Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
East to the Continental Divide
Well before the Paint Pots, you'll see entire hillsides burnt by a devastating fire in 2003. As
the highway climbs, the burnt areas become more apparent. Started by lightning, the blaze
combined numerous fires to cross the highway, burn entire watersheds, and extend high up
surrounding mountains to the extent of the tree line.
Continuing eastward from Marble Canyon, Highway 93 climbs steadily to the Vermil-
ion Pass Burn. Lightning started the fire that roared through this area in 1968, destroying
thousands of hectares of trees. Lodgepole pine, which requires the heat of a fire to release
its seeds, and fireweed were the first plant species to sprout up through the charred ground.
The 0.8-kilometer (half-mile) Fireweed Trail leads through the area, although the trans-
ition to regenerated forest is almost complete, as the interpretive boards describe.
At the Continental Divide, which the highway crosses at an elevation of 1,640 meters
(5,380 feet), a sign marks the border between Kootenay National Park to the west and Banff
National Park in Alberta to the east. From the divide, it's 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) to High-
way 1, from which point the Town of Banff lies 29 kilometers (18 miles) southeast and
Lake Louise lies 27 kilometers (16.8 miles) northwest.
HIKING
Some 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails lace Kootenay National Park. Hiking opportun-
ities range from short interpretive walks to challenging treks through remote backcountry.
All trails start from Highway 93 on the valley floor, so you'll be facing a strenuous climb to
reach the park's high alpine areas, especially those in the south. For this reason, many hikes
require an overnight stay in the backcountry. The following hikes are listed from west to
east. The best source of detailed hiking information is the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide,
available for sale at both park information centers.
MM Stanley Glacier Trail
The Stanley Glacier Trail starts along Highway 93 seven kilometers (4.4 miles) west of the
Continental Divide. Although this glacier is no more spectacular than those alongside the
Icefields Parkway, the sense of achievement from traveling on foot makes this trail well
worth the effort. From Highway 93, the trail crosses the upper reaches of the Vermilion
River, then begins a steady climb through an area burned by devastating fires in 1968. After
two kilometers (1.3 miles), the trail levels off and begins winding through a massive U-
shaped glacial valley, crossing Stanley Creek at the 2.4-kilometer (1.5-mile) mark. In open
areas, fireweed, harebells, and yellow columbine carpet the ground. To the west, the sheer
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