Mount Clemenceau: Climbing British Columbia’s Highest Peak

Why Visit Mount Clemenceau

Mount Clemenceau rises to 3,664 metres as the highest peak located entirely inside British Columbia. Its massive icefalls and sweeping views over the Clemenceau Icefield draw experienced climbers seeking a true wilderness objective away from the busier trails of Banff and Jasper.

Getting There

The mountain sits in the Selwyn Range west of the Columbia Icefield. Most visitors begin from Golden or Jasper, then arrange helicopter access or undertake multi-day backpacking approaches via remote logging roads and glacier travel. No maintained trail reaches the summit; all routes demand navigation skills, glacier travel experience, and permits for travel through provincial recreation areas.

Best Time to Visit

July through early September offers the most stable weather and longest daylight for climbing and ski touring. Winter and spring trips require advanced avalanche training and are suited only to highly prepared parties. Shoulder seasons can bring sudden storms that isolate parties for days.

Activities on and Around the Peak

• Technical mountaineering via the northeast ridge or south face ice routes
• High-alpine ski touring across the Clemenceau Icefield
• Photography of seracs, hanging glaciers, and distant views toward Mount Columbia
• Multi-day traverses linking to neighbouring icefields

Nearby Destinations

Travelers often combine a Clemenceau trip with visits to the Columbia Icefield, the Athabasca Glacier, and the Icefields Parkway. The town of Golden provides resupply and helicopter services, while Jasper offers easier road access to trailheads on the eastern approach.