Shortly after it's 14:20 departure, Train No.2 begins ascent of the Big Hill at the eastern end of town. In the 1850's tracks were originally laid along part of the present location of the Trans-Canada Highway on a 4.5 percent grade. In 1909 this steep grade was reduced to a better 2.2 percent through the construction of two Spiral Tunnels with two crossings of the Kicking Horse River. The tracks pass over, or under themselves, inside the mountains to gain or lose 45 and 48 feet in each turn of an elongated "figure eight" pattern. (3 of 21)
