The Three Sisters (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Three Sisters |
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Three Sisters from Policeman Creek after sunrise reflected in the Bow River
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,936 m (9,633 ft) |
| Geography | |
 The Three Sisters
Location in Alberta
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| Parent range | South Banff Range, Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 82O/03 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1887 by J.J. McArthur |
The Three Sisters are a group of three tall mountains near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. They are famous for their unique look. Each mountain has its own name: Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister.
The Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney) people also call these mountains the three sisters in their traditional language. Their name comes from an old story about a trickster named Ĩ-ktomnĩ. He would promise to marry 'three sisters' whenever he was in trouble.
History of the Name
In 1883, a man named Albert Rogers first gave names to these three mountain peaks. He was the nephew of Major A. B. Rogers.
After a big snowstorm, Albert Rogers saw snow on the north side of each peak. He said they looked like "Three Nuns." So, they were first called the Three Nuns.
Later, the mountains were renamed the Three Sisters. This new name first appeared on a map made by George Mercer Dawson in 1886. This name was thought to be more fitting.
The Three Peaks
The Three Sisters are made up of three distinct peaks. Each one has a different height and offers a different challenge for climbers.
| Peak Name | Height (metres) | Height (feet) | Location | First Climbed |
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| Big Sister (Faith) | 2,936 | 9,632 | 51°00′50″N 115°21′00″W / 51.01389°N 115.35000°W | 1887 |
| Middle Sister (Charity) | 2,769 | 9,084 | 51°01′00″N 115°20′00″W / 51.01667°N 115.33333°W | 1920 |
| Little Sister (Hope) | 2,694 | 8,840 | 51°01′30″N 115°20′00″W / 51.02500°N 115.33333°W | 1925 |
Climbing the Peaks
Big Sister is a mountain that can be climbed by scrambling. Scrambling means climbing up steep slopes using both your hands and feet. This is usually done on the southwestern side of the mountain.
Middle Sister is an easier scramble. You can climb it from a place called Stewart Creek. It's a good climb for those with some experience.
Little Sister is the hardest of the three to climb. It needs special technical climbing skills and equipment. Not many people try to climb all three peaks in one trip. This journey is known as the Three Sisters Traverse. It is considered a very difficult and risky climb.
