Cascade River (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cascade River |
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The Cascade River in Stewart Canyon
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bonnet Glacier/Badger Pass 2,174 m (7,133 ft) 51°25′29″N 115°50′28″W / 51.42472°N 115.84111°W |
| River mouth | Bow River 1,361 m (4,465 ft) 51°09′59″N 115°28′43″W / 51.16639°N 115.47861°W |
| Basin features | |
| Waterbodies | Lake Minnewanka |
The Cascade River is a cool river found in southwestern Alberta, Canada. It starts high up in the amazing Canadian Rockies mountains. This river flows through a beautiful lake called Lake Minnewanka before it joins up with the Bow River.
Where Does the Cascade River Start?
The Cascade River gets its water from melting glaciers. These glaciers are found on mountains like Flints Peak, Bonnet Peak, and Block Mountain. Imagine huge ice fields slowly melting and feeding the river!
Lakes That Feed the River
Many mountain lakes also add their water to the Cascade River. These include pretty places like Goat Lake, Sawback Lake, Elk Lake, and Cuthead Lake. They are all part of the river's journey.
Through Stewart Canyon
Before it reaches Lake Minnewanka, the river meets Stoney Creek. Then, it flows through a dramatic place called Stewart Canyon. This canyon is a narrow, deep valley carved by the river over many years.
How Did the Cascade River Get Its Name?
The Cascade River is named after a nearby mountain, Cascade Mountain. This mountain is very famous in the area.
Sir James Hector and the Name
A long time ago, a person named Sir James Hector named the mountain. He learned the local native name for the mountain. That name meant "mountain where the water falls." Sir James Hector shortened this to Cascade, which means a small waterfall or a series of falls. This name then stuck for the river too!
