The Continental Divide - Along the Alberta-BC Border

What is the Continental Divide?

The Continental Divide is an invisible demarcation line along the Rocky Mountains that divides the flow of water between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Rain and melting snow that falls on the west side, in BC territory, drains into the Pacific Ocean. Precipitation that falls to the east, in Alberta, flows towards into the Atlantic Ocean.

View The Continental Divide - Alberta/BC Border in a larger map

This photo was taken 45 minutes north of Banff, Alberta along the Banff-Windermere Parkway (Highway 93). This is a scenic highway through Kootenay National Park heading towards Radium Hot Springs, BC. This photo was taken at the height of the pass, at a roadside monument.

Hikes in the area:
   Hiking to the Stanley Glacier
   Redearth Creek Trail

Do All Continents have a Great Divide?

All Continents, except Antarctica, have a continental divide that marks which direction water will flow.

Check out other things to do in Alberta.