Rocky Mountain

The Rocky Mountain Region is probably Alberta’s best-known natural area. People come from all over the world to hike and ski in this beautiful environment. This range of mountains accounts for about half of Alberta’s western border with British Columbia. Rugged peaks, beautiful valleys, meadows, lush forests, glacial lakes and rivers characterize the region.

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The Rocky Mountains have three different climatic zones. This is due to the differences in elevation, and the moist winds of Pacific air that come over the mountains. The cooler, moist climate zone is found on the lower slopes and in the high mountain valleys. The milder, dry climate is found in areas like the Crowsnest Pass, or the lower valleys of the Athabasca, North Saskatchewan and Bow rivers. The harshest climate in the province is found at the highest elevations. These areas are exposed to high winds and very cold temperatures.