Trains, Peaks, and Tourists returns us to the "golden age" of Canadian travel, when the railway was king. Through the efforts of the CPR and its competitors, the wonders of Canada were introduced to its own people and to the multitudes of tourists from around the world. Between the completion of the CPR in 1885 and the waning of the golden age in the Great Depression, Canada became known to the world as a land of extraordinary landscapes, exciting recreational opportunities, and interesting people. Explore the railroad services, grand mountain resorts, advertising campaigns, and giants of our history that have left an indelible mark on what Canada is today.

Trains, Peaks & Tourists: The Golden Age of Canadian Travel

History

E. J. (Ted) Hart

Americas

Summerthought Publishing

As the tourist trade developed in Banff and Jasper in the late 1800s, a special breed of men emerged to lead wealthy, latter-day explorers into the Canadian Rockies wilderness. These guides and outfitters were often as undisciplined and unkempt as their clients were refined and polished. But together this unlikely alliance forged the last chapter in the history of exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Hart's Diamond Hitch describes the colourful lives and times of such men as Tom Wilson, Bill Peyto, Jimmy Simpson, the Brewster brothers, Fred Stephens, and Curly Phillips the true mountain men of the Canadian west.

Diamond Hitch: The Pioneer Guides and Outfitters of Banff and Jasper

Travel

Canada

Travel back in time through the journal entries of Bill Peyto, Banff s most legendary figure. Along the way you will marvel at his accomplishments as an early park warden, be amazed by his adventures as a mountain guide, and be drawn in by his infamously unsophisticated personal life. 
 I headed downslope to where the cubs were feeding and came up at them, hoping to scare them into one or another of my mining shafts for protection. It worked perfectly, as they ran for the nearest dark hole, and I went in with my ropes on the ready to see if I could catch one. I could hear the little fellows squealing in the dark and I paused a moment to let my eyes adjust. Just then I heard a tremendous roar and knew the sow was coming on the run looking for her wayward offspring. It didn't take her a moment to pick up the scent and she headed straight for the mouth of the shaft bent on destruction.... 
 Entry from Bill Peyto s Mountain Journal May 15, 1910

Ain't it Hell

The world's best golfers, movie stars, celebrities, club members, and every-day golf enthusiasts they have all played the Banff Springs Golf Course. Since 1911 there has always been a golf course in Banff National Park, waiting for those wishing to enjoy a round in one of the grandest settings imaginable.  Stunning contemporary photos, a treasure trove of previously unpublished historic photos, and the impeccable research of historian Ted Hart, combine to create a distinctive history of one of the world s best known golf courses.

Banff Springs Golf Club

Sports & Outdoors

The Cave and Basin