In Banff and Yoho National Parks, there is a section of highway with an interesting history. Originally built in the 1920s, it served as the TransCanada Highway up until the highway was realigned in 1962. From that point on it became Highway 1A until it was closed to vehicle traffic 25 years ago.

Today it serves as a hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trail and we set out to explore a section of it.

This section of highway has special meaning to DanOCan as he has a photo taken of him with his car along this stretch of road in the late 1990s. The photo was taken at the Great Divide which forms the border between Alberta and British Columbia in this area.

Also known as the Continental Divide, this line separates the watershed which drains into the Pacific Ocean from the watershed which drains into the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

While there, we take the opportunity to explore an abandoned picnic area and also get up and close to do some train watching. It’s a great way to spend some time in a couple National Parks of Canada.