The Three Sisters (Alberta) Explained

The Three Sisters
Elevation M:2936
Elevation Ref:[1]
Range:South Banff Range, Canadian Rockies
Listing:Mountains of Alberta
Region Type:Province
Region:Alberta
Map:Canada Alberta
Map Size:200
Label Position:right
Coordinates:51.0247°N -115.3306°W
Coordinates Ref:[2]
First Ascent:1887 by J.J. McArthur

The Three Sisters are a trio of peaks near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. They are known individually as Big Sister, Middle Sister and Little Sister.[3]

In the traditional language of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney) the peaks are also referred to as the three sisters. However, the name refers to a story of Ĩ-ktomnĩ, the old man or trickster, who would promise 'three sisters' in marriage whenever he was in trouble.[4]

This trio of peaks has a significant role in the town of Canmore, tourism, and hiking in the area. The Three Sisters may be the most recognized peaks in the Bow River Valley.[5]

History

In 1883, Albert Rogers, a nephew of Major A. B. Rogers, was the first settler to name the mountains when he saw the sides of the peaks covered in snow, resembling three praying nuns:[6] [1]

Initially called the Three Nuns, they were later renamed the Three Sisters. This last name first appeared on George Mercer Dawson's 1886 map, which apparently found the name, and was more appropriate in a spirit of Protestantism.[1]

Another story is that the first superintendent of Banff National Park, George Stewart, named it after his three daughters: Frances, Olive, and Grace.[7]

Peaks

Peak metres feet Coordinates First Ascent
Big Sister (Faith)2,936 9,632 1887
Middle Sister (Charity)2,769 9,084 1920
Little Sister (Hope)2,694 8,840 1925
Big Sister is a moderate scramble on southwestern slopes and is very steep while Middle Sister is an easy scramble from Stewart Creek. Little Sister is a more difficult ascent requiring technical climbing skills. The Three Sisters Traverse is an obscure and dangerous climb seldom done.[8] [9]

Local wildlife in surrounding area

Being located in the southern Canmore mountain area, there are several wildlife notorious for the area. Wildlife species include but are not limited to grizzly bears, wolverines, lynxes, wolves, cougars, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. In particular, the grizzly bear, lynx, and wolverine are considered endangered in this region.[10]

Indigenous people in surrounding area

The Three Sisters mountain is located near Canmore, AB. Canmore is located within the region of Treaty 7, which exists in Southern Alberta. Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Goodstoney First Nation, Tsuut’ina First Nation, and Blackfoot Confederacy exist within Treaty 7. These nations form the Stoney Nakoda. Canmore is also in Region 3, home of the Métis Nation of Alberta.[11]

Nearby mountain ranges and significant locations

Scenic trails

This list contains different trails in Canmore and Banff Provincial Park to view the Three Sisters and other mountains known in Canmore.[12]

External links

Notes and References

  1. 1393. The Three Sisters . 2007-09-03.
  2. IAMUN. The Three Sisters. 2023-08-04.
  3. Web site: About Canmore and Kananaskis. Tourism Canmore and Kananaskis. 2012-01-01. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120106141217/http://www.tourismcanmore.com/explore/about-canmore-kananaskis/. 2012-01-06.
  4. Web site: Geographic Landmarks Rocky Mountain Nakoda. dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120815190107/http://www.rockymountainnakoda.com/language/Geographic%20Landmarks . 2012-08-15 .
  5. Web site: 2019-06-20 . Three Sisters Mountains . 2022-11-10 . Canmore Kananaskis . en.
  6. Web site: 2019-05-16 . About Tourism Canmore Kananaskis . 2022-11-10 . Canmore Kananaskis . en.
  7. Web site: PeakFinder App - The mountains are calling! . 2022-11-10 . PeakFinder . en.
  8. Web site: Three Sisters Traverse Notes . Will Gadd. 2017-09-13.
  9. Web site: ALL About the Three Sisters Mountains in Canmore, Alberta . 2022-11-10 . en-US.
  10. Web site: Wildlife Corridors in the Southern Canmore Region . 2022-11-10 . www.stratalink.com.
  11. Web site: National Indigenous Peoples Day . 2022-11-10 . Town of Canmore . en-gb.
  12. Web site: Three Sisters Viewpoint . 2022-11-09 . Alltrails.