Drives Alberta Banff, Jasper and the Canadian Rockies
Highwood Pass: Highway 40
Kananaskis Trail · Trans-Canada Highway → Longview
The drive
Highwood Pass, at 2,206 m (7,238 ft) on Highway 40 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, is described as the highest paved pass in Canada. This drive goes south from the Trans-Canada Highway over the pass, then follows Highway 541 down the Highwood River to Longview. It is 90.5 miles in about 1 hour 40 minutes, leisurely with mostly gentle curves and about 4,900 feet of climb.
The Highwood River begins in the pass. Wikipedia says the pass closes each year to protect wildlife and because of heavy snowfall. After the snow melts, the road stays closed to cars for a short while, which makes it popular with road cyclists.
Along the way
- Trans-Canada Highway (Kananaskis)
- Highwood Pass
- Longview (Highway 22)
Good to know
- Highway 40 from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House Junction is closed every December 1 to June 14.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis.
- Expect cyclists, especially early in the season.
Peter Lougheed Park to Highwood House closed every December 1 to June 14. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Alberta Parks: Kananaskis annual road closures.
Questions about this drive
Is Highwood Pass open in winter?
No: Highway 40 from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House Junction is closed every December 1 to June 14.
How high is Highwood Pass?
It is 2,206 m (7,238 ft) and is described as the highest paved pass in Canada.
How long does the Highwood Pass drive take?
The drive from the Trans-Canada to Longview is 90.5 miles and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.