Park Ranges facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Park Ranges
Main Ranges
Location in Canada
Dimensions
Area	33,223 km2 (12,827 sq mi)
Geography
Country	Canada
Range coordinates	52°00′00″N 117°50′00″W / 52.00000°N 117.83333°W / 52.00000; -117.83333
Parent range	Continental Ranges

The Park Ranges, also known as the Main Ranges, are a huge group of mountain ranges found in the amazing Canadian Rockies. These mountains stretch across parts of southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta in Canada. They are a very important part of the larger Continental Ranges, which are like the backbone of the Rocky Mountains. The Park Ranges are right in the middle of these big mountain systems.

Where Are the Park Ranges?

The Park Ranges are located in a beautiful and wild part of western Canada. They are found in two provinces: British Columbia and Alberta. Imagine a long line of mountains starting southeast of a place called Mount McGregor and reaching all the way to the Fernie Basin. That's how far these ranges stretch! They are a central part of the Canadian Rockies, which are famous for their tall peaks, deep valleys, and stunning views.

What Makes the Park Ranges Special?

The Park Ranges are not just one single mountain. They are made up of many smaller mountain groups, called subranges. These subranges include some of the most famous and impressive parts of the Canadian Rockies. For example, they contain huge icefields, which are like giant, ancient glaciers that cover vast areas. The Columbia Icefield and the Wapta Icefield are two of the most well-known icefields found within or very close to the Park Ranges. These icefields are important because they feed many rivers in North America.

The mountains here are also home to incredible wildlife and unique plants. You might find grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and elk roaming through the valleys and slopes. The forests are filled with tall trees like spruce and fir, and in the alpine meadows, you can see colorful wildflowers during the summer.

Exploring the Park Ranges

Because of their stunning beauty and wild nature, the Park Ranges are a popular spot for adventurers. Many parts of these ranges are protected within national parks, like Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. This means they are preserved for everyone to enjoy and for wildlife to thrive.

People come here to hike, climb, and explore. There are many trails that lead through forests, past sparkling lakes, and up to amazing viewpoints. Climbing some of the peaks can be a big challenge, but the rewards are incredible views of endless mountains. In winter, the deep snow makes it a great place for skiing and snowboarding.

Subranges of the Park Ranges

The Park Ranges are made up of many different mountain groups. Each one has its own unique features and challenges. Here is a list of some of the subranges that make up this incredible mountain system:

• Blackwater Range
• Blue Range
• Bow Range
• Chaba Icefield
• Clemenceau-Chaba
• Columbia Icefield
• Drummond Group
• Freshfields
• Harrison Group
• Hooker Icefield
• Kitchen Range
• Le Grand Brazeau
• McKale-Chalco Divide
• Mitchell Range
• Morkill Ranges
• Ottertail Range
• Rainbow Range
• Royal Group
• Selwyn Range
• Spray Mountains
• Sundance Range
• The Ramparts
• Trident Range
• Van Horne Range
• Vermilion Range
• Wapta Icefield
• Waputik Icefield
• Waputik Mountains
  • President Range
• Winston Churchill Range