Kicking Horse Pass, Mountain pass in Banff National Park and Columbia-Shuswap Regional District, Canada.
Description
Kicking Horse Pass is a mountain crossing in the Canadian Rockies that connects Alberta and British Columbia at an elevation of 1627 meters. Both the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway traverse this pass, making it a major transportation corridor linking the two provinces.
History
The Canadian Pacific Railway selected this pass in the 1880s as its main route through the Rocky Mountains to connect eastern and western Canada. This choice became pivotal in shaping the nation's transportation network and economic development.
Culture
The name comes from an 1858 incident when geologist James Hector was injured while examining the nearby river during the Palliser Expedition. This story remains part of local memory and shapes how people understand this mountain crossing today.
Practical
The pass is accessible year-round via the Trans-Canada Highway, though winter conditions can make driving challenging. Visitors should check current road conditions and prepare for rapidly changing weather at this elevation.
Did you know?
Two spiral tunnels were built in the early 1900s to reduce the steep railway grade and make train operation safer along this route. These tunnels remain engineering achievements that visitors traveling by rail can still observe today.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Improvement District No. 09 (Banff National Park)).
Burgess Shale
13 km
Takakkaw Falls
14.2 km
Mount Temple
12.5 km
Abbot Pass hut
9.9 kmPhyllopod bed
13.1 km
Elizabeth Parker hut
11.6 km
Skoki Ski Lodge
16.4 km
Deltaform Mountain
17.1 km
Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
6.6 km
Mount Victoria
8.6 km
Waputik Icefield
17.2 km
Stephen Formation
3.1 km
Hector Glacier
15.4 km
Tonsa
18.2 kmCathedral Formation
9.7 km
Mount Whyte
4.9 km
Mount Field
12.7 km
Wenkchemna Peak
13.9 km
Mount Bowlen
18.1 km
Angels Staircase Falls
16.6 km
Yoho National Park
15.5 km
Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site
14 km
Main Building
16.2 km
Halfway Hut
13 km
Bunkhouse
16.2 km
Former Bathhouse
16.2 km
Honeymoon Cabin
16.3 km
Wolverine Cabin
16.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes