Great American Railroad Journeys (2016)

Episode Overview

With his 1899 Appleton’s Guide in hand, Michael Portillo embarks on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Kamloops to the picturesque Banff spa resort. This stunning trip takes him to the peak of the 19th-century Canadian Pacific Railway at Kicking Horse Pass, past the breathtaking Lake Louise, and through spiral tunnels carved into the mountains. During his journey, Michael learns about the perilous conditions faced by the Chinese and European workers who constructed the railway. He reflects on the historic moment when the Last Spike was driven in 1885, marking the railway's completion. Upon arriving in Banff, Michael uses his guide to navigate to the opulent Banff Spring Hotel, erected by the railway company. Near Sulphur Mountain, he investigates an underground hot spring discovered by railway laborers in 1883, which led to the establishment of Canada’s first national park.