The Canadian Rockies are part of the Rocky Mountain Range, stretching approximately 1,600 km (1,000 mi) north from British Columbia, Canada, to nearly half of the 1,500 km (900 mi) border between British Columbia and Alberta to the south. Further north, the Mackenzie and Selwyn Mountains, along the border between the Northwest Territory and the Yukon Territory, are often included in the Canadian Rockies. The Rocky Mountain Trough (a geological depression) in the west separates the frontier ranges of the Canadian Rockies from the Columbia Range, which includes the Cariboo, Selkirk, Monashee, and Purcell mountain ranges and is often considered part of the Rocky Mountain system. The Canadian Rockies have approximately 50 peaks exceeding 3,350 metres (11,000 feet). The highest peak is Mount Robson in British Columbia, at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet). Other peaks include Mount Joffre (the first glacier-draped peak north of the US-Canada border), Mount Assiniboine (the "Matter Peak of the Rockies"), Mount Columbia (Alberta's highest point, at 3,747 meters [12,294 feet]), and Mount Forbes. Spectacular scenery is available in Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes National Parks in Alberta on the eastern slopes of the range, and in Kootenay and Yukon National Parks in British Columbia on the western slopes.
The Canadian Rockies have a higher average elevation than their American counterparts, experiencing more rainfall and snow, and boasting more alpine forests and lakes. In addition to its perennially snow-capped peaks, dense coniferous forests, wide valleys, clear streams, and abundant mineral resources, the region is the source of many of North America's rivers. Melting snow from these mountains replenishes the continent's rivers and lakes year-round. Among them, the more famous ones are the Kootenai River, Columbia River, Fraser River, Peace River, Liard River, Athabaska River, and Saskatchewan River. Important railway and road passes include Yellowhead, Crowsnest, and Kicking Horse. The Trans-Canada Highway passes through Kicking Horse Pass.