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Three Sisters (Canmore)

The Three Sisters are a trio of mountain peaks near Canmore, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Three Sisters are a trio of mountain peaks near Canmore, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies. The peaks are a prominent local landmark and are individually known as Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister. They are also referred to by the names Faith, Hope, and Charity in some sources.

Geography

The Three Sisters are mountain peaks in the Canadian Rockies near Canmore, Alberta. They rise above the Bow Valley and are a defining feature of the local landscape. The peaks are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Bow Valley.

Naming history

According to local accounts, surveyor Albert Rogers named the peaks the Three Nuns in 1883 after snowfall made them appear veiled. Geologist George Dawson renamed them the Three Sisters in 1886.

Individual peaks

The three summits are commonly identified as Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister. Some sources also use the names Faith, Hope, and Charity for the individual peaks. Big Sister is the highest of the three at 2,936 metres.

Cultural and recreational significance

The Three Sisters are an iconic symbol of Canmore and a major subject in local tourism, hiking, and photography. They are also referenced in Îyârhe Nakoda traditional naming and local oral tradition.

Key facts

  • The Three Sisters are a set of three closely grouped peaks near Canmore, Alberta.
  • The mountains are among the most recognizable landmarks in the Bow Valley.
  • Big Sister is the highest of the three at 2,936 metres.
  • The peaks were originally called the Three Nuns in 1883 and were renamed the Three Sisters in 1886.
  • The peaks are visible from many parts of Canmore and are a common tourism and photography subject.
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Canadian context

The Three Sisters are one of the best-known natural landmarks associated with Canmore and the Bow Valley, making them relevant to Alberta tourism, Canadian Rockies geography, and local Indigenous and settler naming history.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Three Sisters in Canmore?
They are three mountain peaks near Canmore, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies.
What are the names of the three peaks?
They are commonly called Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister.
How high is the tallest peak?
Big Sister is the highest, at 2,936 metres.
Who renamed the peaks the Three Sisters?
They were renamed by geologist George Dawson in 1886.
Were they always called the Three Sisters?
No. Sources say they were first called the Three Nuns in 1883 before being renamed in 1886.
Why are they important to Canmore?
They are one of Canmore’s most recognizable landmarks and a major feature of the town’s identity and tourism.

References

  1. The Banff Blog — https://thebanffblog.com/three-sisters-canmore/
    Supports: Common names, naming history, individual peak names, and peak elevations.
  2. Explore Canmore — https://www.explorecanmore.ca/listings/three-sisters-mountains/
    Supports: Local landmark status, naming history, and Canmore association.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Sisters_(Alberta)
    Supports: Basic identification of the peaks and their individual names.
  4. 1000 Towns of Canada — https://www.1000towns.ca/three-sisters-mountain-2/
    Supports: Landmark status and renaming history.