The 55th Parallel is a circle of latitude located 55 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It runs through several countries, including Canada, Russia, and Kazakhstan. This parallel is significant in geography as it helps define the northern limits of various regions and climates. In Canada, the 55th Parallel crosses through the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. It is also notable for its proximity to the Mackenzie River, which flows northward into the Arctic Ocean. The area around this latitude experiences cold winters and mild summers, characteristic of subarctic climates.