The Height of The Rockies Provincial Park is an undeveloped park that contributes to the ecological integrity and viability of a large block of national and provincial parks extending along the spine of the Rocky Mountains.
This 68,000-hectare park is located in the Rocky Mountains, and stretches northwest along the Continental Divide between Elk Lakes Provincial Park in southeastern British Columbia and Banff National Park and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in southwestern Alberta.
Southeastern British Columbia already had a good share of sizable provincial parks in 1995 when an additional 3,800 square kilometres (1,500 square miles) were preserved. Creation of Akamina-Kishinena, Goat Range, Height of the Rockies, and several other parks nearly doubled the parkland in the province’s southeast corner.
One of its key characteristics is its variation of elevation, from 1,310 to 3,474 metres. The park protects important habitat for elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, moose, cougar, black bear and grizzly bear. Several small lakes are encompassed within the park, as well as the Palliser River, Middle Fork of the White River, Limestone Lakes Plateau, Conner Lakes and the Royal Group of mountains.
The park includes major Kootenay Indian routes to the plains over North Kananaskis and Palliser Passes. A couple of archaeological sites have been uncovered at the Middle Fork of the White River. There was also early European exploration over North Kananaskis Pass and down the Palliser River, by Warre and Vavasour (1845), the Sinclair Settlers (1854), and the Palliser Expedition (1858-59).
It’s a great place for horseback riding and hiking. The park also offers fishing, cross-country ski-touring and snowshoeing. There are wilderness campsites, no facilities are provided at this park, so visitors should be fully self-sufficient and well equipped. There are cabins in the park for public use. At the north end of Connor Lakes, is a small cabin for public use on a first-come, first-served basis. The cabin will accommodate 6 people. At Queen Mary, an 8-person log cabin is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Height of The Rockies Provincial Park is located on the British Columbia/Alberta border, due east of Invermere and Windermere in the BC Rockies. There are fifteen access points into the park, including five major trailheads. These trailheads are accessible by summer logging roads, from Canal Flats on Highway 93/95 via White River and Palliser River Roads, and from Elkford and Sparwood on Highway 3 via the Elk River Road. The park is also accessible by trails from Banff, Elk Lakes and Peter Lougheed Parks.
Motorized access is prohibited, including floatplanes, helicopters, snowmobiles, ATVs and mountain bikes.
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