Fortress Pass (Canadian Rockies) facts for kids

Fortress Pass is a special place in the Canadian Rockies. It is a mountain pass, which is like a natural path or gap through mountains. This pass is located south of Jasper, right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.

What makes Fortress Pass unique is how low and gentle it is. Even though it is in the mighty Rockies, it is one of the lowest passes that does not have a road going through it. This means it is a wild and natural area, perfect for exploring if you are an experienced hiker!

What is a Mountain Pass?

A mountain pass is a low point between two mountains or ridges. Think of it like a natural doorway through a mountain range. People and animals have used these passes for thousands of years to travel from one side of the mountains to the other. They make crossing big mountain ranges much easier.

Where is Fortress Pass Located?

Fortress Pass sits high in the Canadian Rockies, a huge mountain range in western Canada. It is found in a very wild and beautiful area. The pass is right on the line that separates the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. This makes it a border crossing, but only for nature and adventurers!

How High is Fortress Pass?

Fortress Pass is about 1,335 meters (or 4,380 feet) above sea level. While that sounds high, for a mountain pass in the Rockies, it is actually quite low! Many other passes are much higher. This low elevation means it is not as steep or difficult to cross as some other mountain paths.

A Gentle Slope

One cool thing about Fortress Pass is how gentle its slopes are. When you travel from Fortress Lake on the west side to the Chaba River on the east side, there is hardly any change in height. This makes it a relatively easy path to follow, even without a road.

Water's Journey: The Continental Divide

Fortress Pass is also important because of the water that flows from it. It is very close to the Continental Divide of the Americas. This is an imaginary line that runs through the Americas. On one side, water flows towards the Pacific Ocean. On the other side, it flows towards the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.

Rivers Flowing from Fortress Pass

Water from Fortress Lake, which is on the west side of the pass, flows into the Wood River. The Wood River then joins the mighty Columbia River, which eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean.

On the east side of the pass, the Chaba River starts. This river flows into the Athabasca River, which then joins the huge Mackenzie River. The Mackenzie River travels all the way north to the Arctic Ocean. So, water from Fortress Pass ends up in two different oceans!

Why is Fortress Pass Important?

Fortress Pass is important for a few reasons:

• Natural Pathway: It is one of the lowest and gentlest natural paths through the Canadian Rockies that has not been developed with a road. This keeps it wild and untouched.
• Wildlife: Wild areas like Fortress Pass are very important for animals. They provide homes and safe travel routes for many types of wildlife.
• Water Source: The pass helps feed rivers that flow to different oceans, showing how water connects vast parts of the continent.
• Adventure: For hikers and explorers, it offers a challenging but rewarding adventure into the heart of the Rockies.