The second largest country in the world after Russia, a territory comparable to the size of the whole of Europe, a zone of forests not touched by humans - this is all Canada. The Rocky Mountains and the Beregovye are two of the youngest mountain ranges in the geological history of the Earth, which are not only a landmark of this country, but also historical and geographical monuments, rightfully marked by UNESCO.
Canadian Cordillera
The Canadian Rockies are just a small part of the Cordillera mountain system. The Cordillera is an 18, 000-kilometer mountain range that stretches from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, crosses two continents of America, passes through the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, and then splits into three mountain arcs.
In every country that is lucky to become owners of at least a piece of the Cordillera, these mountains have become the main attractions. They are proud and cherished.
We will not be able to describe the entire Cordillera ridge in one article, but focus on the segment that Canada owns. The journey to the Rockies begins with history and geology.
The main part of the Cordillera
The Rocky Mountains (Canada) is geologically a fairly young formation, their length is 1, 400 kilometers and their width is 700 kilometers. Seismic activity, geysers and hot springs are not uncommon in these places.
The Canadian part of the ridge is formed mainly by granites, the rocks reach a height of up to 4 thousand meters. The American part, for the most part, is formed of sandstones, shales, and limestone; on average, it is half a kilometer higher. Pleistocene glaciation took part in the formation of the mountains, which is still noticeable in the presence of glaciers. This is the largest watershed between the so-called Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Flora and fauna
The taiga of this mountain range is represented by three varieties of fir: pretty, slender and alpine; two types of firs: black and white; two types of pines: pondrosis and creeping; red cedar and American larch. Above the forests, juniper shrubs and alpine meadows end in glaciers.
In the meadows, North American bison and musk bulls, moose, deer (wapits, fallow deer) and bighorn sheep (they are especially often seen) are represented. Amazing representatives of the fauna are endemic snow goats, whose habitat is located in the snowy part of the mountains. Until today, it remains a mystery how these animals manage to survive in the harsh winter.
Predators are represented by grizzly bears, cougars, wolverines, large coyotes and wild cats. Many species of eagles nest on the rocks, including a bald eagle.
About 150 species of fish live in the Missouri, Rio Grande, and their tributaries. Commercial and amateur fishing attracts tourists with an abundance and variety of catch.
National Parks and Rocky Mountains
Canada takes care of its natural resources. The Rocky Mountain Territory includes four national parks: Banff, Jasper, Kooteney, and Yoho.
The oldest park in Alberta is Banff. It was created in 1885. Today is considered the most visited national park in the world. Many tourists wish to visit this place. Canada is always glad to its guests. The rocky mountains on this site are famous for their baths located in the thermal springs, and representatives of the fauna. Glaciers and glacial lakes, sometimes of an absolutely unimaginable color, are definitely worth seeing.
Athabasca Glacier is the main miracle of Jasper Park. Covering an area of more than 200 square meters, it is striking in its grandeur. In winter it is an excellent ski resort, and in summer it is a paradise for golfers. More recently, a new attraction has appeared here - a viewing platform with a glass floor, located at an altitude of almost 300 meters.
Yoho Park, bordering Banff Park, is similar to it with its waterfalls and lakes. But the motto of Kotenee Park “From glaciers to cacti” is striking in its diversity of flora and natural landscapes. It is also famous for its red lands, rich in iron and ocher. The cold spring of Pons and the hot springs of Sinclair Rift Valley Canyon - a place of pilgrimage and admiration.
Canada is famous for its abundance of extreme entertainment. Rocky mountains and national parks offer tourists not only rafting on mountain rivers, here you can stay in silence alone with nature, take a walking tour or ride a bike. And the abundance of climbing routes collects lovers from around the world.
Niagara Falls
Separately, I would like to note the attraction located between the USA and Canada - the fifty-meter waterfall of the Niagara River. The most impressive part of the Big Horseshoe Falls attracts thousands of tourists from Canada to the United States. On the border bridge, called "Friendship", bypassing the Welland Canal by land and water, thousands of tourists rush to see this miracle of nature.
Western Canada, and the Rockies in particular, always attracts the attention of travelers. Indeed, in this region there are such natural attractions as the Gros Morne and Nahanni Nature Reserve.
