Eagle Pass (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eagle Pass |
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Wagon road at the summit of Eagle Pass, c. 1885
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| Elevation | 550 m (1,804 ft) |
| Traversed by | Canadian Pacific Railway, British Columbia Highway 1 |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Range | Monashee Mountains |
Eagle Pass is a mountain pass located in the beautiful British Columbia, Canada. It sits at an elevation of about 550 meters (1,804 feet). This pass is a very important natural pathway through the Monashee Mountains. It has helped connect different parts of Canada for a long time.
Contents
What is Eagle Pass?
Location and Features
Eagle Pass cuts through the Gold Range, which is part of the larger Monashee Mountains. It is a natural low point that makes it easier to travel through the rugged mountain terrain. The pass is found in the western part of British Columbia.
Dividing Waters
One of the most interesting things about Eagle Pass is how it divides two major river systems. On one side, water flows towards the mighty Columbia River. On the other side, water flows into the Fraser River system. This happens through the Shuswap Lakes and the Thompson River. It means that rain falling on one side of the pass will end up in a completely different ocean than rain falling on the other side!
A Key Route for Canada
Eagle Pass became very important for transportation in Canada. It was chosen as the best route for two major travel networks.
The Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was a huge project to build a railway across Canada. The section through Eagle Pass was one of the last parts to be finished. In 1885, the very last spike, often called the "last spike," was driven into the railway tracks. This famous event happened at a place called Craigellachie, which is located within the pass. Completing this section meant the railway finally connected Canada from coast to coast.
The Trans-Canada Highway
Later on, the Trans-Canada Highway was also built through Eagle Pass. This highway is a major road that crosses Canada. Just like the railway, the highway uses the pass to get through the Monashee Mountains. This shows how important Eagle Pass is for connecting different parts of the country.
Who Discovered Eagle Pass?
The pass was discovered by a man named Walter Moberly in 1865. He was working as an Assistant Surveyor General for British Columbia at the time. His discovery was key to finding a route for the future railway.
Nearby Communities
The closest city to Eagle Pass is Revelstoke. It is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) to the east of the pass. Revelstoke is a popular town for outdoor activities and is often visited by travelers using the Trans-Canada Highway.
