On the 18 th of August Palliser started "to seek the new pass across the Rocky Mountains. " Five miles past the mouth of Kananaskis River and west of the old Loder Lime Plant, the party forded the Bow. This was a well used ford, as the river breaks into several channels and connects with a trail on the south side of the Bow, which ran past Dead Man's Flats and on to Caninore - a favourite camping area for the Stoneys.

But Palliser "entered a ravine" after crossing the Bow and shortly "fell upon Kananaskis River". In fact, Palliser followed the present Quaite Creek Trail to Barrier Lake. Travelling in a south - westerly direction up river, they reached Kananaskis Prairie - now called Boundry Flats - where "Kananaskis was stunned (by the blow of a 'War club) but not killed". '

That night Palliser camped on the Kananaskis River in the vicinity of Barrier Reservoir.


John Palliser's Exploration of the Canadian Rockies

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