St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park

St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park spans 91 square kilometers of granite cliffs, alpine lakes, tundra landscapes, and dense forests in British Columbia's Purcell Mountains.

The park received its official designation on May 18, 1973, to safeguard the natural alpine ecosystem and provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The territory holds significance for the Ktunaxa First Nation, who used these lands for hunting and gathering activities since the end of the Pleistocene period.

Visitors access the park through forest service roads connected to Highways 3 and 3A, with the main route leading from Dewar Creek to Mortar Lake.

Seven creeks drain 32 alpine lakes throughout the park, creating numerous waterfalls that cascade down heights of up to 150 meters over granite formations.

Location: Regional District of East Kootenay

Inception: May 18, 1973

GPS coordinates: 49.88056,-116.35000

Latest update: May 23, 2025 02:04