Nikanassin Range facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nikanassin Range
Cardinal River flowing east through the Nikanassin Range
Highest point
Peak	Climax Mountain
Elevation	2,823 m (9,262 ft)
Dimensions
Length	80 km (50 mi) W-E
Width	66 km (41 mi) N-S
Area	2,760 km2 (1,070 sq mi)
Geography
Country	Canada
Province	Alberta
Range coordinates	52°57′N 117°9′W / 52.950°N 117.150°W / 52.950; -117.150
Parent range	Canadian Rockies

The Nikanassin Range is a group of mountain ranges. You can find it in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada. It sits on the eastern edge of Jasper National Park. The name Nikanassin comes from the Cree language and means "first range."

This mountain range covers an area of about 2,760 square kilometers (1,066 square miles). It stretches for 80 kilometers (50 miles) from northwest to southeast. The range is also 66 kilometers (41 miles) wide. The highest point in the Nikanassin Range is Climax Mountain. It stands tall at 2,823 meters (9,262 feet).

Coal Mining in the Mountains

The Nikanassin Range has many places where coal can be found. Coal is a type of rock that can be burned for energy. People have been mining coal here for a long time.

Some of the places where coal mines were, or still are, include Cadomin, Mountain Park, and Luscar. These mines helped provide energy for many years.

Nikanassin Formation

The Nikanassin Range also gives its name to something called the Nikanassin Formation. This is a special layer of rock that formed a very long time ago. It was created during the late Jurassic period. This was the time when many dinosaurs lived!

Scientists study this rock formation to learn about Earth's history. The Nikanassin Formation helps us understand what the area was like millions of years ago.

Tallest Peaks

The Nikanassin Range is home to several impressive mountains. Here are some of the highest peaks you can find in this range:

Nikanassin Range over the foothills