St. Nicholas Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Nicholas Peak |
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St. Nicholas Peak.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,938 m (9,639 ft) |
| Prominence | 38 m (125 ft) |
| Geography | |
 St. Nicholas Peak
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Parent range | Park Ranges |
| Topo map | NTS 82N/10 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1930 J. Monroe Thorington, P. Kaufmann |
St. Nicholas Peak is a cool mountain located right on the border between two Canadian provinces: Alberta and British Columbia. It's also part of the amazing Banff National Park, which is famous for its stunning natural beauty. This peak stands tall at 2,938 meters (about 9,639 feet) above sea level.
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Why is it Called St. Nicholas Peak?
This mountain got its special name in 1916 from a person named Arthur O. Wheeler. He was a well-known surveyor and mountaineer. The story goes that a specific rock formation on the mountain looks a lot like Santa Claus! This unique rock feature is called a "gendarme" in climbing terms.
What is a Gendarme?
In mountaineering, a gendarme is a tall, pointed rock pinnacle or tower. It often sticks out from a mountain ridge. Imagine a rocky spike standing guard on the mountain. On St. Nicholas Peak, one of these rock spikes reminded people of Santa Claus, giving the mountain its festive name.
Who First Climbed St. Nicholas Peak?
The first recorded climb to the top of St. Nicholas Peak happened in 1930. The brave climbers were J. Monroe Thorington and P. Kaufmann. Reaching the summit of a mountain like this is a big achievement! It takes skill, planning, and a lot of effort.
Exploring Banff National Park
St. Nicholas Peak is located inside Banff National Park. This park is one of Canada's oldest and most famous national parks. It's known for its incredible mountain scenery, clear blue lakes, and diverse wildlife. People from all over the world visit Banff to hike, ski, and enjoy nature. The park helps protect the beautiful environment and animals that live there.
