Columbia Mountains

Columbia Mountains are a block of mountains 608 km long and 256 km wide that dominate the landscape of southeastern BC. The MONASHEE, SELKIRK and Purcell mountains form parallel lines extending north-south from the US to the ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRENCH. Minerals in the Purcells, between the valley of KOOTENAY LK and the trench, have been exploited since the 1890s, notably silver-bearing lead-zinc ore from Cominco Ltd's huge Sullivan Mine in KIMBERLEY. Alpine areas such as the Bugaboos are increasingly popular for skiing and hiking. To the NW, between the Quesnel-Shuswap Highlands and the trench, are the CARIBOO MOUNTAINS. They include Bowron Lk Prov Pk and most of Wells Gray Prov Pk, both noted for outstanding scenery and recreation.

Author PETER GRANT

Links to Other Sites
Mount Revelstoke National Park of Canada
This illustrated Parks Canada website describes the ecology, geography, and history of Mount Revelstoke National Park of Canada.

Glacier National Park of Canada
This illustrated Parks Canada website describes the ecology, geography, and history of Glacier National Park of Canada

Mountain caribou
An extensive teaching guide for learning activities about the natural history of mountain caribou. A PDF file. From the wildsight website.

Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative
The website for the Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative, an international organization that seeks to preserve and maintain the wildlife species and habitats in the mountainous region from Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon Territory. Features territorial maps, wildlife profiles, and descriptions of related environmental issues.

Where Do Landslides Occur?
View a map of areas in British Columbia that are more susceptible to landslides than others because of unique geological conditions. A Province of British Columbia website.