Image via Shutterstock meawphoto
Alberta is no stranger to big rocks. We have the Rocky Mountains on our doorstep, after all. However, this particular landmark is unique. Not only does the Big Rock Erratic west of Okotoks stand three stories tall, but it came all the way from Jasper — a staggering 457 km away!
You’ll find this standout landmark less than one hour from Calgary, and don’t worry. There’s no way you’ll miss it. This glacial erratic was even recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest, weighing in at 16,500 tonnes.
But what is this mysterious rock all about, and how on earth did it get there?
Big Rock is an enormous glacial erratic measuring 41m by 18m by 9m and hailing from the mountains of Jasper National Park. If you’re not accustomed to seeing giant boulders travel vast distances, let us explain how that happened.
According to the Government of Alberta, Big Rock travelled hundreds of kilometres before finding its present-day home.
“During the last ice age – about 30,000 years ago – a large rockslide crashed debris onto the surface of a glacier that occupied the present-day Athabasca River valley, and this debris, including Big Rock, was carried out of the mountains on the glacial surface.”
As the ice melted, the boulder settled in the prairies and became a place of significance to the Indigenous Blackfoot people.
As summarized by The Univeristy of Calgary, the Blackfoot stories about Big Rock centre around Napi, the supernatural trickster. In these stories, Napi is responsible for the boulder ending up in its current spot and why it’s split down the middle.
It’s only natural that such a landmark would attract attention, and it’s become a pretty popular tourist spot.
Big Rock Erratic was designated a Provincial Historic Resource back in 1978 to protect its geological and cultural importance. The rock is made up of quartzite, creating colour variances of light grey, pink, and purplish in some lights. While quartz is pretty hard, pieces can still break off, which is why people are asked not to climb it.
The hope is that it will be around to enjoy for years to come, so please be respectful when you visit.
Check out the world’s biggest glacial rock and snap a pic with this iconic Alberta landmark!
Where: AB-7, Foothills County, AB (directions here)
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