Alberta is home to Canada’s highest paved road and the drive is spectacular 

Even when temperatures are temperamental, you can always count on Alberta for a stunning road trip. With some of the most scenic highways in the country, there are plenty of routes to choose from, too.

Of course, if you’re planning a leisure drive, you have to check out Alberta’s famed Highwood Pass. Not only will it take you for a gorgeous jaunt through Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, but it’s also one of the highest paved roads in Canada!

Highwood Pass is a 54 km mountain highway with plentiful hiking trails and panoramic views that will keep your head on a swivel. At an elevation of 2,206 m, Highwood Pass is also the highest paved road in Canada, according to the Canmore Kananaskis website.

You can get to Highwood Pass by following Highway 40 from Canmore, Banff, or Calgary. The scenic route is found within the beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, just south of Lower Kananaskis Lake.

In addition to the beautiful lakes and forest views, the pass provides an extraordinary example of thrust faults. Explore Canmore explains, “This geological feature occurs when a section of land slips over another at a low angle, demonstrating the forces that created the Rocky Mountains.”

There are countless trails and campgrounds littered along the highway if you want to make a weekend of it. In the summer months, you can also cycle the pass. What better way to really soak up the views?

It’s important to note that Highwood Pass is considered a key wildlife corridor. Therefore the pass is closed to vehicle traffic from December 1 to June 14 for migration and birthing seasons.

It won’t be long until it opens up again, so start planning your trip.

All you need are snacks and a killer playlist!

Highwood Pass, Alberta

When: Open mid-June to late November
Where: See directions here

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