The British Columbia Mountains are blessed with magnificent beauty. The sense of greatness around the mountains can be felt within veins. The cold fresh air will fill anyone’s lungs with freshness.
British Columbia was part of British territory. The southern part of British Columbia was established as a result of the Oregon Treaty in 1846. British Columbia province is the largest in Canada. It ranked 3rd in the list.
The British Columbia province is situated on the western edge of Canada. The territory is close to another renowned hotspot for tourists located on the west coast of British Columbia.
Whereas the British Columbia mountains are far starting from the north side and the range continues along the province’s west coast.
This Canadian province is spread over more than 943.9K sqm. And surrounded by the deepest ocean, the Pacific Ocean on the planet.
British Columbia is four times bigger than a British country. Alaska is situated on the far northeastern side of the British Columbia mountains.
This province consists of Canadian Rockies, Coast Mountains, Cassiar Mountains, and the other Columbia mountains.
The province’s southwestern tip is also known as the highest and hilly terrain region in Canada. The concentration of population is mainly settled in the lower region where the pacific ocean is aligned.
In this article, some questions are generally asked by the public. What are BC’s three mountain ranges?
How many mountain ranges does BC have? Is Columbia Mountain Ranges the Formation of Rockies? And The list of the best 10 British Columbia mountains.
Let’s unravel the questions first and then move forward to the list of British Columbia mountains.
What are BC’s Three Mountain Ranges?
Rocky Mountain Range, Columbia Mountain Range, & Coast Mountain Range. The British Columbia Mountains consist of two main mountain ranges.
Specifically, the Coast Mountain Ranges in the west and the Rocky Mountain range in the east are located in the British Columbia Mountains of Canada.
The Cassiar Omineca mountains are one of the main mountain parts of BC. Both Columbia and Cassiar Mountains are situated in the west of the Rocky mountains.
How Many Mountain Ranges Does BC Have?
In total there are 4 main mountain ranges in BC. The Rocky mountain range covers the border-side British Columbia mountains.
Mainly in the east. The mountains of Columbia parallel the western side of the Canadian Rockies. Which extended up to more than 599 km towards the northern and southern sides of the British Columbia Mountains.
Apart from these ranges, the four mountain ranges are; Cariboo, Monashee, Selkirk, and Purcell with an average altitude of more than 9999 feet. In estimation, more than 50 British Columbia Mountains Ranges are presented.
Is Columbia Mountain Ranges the Formation of Rockies?
No. The Columbia Mountains are not exactly part of the Rockies. These mountain ranges consist of many sub-mountain ranges.
The upper Columbia river in British Columbia, Washington, Idaho, and Montana from the mountain range. The extension goes more than 135K sq km.
The Mountains of Columbia are aligned with the British Columbia mountains east of the Rockies trench.
Top 28 British Columbia Mountains in Canada
There are almost more than 50 mountains situated in the province of British Columbia, Canada. However, here is a list of Canada’s top twenty-eight British Columbia Mountains.
The List is arranged in descending order from highest peak to lowest peak.
1. Mount Fairweather
In British Columbia’s Mountain list, the tallest peak is Fairweather Mountain. The elevation of Fairweather mountain peak is 4671 m tall.
This is the tallest peak in this province of Canada. This mountain comes under the Coastal mountain range.
Which is situated on the Pacific Ocean coast of the province more than 19.7 km away. Despite it being the tallest of all mountains but consisting of bad weather conditions. High snowfall density with low freezing temperature.
2. Mount Waddington
This is the second tallest mountain peak in British Columbia’s Mountain Range list. The altitude is 4019 m of this mountain peak. Mount Waddington is situated in the center of the Pacific ranges.
This mountain is good for climbing. But the mountain terrain makes it rigid to climb and harsh weather makes it more adventurous. It became more challenging and exciting to climb.
3. Mount Robson
In the mountain of British Columbia list, Robson mountain is third in the list. The peak elevation is about 3954 m. The peak holds the most prominent position in the North American Rockies.
