Elk Pass (Canada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,905 m (6,250 ft)(6250 ft) |
| Traversed by | Trans Canada Trail (proposed) |
| Location | Alberta–British Columbia border, Canada |
| Range | Canadian Rockies |
| Coordinates | 50°34′57″N 115°03′52″W / 50.58250°N 115.06444°W |
Elk Pass is a high mountain pass located in the Canadian Rockies. It sits on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. This pass is special because it crosses the continental divide, which is like a big imaginary line that separates rivers flowing to different oceans.
Elk Pass connects two important valleys: the Elk Valley in British Columbia and the Kananaskis Valley in Alberta. It's a beautiful natural area, high up in the mountains.
What Makes Elk Pass Special?
Elk Pass is quite unique because it's very wide, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) across. This is unusual for a mountain pass. Long ago, a single large glacier carved out both the Elk Valley and the Kananaskis Valley, creating this wide area.
In 1916, surveyors mapping the border between Alberta and British Columbia noticed this wide pass. They divided it into two main routes. These routes were later officially named West Elk Pass and East Elk Pass.
Exploring Elk Pass: How to Get There
You can't drive a regular car to Elk Pass. It's not connected by paved roads. On the Alberta side, the pass is located within Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. This park is known for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities.
On the British Columbia side, Elk Pass is just east of Elk Lakes Provincial Park. Both of these parks are protected areas. They offer amazing opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature.
Future Plans for Elk Pass
The Trans Canada Trail is a huge network of trails across Canada. They hoped to use existing hiking trails through Elk Pass as part of their route that crosses the continental divide. However, there have been some disagreements. Coal mines in the Upper Elk Valley are concerned about how the trail might affect their ability to expand their mining operations.
In the past, people living in Elkford, British Columbia suggested extending British Columbia Highway 43 over the pass. This would have created a new road connecting British Columbia to Calgary, Alberta. But because there are now stronger rules to protect the environment on the Alberta side, this road project is no longer likely to happen.
