Map of Alberta and British Columbia

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, rivers, lakes, parks, highways, and main roads in Alberta and British Columbia.

Alberta-British Columbia Border Relations

The provinces of Alberta and British Columbia share a border that runs along the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains for most of its length, spanning approximately 1,200 kilometers from the United States border in the south to the 120th meridian west in the north.

Geographic Boundary

The border follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide for much of its distance, a natural boundary established when the provinces were created. In the northern section, the boundary follows the 120th meridian west of Greenwich. This mountainous border region contains some of Canada's most spectacular terrain, including numerous peaks over 3,000 meters in elevation. Several mountain passes facilitate transportation across the border, including Crowsnest Pass, Kicking Horse Pass, and Yellowhead Pass.

Economic Connections

Trade between Alberta and British Columbia is substantial, constituting one of the largest interprovincial trade relationships in Canada. Alberta exports petroleum products, natural gas, agricultural products, and manufactured goods to British Columbia. British Columbia exports forestry products, seafood, manufactured goods, and services to Alberta. The Port of Vancouver serves as a crucial export gateway for Alberta's resources, particularly grain, coal, and petroleum products, connecting Alberta to Asian and global markets.

Transportation Infrastructure

Multiple highway corridors cross the Alberta-British Columbia border, forming vital economic links. Highway 3 through Crowsnest Pass and Highway 1 through the Trans-Canada corridor via Banff National Park and Yoho National Park are major routes. Highway 16, the Yellowhead Highway, provides another important connection in the north. Railway lines operated by Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway cross the border at several locations, transporting bulk commodities and containers. Pipeline infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines, crosses the border region, though expansion projects have generated controversy.

Environmental and Resource Management

Interprovincial cooperation on environmental management is necessary for shared watersheds, wildlife populations, and ecosystems. The Columbia River Basin spans both provinces, requiring coordinated water management. Wildlife corridors for species including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk cross the border region. Climate change impacts on mountain glaciers, snowpack, and water resources affect both provinces. Forest fire management and monitoring involve cooperation between provincial agencies.

Tourism and Recreation

The border region contains numerous national and provincial parks that attract millions of visitors annually. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta connect with Yoho National Park and Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. The Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site spans both provinces. Ski resorts on both sides of the border form part of an integrated tourism region. The Rocky Mountaineer train service operates routes connecting Alberta and British Columbia destinations.

Political Relations

Relations between Alberta and British Columbia governments have occasionally been strained over resource development issues, particularly regarding pipeline projects. Disagreements over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and other petroleum transportation infrastructure have created interprovincial tensions in recent years. Both provinces cooperate on various matters including labor mobility agreements, trade initiatives, and shared services. Differences in political culture and economic priorities sometimes lead to divergent policy approaches, but formal mechanisms exist for interprovincial cooperation and dispute resolution.