About more than 2000 m of province area. This mountain has a vertical relief terrain which makes it the hardest to climb. Mount Robnson’s peak was first scaled in 1936.
The Mt. Robson provincial park is also located on this mountain. The Mt. Robson provincial park is British Columbia’s second oldest park.
Under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites program, this park is listed. The Mt. Robson provincial park also protects the Fraser river from the western exposures.
4. The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is formed with major mountain ranges. It consisted of both Alberta Rockies and the British Columbia Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies are part of the larger Rocky Mountains of North America. Several famous highest peaks dominate the whole list of the British Columbia mountains.
Such as Mount Columbia which reaches up to a height of 3747 m. Another one is Mount Robson; this is the third highest peak in the list of the British Columbia mountains. It is about 3954 m high.
The Canadian Mountain is formed of limestone, and shale mineral rocks.
5. The Rocky Mountains
The mountain range starts from British Columbia and towards Alberta in Canada. About more than 3000 miles. Which have an average elevation of more than 14000 sq m.
The highest peak of this mountain is Elbert mountain. Rocky Mountain has the most spectacular attribute. The Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is spread over an area of more than 200k acres. The views are spectacular in this region. Long trees and mountain terrain make the perfect place for climbing and hiking.
There are many trails for hiking which makes it one of the most interesting ranges of mountains in British Columbia’s mountains list.
6. Skeena Mountains
These are the sub-mountain ranges of the northern interior plateau of British Columbia. The Skeena mountains are also known by the name of Skeenas.
The highest elevation of this mountain is about the height of 8,491 sq which is the Atna range.
7. Elias Mountains
The Saint Elias Mountains are part of the furthest rugged terrain of the northwestern part of British Columbia. These mountain ranges are also the subrange of the pacific coast of mountain ranges.
Which is located in the United States southeastern Alaska region. The highest elevation of this mountain range goes about a spectacular height of more than 19000 with an area of spread of 43K sq m.
Mount Logan falls under the group of one of the highest mountain peaks in the list of British Columbia Mountains of Canada.
8. Omineca Mountains
This mountain is also known as the Ominecas. The Omineca mountain range is a group of the far north-central British Columbia, Canada province.
The trenches of the Rocky Mountains surrounded the east of Omineca Mountain.
And The Finley river surrounded the mountain in the west. The mountain is also filled with many renowned lakes. Lake Williston is situated on the east and The Nation lake is situated on the south.
9. Hazelton Mountains
The Hazelton Mountains are also a part of grouped mountain ranges. These mountains are part of the inland lee of the coast mountains Kitimat ranges among the British Columbia mountains.
The Hazelton Mountain ranges are spread over the area of Nechako Reservoir in the south.
10. Canadian Cordillera Mountains
The Cordillera word is a Spanish word. The meaning is “formation of mountain ranges” in the literal sense.
This cordillera is situated on the line of the pacific coast from the north to the east coast of the southeastern British Columbia ranges.
The physical region is stretched from Mexico to Alaska which is commonly known as the Western Cordillera ranges.
The basic system of this cordillera consists of intervening internal plateaus, provincial parks, narrow valleys, and dense forests.
11. Root Mountain
Root mountain is the fourth-highest mountain in British Columbia. The province is located on the border between Canada and the United States. The height of the peak goes about 3928 m above sea level.
The mountain’s parent range is Fairweather mountain. In this mountain range, an infamous glacier is situated called the Margerie Glacier in Root mountain.
12. Tiedemann Mountain
Tiedemann Mountain comes on the fifth list of mountains in British Columbia. The altitude of the mountain peak is about 3838 m tall above sea level. The Waddington Range is the mountain’s parent range.
This coast mountain range has a topographical advantage and holds a prominent position between two countries which is about 848 m in area.
13. Golden Hine
This mountain is part of the Vancouver mountain range. It is located on Vancouver Island and is part of the British Columbia mountains. The peak of mount Golden Hine reaches up to 7201 ft from sea level.
