TheCanadian Rockiescomprise theCanadiansegment of the North AmericanRocky Mountains. They are the eastern part of theCanadian Cordillera, which is a system of multiple ranges of mountains which runs from theCanadian Prairiesto the Pacific Coast. The Canadian Rockies mountain system comprises the southeastern part of this system, laying between theInterior Plainsof Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia on the east to theRocky Mountain Trenchof BC on the west. The southern end bordersIdahoandMontanaof theUSA. In geographic terms the boundary is at the Canada/US border, but in geological terms it might be considered to be atMarias Passin northern Montana. The northern end is at theLiard Riverin northernBritish Columbia.
The Canadian Rockies have numerous high peaks and ranges, such asMount Robson(3,954m (12,972ft)) andMount Columbia(3,747m (12,293ft)). The Canadian Rockies are composed of shale and limestone. Much of the range is protected by national and provincial parks, several of which collectively comprise a World Heritage Site.