An iconic road to Kicking Horse Pass in the Canadian Rockies
Kicking Horse Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,683m (5,521ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia, in Canada.
Is the road to Kicking Horse Pass paved?
Set high in the southern Canadian Rockies, within Yoho and Banff National Parks, the road to the summit is fully paved. It's part of the Trans-Canada Highway, which was constructed through the pass in 1962. This pass represents the highest point on the highway. The area frequently experiences rockslides, debris torrents, and avalanches.
How long is Kicking Horse Pass?
The pass stretches 25.8 km (16.03 miles) east-west, running from Lake Louise, a hamlet in Banff National Park, to Field in southeastern British Columbia, situated within Yoho National Park.
Why is it called Kicking Horse Pass?
In 1858, while journeying with the Palliser Expedition, Scottish geologist Dr. James Hector was the first European to come across Kicking Horse Pass. Legend has it that at this location, Hector's horse delivered a kick to his chest, giving the pass its distinctive name.