McGillivray Pass facts for kids
McGillivray Pass is a special place in the mountains of southwestern British Columbia, Canada. It's like a natural pathway through the mountains, sitting at an elevation of about 1,867 meters (or 6,215 feet) above sea level. This pass is found about 30 miles west of a town called Lillooet. It's also right next to the top part of Anderson Lake, and above a place that used to be a resort called McGillivray.
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What is McGillivray Pass?
A mountain pass is a low point between mountains. It makes it easier to travel from one valley to another. McGillivray Pass connects the top of McGillivray Creek with the top of Standard Creek. Standard Creek flows into Cadwallader Creek. This natural route was very important for people exploring the area.
History and Early Travelers
Long ago, the pass was used by different groups of people.
- Prospectors were people who searched for valuable minerals like gold.
- Miners worked to dig out these minerals from the ground.
- Hunters traveled through to find animals for food or furs.
They all used McGillivray Pass to reach the upper Bridge River Country. This area was known for its rich resources.
A Railway Idea That Didn't Happen
At one time, there was a big idea for McGillivray Pass. People thought about building a special type of train track called a cog railway here. A cog railway uses a toothed wheel that locks into a rack between the rails. This helps trains climb very steep slopes.
The plan was to connect mines like Bralorne and Pioneer to a bigger train line. This bigger line was the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. Today, parts of it are owned by the CN. However, this railway project was never built.
Mountains and Modern Use
McGillivray Pass is located between two mountain ranges.
- To the east, you'll find the Bendor Range.
- To the west, there is the Cadwallader Range. This range is part of the larger Birkenhead Ranges.
Even though the railway wasn't built, the pass is still used today. There are private cabins near the top of the pass. These cabins are used by people who enjoy skiing in the mountains. It's a quiet spot for outdoor adventures.
