Drawbridge Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drawbridge Peak |
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 Drawbridge Peak
Location in Alberta
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,733 m (8,967 ft) |
| Prominence | 184 m (604 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alberta / British Columbia |
| Parent range | Park Ranges |
| Topo map | NTS 83D/09 |
Drawbridge Peak is a cool mountain located right on the border between two Canadian provinces: Alberta and British Columbia. It's part of the Continental Divide, which is like a giant natural line that separates which way rivers flow across North America.
This peak is special because it sits between two amazing parks. On the Alberta side, you'll find it in Jasper National Park. On the British Columbia side, it's part of Mount Robson Provincial Park.
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What is Drawbridge Peak?
Drawbridge Peak is a mountain that stands tall at 2,733 meters (about 8,967 feet) above sea level. Mountains are often measured by their elevation, which is how high their top is from the ocean.
Another way to describe a mountain is by its "prominence." Drawbridge Peak has a prominence of 184 meters (about 604 feet). Prominence tells you how much a mountain sticks up from the land around it. Imagine it as how high the peak rises from the lowest point connecting it to a higher mountain.
Where is Drawbridge Peak Located?
Drawbridge Peak is found in the Canadian Rockies, a huge mountain range in western Canada. It's specifically in a part of the Rockies called the Park Ranges.
The mountain's unique position on the Continental Divide means that any rain or snow that falls on one side will eventually flow towards the Pacific Ocean. If it falls on the other side, it will head towards the Arctic Ocean or Hudson Bay. This natural boundary is very important for water systems.
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is a massive park in Alberta, known for its stunning mountains, glaciers, forests, and wildlife. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it's recognized as having special importance to everyone in the world. People visit Jasper to hike, camp, and see animals like elk, bears, and bighorn sheep.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
On the British Columbia side, Mount Robson Provincial Park is home to the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. This park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers incredible views, challenging hikes, and opportunities to explore nature.
How Did Drawbridge Peak Get its Name?
Drawbridge Peak got its name in 1920. It was named by a group called the Interprovincial Boundary Survey. This survey team was responsible for mapping out and marking the exact border between Alberta and British Columbia.
They likely named the mountain "Drawbridge Peak" because its shape or location reminded them of a drawbridge, which is a type of bridge that can be raised or lowered. Many mountains in the Rockies are named after their appearance or after important people and events related to their discovery or mapping.
Exploring the Area Around Drawbridge Peak
The area around Drawbridge Peak is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures. Because it's within two national parks, it's protected and preserved for everyone to enjoy.
Visitors to these parks can go hiking on many trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs. They can also enjoy camping, wildlife viewing, and photography. The mountains provide a home for many different animals and plants, making it a rich natural environment to explore and learn about.
