The Rocky Mountain region of Alberta covers over half of the province's western border. Largely due to the width and variety of the mountain terrain the Rocky Mountain natural region is comprised of a series of unusual physical conditions that produce a unique association of plants and animals, many not found anywhere else in the province. Major river systems leaving the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta flow in an easterly direction.
This Region is the most rugged topographically in Alberta and ranges in width from only 10 kilometres in the Waterton Lakes National Park area to more than 100 kilometres in the central portion. Elevations rise from east to west, from major river valleys at 1000 to 1500 metres to 3700 metres along the Continental Divide.
People come from all over the world to visit the Rocky Mountains. They are home to many ski resorts and national parks. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, fishing, canoing and climbing! Many of Alberta's largest rivers are found within this region where they drain into the Saskatchewan and Mackenzie River systems. The highest mountains occur in the central part of the Region with the lower mountains in the far north and far south. Within the Rocky Mountain Natural Region there have been three natural subregions identified: Montane, Subalpine and Alpine, which mainly reflect changes in environmental conditions due to changes in altitude.
For information on other natural regions of Alberta click here.
)
)
