PEAK SEASON

The Journey: Calgary to Fortress Summit, Alberta
Distance: 331 kilometres
Elevation Range: 1,045 metres to 3,000 metres
Vehicle: Range Rover Sport SVR

Sitting at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is the bustling city of Calgary. Heading south toward Longview, the urban sprawl subsides, and the scenery shifts from the concrete and glass of downtown to the prairie.

The journey quickly turns challenging as we head through the Rocky Mountain foothills and into the Kananaskis Trail. The 2,206-metre Highwood Pass is the highest paved road in all of Canada and is known for its unpredictable weather.

You can also take the Mt. Shark Bridge to explore a different part of the expansive Spray Valley Provincial Park. All throughout, wildlife native to this area—like bighorn sheep, the occasional moose and even grizzly bears—are often spotted.

As we approach Spray Lake, we pick up the pace. Even on this unpaved path, the Range Rover Sport SVR adapts to the terrain with ease.

The colour spectrum on this part of the journey ranges from the aquamarine blue of Spray Lake through the verdant green of the surrounding pines, to the blistering orange of the vehicle itself.

The final stretch demands a strong will and a robust vehicle. Stepping out at the top to admire the view is a breathtaking and humbling experience.