Vermilion River | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Vermilion River

Vermilion River, 70 km (from its headstream to its confluence with the Kootenay R), rises in the Continental Ranges on the BC-Alberta border at the N end of KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK. Fed by Tokumm Cr, it drains in a southerly direction, eventually emptying into the Kootenay R.

Vermilion River, 70 km (from its headstream to its confluence with the Kootenay R), rises in the Continental Ranges on the BC-Alberta border at the N end of KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK. Fed by Tokumm Cr, it drains in a southerly direction, eventually emptying into the Kootenay R. It takes its name from mineral springs, located 9 km SW of VERMILION PASS, where Indians obtained iron oxide for decorative purposes and body paint. For most of its length, the river is paralleled by the 105 km Banff-Windermere Hwy. Like many mountain rivers, the Vermilion features instances of potholing and abrasion.