Northern Rocky Mountains facts for kids

The Northern Rocky Mountains, often called the Northern Rockies, are a part of the Canadian Rockies. They make up the northern half of the Canadian section of the huge Rocky Mountains.

The northern end of the Northern Rockies is clearly marked by the Liard River. This river is also the very northern end of the entire Rocky Mountains range. Deciding where the Northern Rockies end in the south is a bit tricky. Some people say it's around Mount Ovington and Monkman Pass. South of this area are the Continental Ranges, which are the main part of the Rockies and form the border between British Columbia and Alberta.

Some people only use the term "Northern Rockies" for the area north of the Peace Arm of the Williston Reservoir. They might also use it when talking about Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park. However, others believe the term includes areas much further south, past the Hart Ranges at Mount Ovington. This wider view includes places like McBride, the Sir Alexander Group, and Mount Robson.

The area south of the Williston Reservoir is known as the Hart Ranges. This part is much easier to reach and more well-known. In contrast, the Northern Rockies north of Williston Lake are very remote. Few people visit or photograph them.

The Hart Ranges have BC Highway 97 (the John Hart Highway) running through them. Also, a railway line, now part of Canadian National Railways, uses the Pine Pass. There's also a special railway line to the coalmines near Tumbler Ridge. The Alaska Highway goes through the very northern part of the range. It passes through Stone Mountain and Muncho Lake Provincial Parks.

Parts of the Northern Rockies

The Northern Rocky Mountains are divided into smaller sections called subranges. Here are the main ones:

• Muskwa Ranges: These are found north of the Williston Reservoir.
• Hart Ranges: These are located south of the Williston Reservoir.
  • Misinchinka Ranges: This part stretches from the Peace Arm of Williston Reservoir south to the Monkman Pass.
  • Murray Range
  • Pioneer Range
  • Solitude Range

Amazing Provincial Parks

The Northern Rockies are home to many beautiful provincial parks. Besides Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park, here are some others:

• North of Williston Reservoir:
  • Muncho Lake Provincial Park
  • Stone Mountain Provincial Park
  • Kwadacha Wilderness Provincial Park

• South of Williston Reservoir:
  • Monkman Provincial Park
  • Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area (Sometimes included, depending on the source)
  • Close To The Edge Provincial Park and Protected Area
  • Wapiti Lake Provincial Park
  • Bijoux Falls Provincial Park
  • Mount Robson Provincial Park

Images for kids

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  A friendly robot, representing the spirit of learning and exploration.