Overview:
This book is a captivating exploration of the Canadian Alps, specifically focusing on the national parks of Banff, Yoho, Glacier, and Jasper. It delves into the region’s history, from the early explorations of French voyageurs and fur traders to the recent establishment of national parks and the rise of mountain climbing as a popular activity. The author, Lawrence J. Burpee, paints a vivid picture of the stunning natural beauty of the region, highlighting its diverse landscapes, including majestic peaks, serene lakes, lush forests, and roaring waterfalls.
The book also features thrilling accounts of mountain climbing, detailing the challenges and triumphs of those who have attempted to conquer the formidable peaks. Readers will learn about the unique skills and daring required for these expeditions, and the breathtaking views that await those who reach the summits. Burpee’s descriptions bring to life the spirit of adventure that has long attracted explorers and adventurers to the Canadian Alps.
Key Findings:
- The Canadian Alps offer a breathtaking combination of stunning landscapes, challenging mountain climbs, and historical significance.
- The region has been a playground for explorers and adventurers for centuries, with early French voyageurs and later fur traders charting the terrain and discovering hidden treasures.
- The establishment of national parks has helped to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the Canadian Alps, making them accessible to a wider audience.
- Mountain climbing continues to be a popular activity, with a growing number of enthusiasts drawn to the challenges and rewards of conquering the region’s formidable peaks.
Learning:
- History of Exploration: The reader will learn about the early explorers who ventured into the Canadian Alps, including La Vérendrye, Niverville, Alexander Mackenzie, David Thompson, and Simon Fraser. They will also learn about the significant role of the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company in opening up the region for trade and exploration.
- National Parks: The book provides insight into the creation and administration of Canada’s National Parks, highlighting their importance in protecting natural beauty and wildlife. It describes the unique challenges and rewards of exploring these vast wilderness areas.
- Mountain Climbing: The reader will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and techniques involved in mountain climbing, including the different types of climbs, the equipment used, and the risks involved.
- Natural Wonders: Burpee’s vivid descriptions will allow the reader to visualize the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Alps, including its majestic peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and lakes.
Historical Context:
- The text was written in 1914, during a time of great change and progress in Canada, with the construction of transcontinental railways opening up new frontiers and leading to the establishment of national parks.
- The Canadian Alps, previously explored and exploited for resources, were starting to be recognized for their natural beauty and recreational potential.
Facts:
- French Explorers: The first White Men to explore the Canadian Rockies were French voyageurs led by Chevalier de Niverville in 1751.
- Fort Lajonquière: Niverville built Fort Lajonquière in the foothills of the Rockies, marking the beginning of European presence in the region.
- La Vérendrye: The explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, predated Niverville’s exploration of the Rockies.
- Alexander Mackenzie: In 1793, Alexander Mackenzie became the first White Man to traverse the Rockies and reach the Pacific Ocean.
- North West Company: The North West Company, a major player in the fur trade, was instrumental in expanding exploration and trade routes through the Rockies.
- David Thompson: David Thompson, a renowned astronomer and explorer for the North West Company, discovered the Athabaska Pass, a significant fur trade route.
- Simon Fraser: Simon Fraser explored and navigated the Fraser River, descending its canyons in a fragile canoe.
- Palliser Expedition: The Palliser Expedition, led by Captain John Palliser, conducted a comprehensive exploration of the Rocky Mountains in the 1850s and 1860s.
- Kicking Horse Pass: The Kicking Horse Pass, named by Dr. James Hector, was initially chosen as the route for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
- Canadian Geological Survey: The Canadian Geological Survey played a vital role in mapping and understanding the geology and geography of the Canadian Rockies.
- Canadian Pacific Railway: The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 spurred the establishment of national parks in the Rockies, making the region accessible to a wider audience.
- Banff Springs Hotel: The Banff Springs Hotel, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, became a popular destination for tourists seeking luxurious accommodation amidst stunning mountain scenery.
- Lake Louise: Lake Louise, renowned for its turquoise waters and breathtaking views, was named after Princess Louise, the wife of the Governor General of Canada.
- Mount Assiniboine: Mount Assiniboine, known as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” is a majestic peak that attracts experienced mountaineers.
- Mount Stephen: Mount Stephen, accessible and offering panoramic views, is one of the most climbed peaks in the Canadian Rockies.
- Rogers Pass: Rogers Pass, located in the Selkirk Mountains, is a significant pass for both the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway.
- Illecillewaet Glacier: The Illecillewaet Glacier, located near Glacier House in Glacier National Park, is a prominent feature of the Selkirk Mountains.
- Mount Sir Donald: Mount Sir Donald, towering over Glacier House, is one of the most popular peaks for mountaineers in the Canadian Alps.
- Nakimu Caves: The Nakimu Caves, discovered accidentally in the Selkirk Mountains, offer a stark contrast to the region’s grandeur, showcasing a subterranean world of darkness and rushing water.
- Mount Robson: Mount Robson, standing at over 13,000 feet, is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and commands awe-inspiring views.
Statistics:
- Banff Visitors: Approximately 75,000 visitors registered in Banff during the 1913 season.
- Rocky Mountains Park Area: The park, originally established in 1887, covers an area of 1,800 square miles, although plans are underway to expand it to the original 5,000 square miles.
- Yoho Park Area: Yoho Park, located in British Columbia, encompasses about 560 square miles.
- Glacier Park Area: Glacier National Park, located in the Selkirk Mountains, covers 468 square miles.
- Jasper Park Area: Jasper Park, established in the early 20th century, covers 1,000 square miles, but is expected to expand significantly in the near future.
