[3] The northern part of the park covers an important historical trade and transportation route used by First Nations people for centuries, linking the Rocky Mountain Trench and Kootenay Lake via Toby Pass.

[4] Area residents, outdoor clubs, and conservation groups lobbied the Provincial and Federal Governments for a park in the region.

The 9,164-hectare (22,640-acre) St. Mary's Alpine Provincial Park, adjacent to the southern boundary of the PWC, was established in the same year.

[4] In 1995, the PWC expanded to its current size and was named a Class A Provincial Park by the government.

The oldest rock layer is from the Proterozoic period; this is interspersed with granitic intrusions, or batholiths, similar to the Bugaboos to the north.

The higher slopes are dominated by Engelmann Spruce—Subalpine Fir, which give way to the Alpine Tundra biome at the highest altitudes that support life.

The streams and rivers support Dolly Varden, rainbow and cutthroat trout, and mountain whitefish.

[3] The PWC is preserved in its natural state; there are no roads or facilities beyond rough campgrounds within the park.