kids encyclopedia robot

List of mountains in the Canadian Rockies facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Canadian Rockies are a huge mountain range in western Canada, known for their stunning beauty, tall peaks, and amazing wildlife. These mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountains that stretch across North America. Many of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies are over 3,000 meters (about 9,842 feet) tall!

This article will tell you about some of these incredible mountains, including the very tallest ones. We'll explore their heights, where they are located, and some interesting facts about their history and how they got their names.

Mt. Robson from Berg Lake, reflected
Mount Robson from Berg Lake, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Mt. Columbia (vertical)
Mount Columbia, the highest mountain in Alberta.
North Twin from Columbia Icefield approach
North Twin Peak, one of the highest mountains in the Winston Churchill Range.

The Tallest Mountains in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are home to many towering peaks. Climbing these mountains is a big challenge, and many have interesting stories about their first ascents.

Mount Robson: The King of the Rockies

Mount Robson is the highest mountain in the entire Canadian Rockies. It stands at a massive 3,954 meters (12,972 feet) tall! It's located in the Rainbow Range and was first successfully climbed in 1913. Imagine being one of the first people to stand on top of that giant!

Mount Columbia: Alberta's Highest Point

Coming in second, Mount Columbia reaches 3,747 meters (12,293 feet). This impressive peak is the highest point in the province of Alberta. It's part of the Winston Churchill Range and was first climbed in 1902.

Other Giants of the Winston Churchill Range

The Winston Churchill Range has several other very tall mountains:

  • North Twin Peak is 3,731 meters (12,241 feet) high and was first climbed in 1923.
  • Mount Alberta is 3,619 meters (11,873 feet) tall. It's known as one of the most difficult climbing challenges for mountains over 11,000 feet. It was first climbed in 1925.
  • South Twin Peak is 3,566 meters (11,699 feet) high, first climbed in 1924.
  • Mount Kitchener (3,505 meters / 11,499 feet) and Snow Dome (3,456 meters / 11,339 feet) are also part of this range.

Famous Mountains in National Parks

Many of the Canadian Rockies' highest peaks are found within beautiful national parks, making them popular spots for adventurers.

Mount Assiniboine: The Matterhorn of the Rockies

At 3,618 meters (11,870 feet), Mount Assiniboine is the highest point in the Southern Rockies. It's often called the "Matterhorn of the Rockies" because of its pyramid shape. It was first climbed way back in 1901.

Mount Forbes: Banff's Tallest

Standing at 3,612 meters (11,850 feet), Mount Forbes is the highest point completely within Banff National Park. It was first climbed in 1902.

Mount Temple: Near Lake Louise

Near the famous Lake Louise, you'll find Mount Temple, which is 3,543 meters (11,624 feet) tall. It holds the record for the earliest first ascent on this list, climbed in 1894.

Mountains with Interesting Names and Stories

Many mountains in the Canadian Rockies are named after important people, explorers, or even their unique shapes.

Mountains Named After People

  • Mount Lyell (3,498 meters / 11,476 feet) was named in 1902 after a Scottish geologist.
  • Mount King Edward (3,490 meters / 11,450 feet) was named in 1924 after Edward VII, a former British king.
  • Mount Edith Cavell (3,363 meters / 11,033 feet) is a very prominent peak in the South Jasper Ranges. It was named after a British nurse executed during World War I. It is the most prominent peak entirely in Alberta.
  • Mount Fryatt (3,361 meters / 11,027 feet) was named in 1926 after a British merchant captain who was executed during World War I.
  • Mount Hector (3,394 meters / 11,135 feet) was named in 1895 after a geologist who was part of the Palliser expedition, an important exploration of western Canada.
  • Mount Amery (3,329 meters / 10,922 feet) was named in 1929 after a British politician and journalist.
  • Mount Mummery (3,328 meters / 10,919 feet) was named in 1906 after Albert F. Mummery, a famous British mountaineer.
  • Mount Aberdeen (3,152 meters / 10,341 feet) was named in 1894 after the 7th Governor General of Canada.
  • Mount Wilson (3,260 meters / 10,696 feet) was named in 1902 for a Canadian guide.
  • Mount Tuzo (3,246 meters / 10,650 feet) was named in 1906 for a female Canadian mountaineer who was part of its first ascent.

Mountains with Unique Shapes or Features

  • Deltaform Mountain (3,424 meters / 11,234 feet) was named because its shape resembles the Greek letter "Delta."
  • The Helmet (3,420 meters / 11,220 feet) is a peak on the massive Mount Robson.
  • Quadra Mountain (3,173 meters / 10,410 feet) has a top that consists of four distinct pinnacles, or pointy tops.
  • Throne Mountain (3,120 meters / 10,236 feet) was named because it looks like a giant chair or throne.
  • Bident Mountain (3,084 meters / 10,118 feet) is shaped like a bident, which is a two-pronged spear.

Mountains with Indigenous Names

  • Chaba Peak (3,212 meters / 10,538 feet) gets its name from the Stoney Indian word for "beaver."
  • Wenkchemna Peak (3,170 meters / 10,399 feet) uses the Stoney Indian word for "ten."

Historical Moments in Climbing

  • Mount Lefroy (3,423 meters / 11,230 feet) is sadly known as the site of the first fatal climbing accident in Canada, which happened in 1897.

|

kids search engine
List of mountains in the Canadian Rockies Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.