Saskatchewan River Crossing, Alberta facts for kids

Saskatchewan River Crossing is a small, special place in western Alberta, Canada. It's located right inside Banff National Park, which is a famous national park. This spot is important because it's where two main highways meet: Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway, and Highway 11, called the David Thompson Highway. A local government group called Improvement District No. 9 manages this area.
This place got its name, "The Crossing," a long time ago. In the 1800s, travelers and fur traders used this exact spot to cross the North Saskatchewan River. They were often on their way to British Columbia, and crossing the river here made their journey easier.
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What is Saskatchewan River Crossing?
Saskatchewan River Crossing is a unique spot where three rivers meet! The North Saskatchewan River joins with the Howse River and the Mistaya River. This happens right in the middle of the amazing Canadian Rockies mountains.
Why is this location important?
This area is a great starting point for many adventures. You can begin tours to the huge Columbia Icefield from here. There are also many beautiful hiking trails that start nearby.
What mountains are nearby?
Several tall mountains surround Saskatchewan River Crossing.
- Mount Wilson is just to the north and looks very impressive.
- Mount Murchison stands out to the southeast.
- Mount Erasmus is located to the west.
What services are available at Saskatchewan River Crossing?
Saskatchewan River Crossing is the only place where you can find basic services between two popular towns: Lake Louise and Jasper. This makes it a very helpful stop for travelers.
What can you find there?
You can get gasoline for your car, grab a meal at a restaurant, and even find a place to stay overnight.
When are services available?
It's important to know that these services are only available during certain times of the year. They are seasonal, which means they close down for the winter months.
Are gas prices different here?
Yes, gasoline prices at Saskatchewan River Crossing can sometimes be much higher than in other places. They have been seen to be about 50% more expensive.