We almost missed the landmark driving past because of how unassuming it was. Walking up close, the sign is in need of a repaint or repair. It's surprising that the Continental Divide is so "short" by Rockies standards. Quick stop close to Banff! read more

The Continental Divide - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Division No. 15, Alberta

As you travel along the Banff-Windereme Parkway, also known as Highway 93, you cross the BC and Alberta borders. This part of the border between the two provinces is also the Continental Divide. Where most borders, like the 39th parallel, are just arbitrary lines drawn in the sand, this one actually makes a little bit of sense. The Continental Divide is the split down the Rocky Mountains where water flows either to the Atlantic or the Pacific. All of the snow melt and precipitation that falls on the west side slope of the mountains on the divide goes to ye old Pacific Ocean, and, you guessed it, the water on the east side goes to the Atlantic. Isn't learning fun?! This little road-side area has a big sign and a pillar marking the divide, so if you want to have a little fun and stand in two different provinces at the same time you can do that here. There's also washrooms here if you need to go and don't want to find a tree. I'm not sure if Alberta got the short end of the stick here or if it was really just good planning. On the Alberta side of the rest stop you have the entrance to the parking lot and a bench. On the BC side, you have the entire parking area, the washrooms, and all of the signage and information. So did Alberta trick BC in to taking the majority of the maintenance bill for this monument? Probably not since its in a national park so the feds probably foot the bill anyway. read more

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