Driving the Highwood Pass—The Highest Paved Road in Canada

Driving the Highwood Pass—The Highest Paved Road in Canada (msn.com)

Driving the Highwood Pass—The Highest Paved Road in Canada

 

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Driving the Highwood Pass—The Highest Paved Road in Canada

Story by Richard Goerg, Our Canada • Thursday

 

2 of 7 Photos in Gallery I usually travel to Highwood Pass from the east through large cattle ranches and open range lands beginning at the Highway 22/40 junction in Longview. I do this primarily due to the dramatic effect of the sunrise on the mountains, but also because I live on the east side of the pass. From that junction, the highway begins to follow the wide valley created by the Highwood River (above). Prior to mid-June 2013, the drainage area of the Highwood experienced catastrophic flooding. It was described by the provincial government as among the worst natural disasters in Alberta’s history and severely damaged the town of High River. I live in High River and appreciate the work done to restore the town and much of the valley damage since the flood. In the foothills and valley, evidence of the flooding can be observed with new river channels, washed-out picnic areas, and log jams. There are still many scenic stops and photo opportunities, however, and all damage to Highway 40 has been repaired. I often walk the old dry riverbeds and search through log jams for pieces of wood to use as bases for my bird carvings. Check out more hidden gems across Canada.

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2 of 7 Photos in Gallery©Photo: Richard Goerg

Following the Highwood River valley

I usually travel to Highwood Pass from the east through large cattle ranches and open range lands beginning at the Highway 22/40 junction in Longview. I do this primarily due to the dramatic effect of the sunrise on the mountains, but also because I live on the east side of the pass. From that junction, the highway begins to follow the wide valley created by the Highwood River (above). Prior to mid-June 2013, the drainage area of the Highwood experienced catastrophic flooding. It was described by the provincial government as among the worst natural disasters in Alberta’s history and severely damaged the town of High River. I live in High River and appreciate the work done to restore the town and much of the valley damage since the flood.

In the foothills and valley, evidence of the flooding can be observed with new river channels, washed-out picnic areas, and log jams. There are still many scenic stops and photo opportunities, however, and all damage to Highway 40 has been repaired. I often walk the old dry riverbeds and search through log jams for pieces of wood to use as bases for my bird carvings.

Check out more hidden gems across Canada.