Wapta Bungalow Camp

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Kicking Horse Pass

Located at the summit of Kicking Horse Pass overlooking Wapta Lake, this camp was established by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1921. It was a key component of the CPR Bungalow Camp system.

History

Wapta was strategically positioned to serve both railway passengers and motorists on the newly developing road network. It served as a staging point for trips to Lake O’Hara and the Yoho Valley. The camp was known for its dramatic views of the Spiral Tunnels and the surrounding peaks of Yoho National Park.

Legacy

The original bungalow camp evolved over time, eventually becoming the West Louise Lodge and more recently the Great Divide Lodge. While the original 1920s cabins are gone, the site remains an important landmark on the Continental Divide, marking over a century of hospitality at the pass.