Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park

About

Cairns trace the paths of the Ktunaxa Indigenous people. They travelled through South Kootenay Pass to reach the plains for trading and buffalo hunting.

This area is of great interest to geologists. The formations of the Akamina-Kishinena are made of the oldest exposed rock in the Canadian Rockies. The shore of Forum Lake is paved with colourful limestone estimated to be 1.3 billion years old. Remnants of oil rigs first hauled into camps on winter trails in 1905 are still visible. No economically significant wells were drilled, nor did any of the mining claims staked in the 1950s and 1960s prove viable. Other resources were explored by trappers and hunters, and a small saw mill operated at Akamina Creek.

Weather fronts from the Pacific meet arctic and prairie influences to intermingle at this axis. They create a diversity of plant species, including rare species like the yellow monkey flower and pigmy poppy, that are found nowhere else in British Columbia.

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – British Columbia.

At the park

• Kishinena Ridge scenic feature
• Starvation Lake water

Before you go

Limits

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings

Getting there

From Highway 3, turn south at Pincher Creek onto Highway 6. From the park gate, access the Cameron Lake park road to reach the Akamina Pass trailhead (16 km). A 30 minute, 1.5 km uphill walk reaches the boundary between Alberta and BC and the eastern border of Akamina-Kishinena Park. The closest communities are Waterton Lakes National Park community and Sparwood. It is 48 km to Waterton Lakes National Park.

Safety

Akamina-Kishinena Park trail conditions report [PDF] The park is a wilderness area without supplies or equipment of any kind. All arrangements for supplies and transportation must be made in advance. Weather conditions can change suddenly, and lightning storms with hail and snow are common in summer. Wear strong, water-proofed, lug-soled boots. Carry a day-pack with rain gear, extra clothing, and food. For overnight trips, a sleeping bag, ground pad, water-proof tent or bivouac bag, and light-weight stove are essential.

Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – British Columbia.

History

Opened

1986

• Park opened