Hotels in Field: Railway History in Yoho National Park

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Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Field is located on the Trans-Canada Highway in the heart of Yoho National Park. The town sits on an alluvial fan at the confluence of Stephen Creek and the Kicking Horse River, on the steep slopes of Mount Stephen and Mount Dennis. The combination of an alluvial fan, the river confluence and steep slopes places Field between waterways and mountains.

Railway History in Field

Field began in the 1880s as a settlement of tents and simple huts for Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) construction workers. The CPR telegraph building, made of stone and brick, dates to around 1931. It is the only building from before the Second World War still standing in Field. The Canadian Pacific Railway Station in Field is a small station built in 1953–1954 in the International Style and an outstanding example of this building type. The town's history thus spans its founding in the 1880s, the telegraph building around 1931 and the station of 1953–1954.

Trains and Views of the Tracks

For railway enthusiasts, Field brings together architectural history and train traffic: freight and tourist trains regularly pass through the town. From the CPR telegraph building, you can look out over the nearby railway tracks. Do not enter CP property without authorization. Train operating patterns may change over time.

Hiking on Mount Stephen

From Field, a hike follows steep, undeveloped forest trails to the trilobite beds on Mount Stephen. Hiking conditions are seasonal. A guided hike on Mount Stephen also starts at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre in Field. For the hike to the trilobite beds, follow the steep, undeveloped forest trails to the destination on Mount Stephen; for the guided hike, note that it starts at the Visitor Centre and that booking details may change. Check them in advance if you are planning to join the tour.

Culture and Getting Around

Alongside its railway heritage, Field has another local cultural attraction: Velvet Antler Pottery, an active pottery studio with a gallery. The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre and the Friends of Yoho gift shop are on the Trans-Canada Highway in Field. As facilities may change, check the latest information before visiting.

The community of Field has restaurants and cafés. Individual businesses and opening hours may change; check the latest information if you are planning to eat in town. This makes getting your bearings on the highway and planning where to eat in town two separate points to consider.

Field as a Gateway to the Lake O’Hara Area

Field has long served as a gateway to the Lake O’Hara area. Shuttle service and reservations are seasonal and may change. If you plan to include this in your trip, check the information for your travel dates. Together with hikes on Mount Stephen, this offers a connection with nature distinct from the railway architecture and amenities in town.

Discover more destinations: Scotch Creek, Celista, Sorrento, Sicamous, Parson, Golden, Anglemont, Salmon Arm.

Return to the regional travel overview: Columbia-Shuswap.

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