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Abbot Pass
Abbot Pass.jpg
Abbot Pass, with the approach from the British Columbia side
Elevation 2,925 m (9,596 ft)
Location Banff National Park, Alberta / Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
Range Canadian Rockies
Coordinates 51°21′50″N 116°17′14″W / 51.36389°N 116.28722°W / 51.36389; -116.28722
Topo map NAD 83/11U

Abbot Pass is a mountain pass located high in the Canadian Rockies. It sits between two large mountains, Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria. This pass connects the beautiful valleys of Lake O'Hara and Lake Louise. It's a special spot because it's right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia, inside Banff National Park and Yoho National Park.

What is Abbot Pass?

Abbot Pass is like a natural doorway through the mountains. It's a high point that connects two different areas. The pass is quite high up, reaching an elevation of 2,925 meters (about 9,596 feet) above sea level. Because it's so high, it offers amazing views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Why is it Called Abbot Pass?

The pass is named after a person named Philip Stanley Abbot. He was an American lawyer and a keen mountain climber. In 1896, Philip Stanley Abbot was trying to climb Mount Lefroy with his friends Charles Fay, Charles Thompson, and George T. Little. Sadly, he had an accident during this climb and passed away. The pass was named in his memory to honor his adventurous spirit.

The Abbot Pass Hut

At Abbot Pass, there is a stone building called the Abbot Pass hut. This hut was built a long time ago in 1922. It was constructed by skilled Swiss mountain guides who worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway. These guides helped early explorers and tourists travel safely through the mountains.

Today, the Abbot Pass hut is looked after by the Alpine Club of Canada. It serves as a shelter for experienced mountaineers and hikers who are exploring this challenging part of the Rockies. It's a historic building that reminds us of the early days of mountain exploration in Canada.

See Also

  • List of mountain passes in the Canadian Rockies
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