This coast mountain is located on the island of Vancouver’s central coast. The Strathcona provincial park is situated in the center with an area of 2405 sq km near the Wolf river. The Wolf River is located west of Buttle lake.
14. Moresby Mountain
The Moresby mountain is part of charlotte island which is also known as the Haida Gwaii. The total area of Moresby island is about more than 3400 sq km.
Moresby island is listed as the 175th position of the largest island in the world. Moresby mountain has the highest peak on this island. which is about 3819 ft high.
This mountain is listed in the British Columbia mountains. There was a popular trail which is known as the Mount Moresby Trail that lead to an ancient summit.
15. Cathedral Mountain
Cathedral Mountain is located in the Yoho National Park. Near 6 km northwest of Lake O’Hara which is one crystal clear lake in British Columbia. This takes a two-hour drive from the parent of Mount Stephen.
The elevation of the mount Cathedral is about 10,463 ft high. As the name goes the shape and structure of this mountain emerge as a gothic missionary cathedral.
There is a popular summit located on the 1 km northwest coast of the mountain which is a reddish pinnacle steep known as the Cathedral cards with an elevation of 3082 m.
16. Mount Stephen
This mountain is located in the valley of the Kicking Horse River. In the Yoho National Park, it can be located. At a direction of more than ½ degree east in the British Columbia mountains of Canada.
The elevation of Mt Stephen reaches up to 10,495 ft above sea level. The mountain is named after the first Canadian railway president. In 1886, George Stephen.
The mountain is the formation of more than 500 million years of shales and dolomites. This mountain’s peak can be seen very clearly from Lake O’Hara.
This mountain is one of the chilliest mountains in British Columbia Mt Stephen’s climatic condition is below -20 degrees.
Thus, in British Columbia, this is considered one of the snowiest mountains in British Columbia Mountains.
17. Mount Habel
The Habel mountain elevation is about 10,082 ft high. Mount Habel summit is situated in the Baff national park. Near the Continental Shift border, the mountain is situated.
Which is connected with Alberta and the British Columbia of mountain ranges. The mountain is a formation of the Waputik mountains range. That is part of the Canadian mountain range.
A German geographer explored the beautiful Rockies of Canada. The German explorer’s name was Jean Habel and the mountain was named after him in 1897.
Mount Habel has an arctic climatic environment. The temperature could be between -20 degrees. And with a mild wind, and chilled breeze having a temperature of -30 degrees.
18. Mount Hagen Peak
The elevation of mount Hagen Peak is listed as the British Columbia of Mountains which is about 8,645 ft high.
The Hagen Peak mountain is situated in the boundaries of Yoho National Park in the west. This mountain is located in British Columbia and is part of the Canadian Rockies.
There is a popular double summit located on the West coast of the Canadian Rockies mountain. The exact location of Hagen Peak mountain is in the valley of Blaeberry. That is about 36 km in Northwest of Golden.
One can say one of the biggest memorials in the world and is among the British Columbia mountains.
The Mountain is named after a Canadian Army Private name Alferd G. Hagen. KIA in World war II. The mountain officially adopted its name from the GNBC. On July 5, 1951.
19. Mount Howser Spire
The mountain is also known as Howser Spire Massif. Three indifferent granite peaks make the complete summit of Mount Howser Spire. Canadian Bugaboo mountains’ highest peak and listed in the British Columbia mountains.
The mountain is located near the Vowell Glacier’s Southwest corner. In the Purcell Mountains, the Bugaboo mountain range contains the mountain. This mountain range is a part of the British Columbia ranges.
The elevation of mount Hower Spire’s three peaks is about 12,000 ft high approx. The North tower is the highest of them all. That is reaching about 11,194 ft high.
The South tower comes second highest at about 10,801 ft. And the Central tower is the lowest.
20. Mount Laussedat
The elevation of this amazing Mount Laussedat is about 10,013 ft high. The summit of this mountain is located in the British Columbia mountains. Near the Canadian Rockies mountain.