- Buffalo Park Area: Buffalo Park, established in Alberta, covers 160 square miles and is home to a herd of over 1,200 bison.
- Elk Island Park Area: Elk Island Park, located near Lamont, Alberta, covers a similar area to Waterton Lake Park and provides a sanctuary for elk, moose, and other wildlife.
- Road Mileage in Parks: The four main parks, Rocky Mountains, Yoho, Glacier, and Jasper, boast 163 miles of carriage road and nearly 300 miles of trail.
- Calgary to Vancouver Motor Road Length: The planned automobile road from Calgary to Vancouver, a scenic route traversing the mountains, will be approximately 600 miles long.
- Mount Stephen Elevation: Mount Stephen rises 6,400 feet above Field, the headquarters of Yoho Park.
- Takakkaw Falls Height: Takakkaw Falls, a magnificent waterfall in Yoho Valley, drops almost 1,000 feet from a cliff edge.
- Mount Sir Donald Elevation: Mount Sir Donald, a popular mountain climb in Glacier Park, reaches 10,808 feet above sea level.
- Mount Robson Elevation: Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, rises over 13,000 feet above sea level.
- Mount Brown Elevation: Mount Brown, located near Athabaska Pass, has a revised elevation of 9,050 feet, correcting the previous overestimate of 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
- Mount Tupper Elevation: Mount Tupper, in Glacier Park, was successfully climbed in 1906, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
- Punch Bowl Waterfall Height: The Punch Bowl Waterfall, a striking waterfall near Pocahontas, drops from a cliff face over a hundred feet.
- Miette Hot Springs Temperature: The Miette Hot Springs, in Jasper Park, have temperatures ranging from 112 to 128 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bighorn Pass Elevation: Bighorn Pass, a challenging trail route in Jasper Park, reaches over 8,000 feet above sea level.
- Maligne Lake Length: Maligne Lake, a breathtaking lake in Jasper Park, stretches for miles, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Jack Lake Trout Size: Jack Lake, renowned for its abundant trout, holds large fish ranging from 2 to 5 pounds.
Terms:
- Voyageurs: French-Canadian fur traders and explorers who were renowned for their knowledge of the wilderness and their skills in navigating rivers and lakes.
- Cayuse: A type of pony used by Native Americans and early explorers in the West, known for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness on rugged terrain.
- Pemmican: A traditional food of Native Americans and fur traders in the West, consisting of dried meat, berries, and fat, providing a dense source of nutrition for long journeys.
- Chansons: Traditional French-Canadian folk songs, often characterized by their haunting melodies and themes of love, nature, and hardship.
- Névé: A type of granular snow, often found in high mountain areas, that forms the basis for glaciers.
- Arête: A narrow, steep ridge found on mountains, often forming a challenging route for climbers.
- Cornice: A large, overhanging shelf of snow that forms on the edges of mountain ridges, often posing a significant risk to climbers.
- Couloir: A narrow, steep gully found on mountains, often containing snow or ice, and used as a route by climbers.
- Gendarme: A small, isolated tower of rock or ice found on mountain ridges, often presenting a challenging obstacle for climbers.
- Muskeg: A type of bog or swamp, often found in northern regions, characterized by spongy, wet ground and acidic water.
Examples:
- Sir George Simpson’s Expedition: Sir George Simpson, Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company, undertook a daring journey across the continent in 1825, traveling in a light canoe manned by skilled boatmen, emphasizing speed and endurance.
- Paul Kane’s Travels: Paul Kane, a Toronto artist, crossed the Athabaska Pass in 1846, documenting the lives and customs of Native American tribes while making exquisite sketches of their country and surroundings.
- William Francis Butler’s Journey: William Francis Butler, an explorer who visited the Peace River Pass in the 19th century, poignantly expressed the difficulty of capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains through words.
- James Hector’s Discovery: Dr. James Hector, a member of the Palliser Expedition, discovered and named Kicking Horse Pass, a significant route through the mountains.
- Tom Wilson’s Knowledge: Tom Wilson, a renowned guide in the Canadian Rockies, possessed a vast knowledge of the region’s terrain, history, and folklore.
- Sir James Outram’s Ascent: Sir James Outram, a famous mountaineer, made the first successful ascent of Mount Assiniboine, overcoming a series of challenging obstacles.
- William Spotswood Green’s Explorations: William Spotswood Green, an early explorer of the Selkirk Mountains, played a significant role in popularizing the region among mountain climbers.
- Professor Charles E. Fay’s Climbs: Professor Charles E. Fay, a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, successfully climbed Mount Goodsir and Mount Hungabee, both challenging peaks in the Rockies.
- J. W. A. Hickson’s Conquest: J. W. A. Hickson, a skilled climber, made the first ascent of Pinnacle Mountain, a difficult climb in the Rockies.
- P. D. McTavish’s Ascent: P. D. McTavish and his companions successfully climbed Crows Nest Mountain, a challenging peak in the Southern Canadian Rockies.
Conclusion:
This book provides an engaging and informative account of the Canadian Alps, showcasing their breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and adventurous spirit. From the early explorations of French voyageurs and fur traders to the recent establishment of national parks and the rise of mountain climbing, the text highlights the region’s diverse history and the enduring allure of the Canadian Rockies.
Burpee’s descriptions of the dramatic landscapes, the challenging climbs, and the captivating narratives of explorers and mountaineers will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for this majestic mountain range. The book’s insights into the history of exploration, the importance of national parks, and the thrilling world of mountain climbing offer a compelling glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Canadian Alps.