Popes Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Popes Peak |
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 Popes Peak
Location in Alberta
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,163 m (10,377 ft) |
| Prominence | 81 m (266 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alberta British Columbia |
| Parent range | Bow Range |
| Topo map | NTS 82N/08 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1903 George Collier and his brother Joseph, Christian Kaufmann |
| Easiest route | North Face III |
Popes Peak is a tall mountain located right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia in Western Canada. It's a part of the amazing Bow Range within the Canadian Rockies mountain range. This peak stands proudly between the beautiful Lake Louise Valley and Cataract Brook. It also touches the edges of two famous national parks: Banff and Yoho national parks.
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All About Popes Peak
Popes Peak is a significant mountain in Canada. It reaches an elevation of 3,163 meters (about 10,377 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the many impressive peaks in the Canadian Rockies. The mountain is known for its stunning views and challenging climbs.
Where is Popes Peak Located?
This mountain has a special location. It sits exactly on the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant line across North America. It separates the rivers that flow to the Pacific Ocean from those that flow to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans. Because Popes Peak is on this divide, it marks the border between Alberta and British Columbia.
The mountain is part of the Bow Range. This is a sub-range of the larger Canadian Rockies. Popes Peak is also very close to two well-known national parks. These are Banff National Park in Alberta and Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Both parks are famous for their incredible natural beauty.
The First Climb to the Top
The first time anyone successfully climbed Popes Peak was in 1903. Two brothers, George Collier and Joseph Collier, made this historic ascent. They were guided by an experienced alpine guide named Christian Kaufmann. Climbing mountains like Popes Peak was a big adventure back then. It required a lot of skill and courage.
Why Was it Called "Boundary Peak"?
Before it was known as Popes Peak, the mountain had another name: "Boundary Peak." This name made a lot of sense. The Continental Divide runs right through the mountain. This means the border between British Columbia and Alberta also crosses the peak. It's located just south of a famous mountain pass called Kicking Horse Pass. The name "Boundary Peak" simply described its position on this important border.
