Canadian Trails – Highwood Pass, Alberta

Technically, it’s possible to face a bear attack when in the Highwood Pass area of Alberta, which is why the authorities have made it mandatory to carry bear spray anytime you’re in the Kananaskis area of the Rockies. Rest assured, however, that bear encounters have become few and far between in recent years. Nevertheless, the added safety measure should allow people to stop and marvel at the mountains, glistening lakes and cool, glacier-fed rivers, with some peace of mind.

For runners, it’s an exhilarating journey one hour southwest of Calgary to Highway 40, which runs through Highwood Pass. This is where you will find the highest elevated paved road in the country, reaching 2,206 metres at its peak. Highway 40 runs north-south from the TransCanada Highway just east of Canmore through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to meet up with Highway 22 near the small town of Longview. This is the home of country crooner Ian Tyson, his Navajo Mug café, and where the foothills give way to cowboy country. The proof is in the patties found along the highway, which ranchers use regularly to move their herds to a fresh pasture.

The 105-kilometre Highway 40 is only open from the Highwood House junction to Kananaskis Trail junction from June 15 to Dec. 1 to protect wildlife during spring grazing and birthing season. (It’s not to shelter the newborns from you, but to protect people from the predators that feed on the baby animals). Because of the elevation, you can still see snow on the peaks during summer trips and plenty of Rocky Mountain big horn sheep along side the road. Watch for mountain goats, moose, bald eagles and —on rare occasions — black or grizzly bears too.

Among the stop-off points is the Ptarmigan Cirque, a 4.4K trail that will take you to the wildflowers of Highwood Meadows alpine valley; and the short path near Mount Rae (3,218 metres) that leads to the unique Rock Glacier.

Highwood Pass is home to one of Alberta’s top road races. On June 23, 2012, the Kananaskis 100-mile Relay Race takes over the road with teams of 10 members running legs that vary from 9.6K to 18K. The relay was first held in 1987, the year the highway was paved. The race begins in Longview and finishes at the parking lot of Nakiska Ski Hill. Registration is limited to 180 teams and spots are filled through a lottery with an entry deadline of late April. You can jump the queue with a donation of $450 above the registration fee, with proceeds going to Hostelling International.

Where to Stay:

The Highwood Pass has more than 3,000 campsites (www.reserve.AlbertaParks.ca). There are also more luxurious options in Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis Village (www.Kananaskis-Country.ca). You can also call Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation in Canmore at 403-678-5508 to get information on the area.

Jeff MacKinnon is a freelance writer based in Calgary.

Five highest paved main roads in Canada:
Highway 40 (Highwood Pass, Alberta) – 2,206 metres

Highway 93 (Bow Summit, Alberta) – 2,088m

Moraine Lake Road (Alberta) – 1,905m

Highway 3 (Kootenay Pass, British Columbia) – 1,774m

Lake Louise Road (Alberta) – 1,750m.