Ranges of the Canadian Rockies facts for kids

Extent of the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are a huge part of the Rocky Mountains that stretch across North America. You can find them in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. These mountains are famous for their amazing views, tall peaks, and beautiful national parks. They are a popular spot for adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world!

Exploring the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are so big that people often divide them into smaller sections. This helps us understand and explore them better. Even though there isn't one official way to split them up, this article will show you how they are often grouped. We'll look at them from north to south and from west to east.

Different Parts of the Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are generally divided into five main areas. Each area has its own unique mountain ranges and features. Let's explore these different parts:

Far Northern Mountains

The Far Northern Rockies are located in British Columbia. They stretch from the city of Prince George almost all the way to the Yukon border. This area is known for its wild and remote landscapes. Some of the ranges here include:

• Muskwa Ranges
• Hart Ranges

Northern Continental Ranges

The Northern Continental Ranges run along the border between British Columbia and Alberta. They start north of Jasper and go up to Mount Sir Alexander. These ranges are part of the Continental Divide, which separates rivers flowing to the Pacific from those flowing to the Atlantic or Arctic oceans. Some ranges in this area are:

• Rainbow Range
• Victoria Cross Ranges
• Northern Front ranges, like the Starlight Range

Central Main Ranges

The Central Main Ranges, also called the Park Ranges, are found northeast of the Rocky Mountain Trench. This area stretches from Golden to Valemount. Many of these ranges are located within famous national parks. Key ranges here include:

• Selwyn Range
• South Jasper Ranges, which include The Ramparts Range
• Winston Churchill Range in Jasper National Park
• Waputik Mountains, including the President Range in Yoho National Park

Central Front Ranges

The Central Front Ranges are also northeast of the Rocky Mountain Trench. They extend from Banff to Jasper. These ranges are often the first mountains you see when approaching the Rockies from the east. Some of the notable ranges are:

• East Jasper ranges, such as the Colin Range and Miette Range
• Maligne Range
• Queen Elizabeth Ranges in Jasper National Park
• Nikanassin Range
• Ram Range
• Sawback Range in southeastern Banff National Park
• Slate Range in Banff National Park
• Vermillion Range
• East Banff ranges, like the Palliser Range and Fairholme Range

Southern Continental Ranges

The Southern Continental Ranges follow the British Columbia-Alberta border from Banff down to Fernie. This area contains some of the most well-known and visited parts of the Canadian Rockies. Important ranges here include:

• Kootenay Ranges, such as the Beaverfoot Range and Stanford Range
• Ranges near Banff and Lake Louise, like the Ottertail Range and Ten Peaks Range
• The Ball Range in Kootenay National Park
• Ranges in the Assiniboine Area, including the Mitchell Range
• Sundance Range
• Ranges in Kananaskis Country, like the Kananaskis Range and Opal Range
• Elk Range
• High Rock Range, which includes the Misty Range
• Livingstone Range
• Crowsnest Ranges, such as the Lizard Range and Flathead Range
• Clark Range on the Continental Divide