The Rocky Mountain Trench is a geological feature located in western North America, running north-south for about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from northern Montana, through British Columbia, to the Yukon Territory. The Trench is a long, narrow valley between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Columbia Mountains to the west.
The Trench was formed over millions of years as a result of tectonic activity, including the collision and separation of the North American and Pacific Plates. The initial formation of the Trench began about 65 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period when tectonic plates began to shift and uplift the area.

During the early Eocene period, around 50 million years ago, volcanic activity in the region caused a series of eruptions and lava flows that filled the Trench with basalt. The basalt formations in the Trench can be seen today in places like Kicking Horse Pass, just west of Banff, Alberta.
Glaciers also played a significant role in shaping the Trench. During the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, massive glaciers covered the region and carved out the valley, creating the distinctive U-shaped valley that can be seen today.
Today, the Rocky Mountain Trench is an important natural feature, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and an important area for agriculture and forestry. The Trench is also a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and unique geological formations.
The Rocky Mountain Trench can be located by looking for the range of mountains known as the Rocky Mountains on a map, and then looking for the elongated, low-lying valley that runs parallel to the mountain range. The trench is located in the western part of Canada, between the Rocky Mountains and the Interior Plateau.

23 fun and best things to do in The Rocky Mountain Trench.
- Go hiking in the mountains: The Rocky Mountain Trench is home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in Canada, including Mount Robson Provincial Park and the Bugaboo Mountains.
- Visit hot springs: The area is known for its natural hot springs, including Miette Hot Springs and Banff Upper Hot Springs.
- Go fishing: The Trench is home to a variety of fish,which includes, rainbow trout, brook trout, and bull trout, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
- Go skiing or snowboarding: The Trench is home to several ski resorts, including Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, and Whitewater Ski Resort.
- Visit glaciers: The Trench is home to several glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier and the Wapta Icefield.
- Take a scenic drive: The Trench is home to several scenic drives, including the Icefields Parkway and the Yellowhead Highway.
- Go camping: The Trench is home to several campgrounds, including Mount Robson Provincial Park and Jasper National Park.
- Visit waterfalls: The Trench is home to several waterfalls, including Takakkaw Falls and Helmcken Falls.
- Go wildlife watching: The Trench is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, caribou, and mountain goats.
- Take a scenic train ride: The Trench is home to several scenic train rides, including the Rocky Mountaineer and the Royal Canadian Pacific.
- Visit museums and historical sites: The Trench is home to several museums and historical sites, including the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives and the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
- Go rock climbing: The Trench is home to several popular rock climbing spots, including Skaha Bluffs and the Bugaboos.
- Take a helicopter tour: The Trench is home to several helicopter tour companies offering scenic tours of the area.
- Go white-water rafting: The Trench is home to several white-water rafting companies offering rafting trips on the Kicking Horse River and other nearby waterways.
- Visit lakes: The Trench is home to several scenic lakes, including Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake.
- Take a scenic flight: The Trench is home to several scenic flight companies, offering flights over the mountains and glaciers.
- Go mountain biking: The Trench is home to several mountain biking trails, including the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Bike Park and the Mount 7 Trails.
- Visit parks: The Trench is home to several parks, including Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, and Yoho National Park.
- Go kayaking or canoeing: The Trench is home to several rivers and lakes, making it a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing.
- Visit the town of Jasper: The town of Jasper is a popular destination in the Trench, offering shopping, dining, and cultural activities.
- Take a scenic boat tour: The Trench is home to several boat tour companies offering scenic tours of the area’s lakes and rivers.
- Go horseback riding: The Trench is home to several horseback riding companies, offering scenic rides through the mountains and valleys.
- Visit the town of Banff: The town of Banff is a popular destination in the Trench, offering shopping, dining,
10 places similar to The Rocky Mountain Trench and their locations.
- The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
- The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
- The Andes Mountains, South America
- The Himalayas, Nepal and Tibet
- The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
- The Caucasus Mountains, Russia and Georgia
- The Pyrenees Mountains, France and Spain
- The Appalachian Mountains, Eastern USA
- The Sierras Nevada, California, USA
- The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
