
A Stop at Morant’s Curve in Banff National Park
This view is of the Bow Valley Parkway facing east northeast; and the small parking area for the viewpoint known as Morant’s Curve is off to the left…
…while this view of Bow Valley Parkway is in the opposite direction — meaning that if you are heading towards Lake Louise, be advised that there is no signage designating Morant’s Curve just beyond the curve shown in the photograph above.
One of the prominent features of Morant’s Curve is the railroad tracks.
Nicholas Morant — who died in 1999 and after whom the curve was named — was a photographer for both Canadian Pacific Railway and National Geographic magazine.
The Bow River is another prominent feature of this scenic area in Bow Valley…
…as are the snow-covered mountains between which this railroad track gracefully winds.
Through his photography, Morant played a key role in the promotion of Banff National Park — which was the first national park established in Canada in 1885 — after its nascent years but still during its early years.
As of 2016, a record 3,894,332 people visited Banff National Park, according to the official statistics from Parks Canada…
…and that attendance record is likely to be shattered in 2017, as there is no entry fee into any of the national parks of Canada in commemoration of 150 years of Canada as a confederation as of July 1.
Every Monday since February 20, 2017, the official Facebook Internet web site of Canadian Pacific has been featuring the historic photographic works of Morant, who spent nearly 50 years of his career with the railroad company.
Morant did an excellent job of publicizing Banff National Park, as it is currently the most visited national park in Canada…
…and the scenery surrounding one of his favorite places to take pictures certainly does not hurt.
Not a single soul was present when I visited Morant’s Curve.
Other than the occasional car which passed by on Bow Valley Parkway while I was there, Morant’s Curve was peaceful, idyllic and serene.
Of course, there is no admission to visit; and you can stay as long as you like — but keep in mind that there are no facilities of any sort. There are also no chairs or tables.
Summary
If you happen to be driving on Bow Valley Parkway between the towns of Banff and Lake Louise, do take at least a few minutes to admire Morant’s Curve — even if your schedule is full and tight. You will not regret it.
Morant’s Curve is located on the south side of Bow Valley Parkway 6.4 kilometers southeast of the town of Lake Louise.
All photographs ©2017 by Brian Cohen.
