Kootenay Pass is an awe-inspiring route in Canada
Canada, north-america
64 km
1,782 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through British Columbia, Canada? Buckle up for Kootenay Pass! This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high at 1,782m (5,846ft). You’ll find it right on Highway 3 (aka the Crowsnest Highway), a fully paved stretch of road connecting Nelson Nelway Highway and Creston. We're talking a 64km (40 miles) east-west adventure!
Tucked into the Selkirk Mountains within Stagleap Provincial Park, Kootenay Pass is the highest point on this road. It used to be the highest in Canada, but now it's second to Highwood Pass in Alberta. Don't let that stop you!
As one of Canada's highest highway passes, Kootenay Pass stays open all year, but be warned, Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. Expect closures for avalanche control – this place gets serious snow! Speaking of snow, from October to April, winter tires or chains are a must.
You’re looking at about 45 minutes of driving through Rocky Mountain scenery, linking remote towns with views of expansive lakes and huge mountains. Once you reach the top, take a breather and check out Bridal Lake – it's gorgeous!
The road gets steep, with sections hitting a maximum gradient of 13%. Coming from Creston, it's a 40km climb, gaining 1154 meters. From Burnt Flats, it's a shorter but steeper 23.1km ascent, gaining 1134 meters. The climb from Burnt Flats is known for its relentless gradient! On average, around 1,600 vehicles make this trip weekly.
Where is it?
Kootenay Pass is an awe-inspiring route in Canada is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.0979, -106.7328
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 64 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,782 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 56.0979, -106.7328
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