Climb Canada’s Iconic 11,000-Foot Peaks
Looking to climb one of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies? Join us this summer on one of our 11,000’er mountaineering programs and experience the thrill of standing on top of the world!
The Canadian Rockies boast dozens of peaks over 11,000 feet (3,350 m) across Alberta and British Columbia. While estimates vary between 54 and 58 summits, each offers its own unique challenge and unforgettable alpine scenery.
We’ve put together a list of classic 11,000-foot peaks featuring some of the most spectacular climbing and scrambling routes in the Rockies. Whether you’re seeking an easy, moderate, or advanced objective, these peaks are must-do climbs for any mountaineer. If you’re aiming to summit a Canadian Rockies 11,000’er, these are the adventures you won’t want to miss!
Trip Options:
Summer alpine ascents typically require very early departure times and long days. Each peak has a unique agenda:
Mount Temple (11,624 feet Scramble Route)
This is the most visible peak in the Lake Louise area and was the first of the Canadian Rockies’ 11,000ers to be climbed back in 1894. The SW Face/Ridge is a scramble route that offers beautiful views of Paradise Valley and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. A few short rock bands are easily climbed en route to the summit. This is an easy to moderate objective and while guests do not need to have any previous mountaineering experience, good hiking fitness is required.
Mount Willingdon (11,066 feet)
Mt Willingdon sits at 11,066 feet and is the tallest peak between Mt Hector to the South and Mt Forbes to the North. This is an easy to moderate objective and while guests do not need to have any previous mountaineering experience, good hiking fitness is required.
Mount Cline (11,027 feet SW Ridge 5.4)
Rarely visited Mt. Cline borders the White Goat Wilderness Area and is one of only a handful of 11,000-foot peaks East of the Continental Divide. A beautiful sub-alpine lake campsite and views of the David Thompson are highlights of this easy to moderate climbing objective.
Mounts Woolley & Diadem (11,220 & 11,060 feet)
Why summit one 11,000ft mountain when you can get two summits in one day! Woolley & Diadem are two peaks just north of the Columbia Icefields. Once on the summit of either peak guests are treated to an outstanding view of Mt. Alberta’s East Face and the impressive north wall of Twin’s Tower.
Mount Hector (11,135 feet)
Along the Icefields Parkway, just north of Lake Louise, this majestic peak was the second Canadian Rockies 11,000er to be climbed in 1895. Standing on the summit you will be following in the footsteps of some of the Canadian Rockies’ most famous mountaineers: Charles Fay, Charles Thompson, and Philip Abbot. This trip requires two days with a one-day approach to the peak and a day to summit Mt. Hector. This is a moderate objective, and while some previous glaciated mountaineering experience is required, this is a great trip for those trying to gain more summits and who have a moderate-high level of fitness.
Mount Athabasca (11,453 feet)
Mt. Athabasca, at 3,491m (11,453 ft) is one of the most accessible and enjoyable big peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Its position on the edge of the vast Columbia Icefields and with it entirely above treeline makes for spectacular summit views and its glaciation makes for fine snow and ice mountaineering. Some previous glaciated mountaineering experience is required for this moderate climbing objective. Guests of our ‘Snow and Ice Long Weekend’ may want to take this opportunity for another summit bid.
Mount Joffre (11,316 feet)
Mt Joffre combines the remote feel of an expedition peak with some of the most stunning scenery that the Canadian Rockies has to offer! This peak dominates the skyline in Kananaskis Country, a wilderness area less visited than the Mountain National Parks, but considered a hidden treasure to those of us who live and explore the Canadian Rockies. This peak brings together all the fantastic aspects of a great expedition: challenging days, alpine glow on early morning summit starts and stunning panoramas of quintessential alpine scenery. Designed as a peak-bagging trip, this program is suitable for beginner mountaineers, or fit, experienced backpackers who wish to climb their first glaciated peak.
Mount Victoria (11,115 feet North Summit)
The classic North Summit of Mt. Victoria, as seen from Lake Louise, is likely the most photographed peak in the world! The route involves glacier travel, steep snow and ice and some easy rock climbing to reach the summit. This is a challenging objective and guests should have prior intermediate mountaineering experience and a high level of fitness.
Mt Forbes (11,851 feet)
At 3,612m (11,851 ft) Mt Forbes is the 5th highest peak in Alberta and is the highest peak completely in Banff National Park. With its remote position on the continental divide, Mt Forbes is a true alpine climbing expedition.
Mt Assiniboine – (11,876 feet)
Mt. Assiniboine is one of the finest peaks to climb in the Canadian Rockies. It is often compared to the Matterhorn and whilst there is a similarity with that famous peak, Mt. Assiniboine’s beautiful isolation high above Lake Magog gives it a character that is entirely unique.
Mt Robson – (12,989 feet)
This is a truly challenging objective for those with a number of intermediate and advanced peaks under their belt. Reaching the summit of Mt Robson is for many the ultimate Canadian Rockies mountaineering objective.