Southwest Central Park has a popular summit and one of the ranges. The mountain is a twin of the Hower spires mountain ranges which share the valley of the Blaeberry. Located 29 km north.
The peak of mount Laussedat was ever climbed in 1906 by C. B Session, Author Oliver Wheeler, and M. Wheeler. By Arthur Oliver Wheeler it was first named in 1911.
This gorgeous peak of the mountain is one of the best peaks among the mountains in British Columbia, Canada.
21. Mount Hewitt Peak
The Hewitt Peak formation is located near the Kootenay National Park’s western border. Kootenay Park is located in Canada’s British Columbia. Originally the peak is known as Mammoth peak or as mount 10060.
As the name goes distinct names are going around. The mountain summit resembles a Mammoth. The elevation of this magnificent peak is about 10,059 ft high. The official name is still unknown.
The twin peak is the Tumbling peak which is 2.5 km on the northwest side of the Vermillion Range. The visitor can have a glimpse of the highway called Banff Windermere Highway or Highway 93.
22. Mount Armour
Mount Armour is also known as the Boundary peak 175. This mountain is part of the mountains of British Columbia. Located near Alaska which is the border of the USA and Canada.
The hill is a formation of the mountain ranges Southern Icefield. This range is also a part of Saint Elias mountain.
Also, they became the chief justice of the supreme court.
The serving period was between 1830-1903. The elevation of this mountain peak goes up to 8,773 ft high. The area of prominence is about 2,3100 ft. The mountain is listed in the mountains of Alaska also.
23. Mount Benson
The Island of Vancouver is a part of British Columbia and its mountains are listed in the British Columbia mountains.
The mountain Benson is one of the fantastic mountains of this province. It’s about 9 kilometers west of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
Once there was a popular summit which is once accessible by the road up to the peak. But the road is closed due to some reasons for the vehicles.
But it is open for hiking or other outdoor activities. There was a great view one can experience Striat of Georgie. Also the coast mountains, Nanaimo River, and Ranges of Vancouver from the peak.
The elevation of mount Benson is about 3,356 ft high. The last ice age was a devasted ice age that this planet has never seen. During that time mount Benson was covered by the 2 km thick snowfall.
24. Mount Arrowsmith
The mountain is located near the port of Alberni in the east of Vancouver province island. This is the tallest mountain in Vancouver province of British Columbia.
This mountain consists of its biosphere and a regional park. The Mt Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and Mt. Arrowsmith Massif Regional park are on their part.
The whole mountain formation is made of Basalt rocks. For the parks and biosphere, more than 3000 acres are donated for this region.
The region was dominated once by great linguistic and indigenous cultures. The prominent language was Coast Salish. Before it gets encroached upon by the whites.
The elevation of mount Arrowsmith is about 5,968 ft high. The mountain is part of the Vancouver islands Ranges but is listed in the British Columbia mountains.
25. Black Prince Mountain
The mountain is located near the Valhalla ranges of the Selkirk mountains in the southeast of the British Columbia mountains.
The mountain is situated near Valhalla provincial park which is 1 km northwest of Lucifer parks, and about 19 km from the most crystal clear lake that is Slocan lake.
There is a fog of fairy tales regarding its name. The mountain is also known as the prince of darkness but is not yet officially recognized.
The peak is near another mystical range of mountains called the Devils Range. The unambiguous mountain has a devil theory. Thus the whole mountain was named after Devils.
The elevation of mount Black prince is about 8,996 ft high. This is one of the most conspiracy mountains in which stories are resolved around the mountain with the local area of population.
26. Devil’s Dome Mountain
The mountain is also located near the Valhalla ranges of the Selkirk mountains in the southeast of the British Columbia mountains.
The mountain is situated near the western part of Valhalla provincial park which is 1.5 km east of Lucifer parks and about 18 km west of Devil Couch.
This mountain range is near the devil’s ranges. That is a sub-range of the Vallaha Mountain range. There is a subpeak which is called Devils Prince. The stories around these mountains will scare anyone.
The elevation of the mount Devils dome is about 9,085 ft high. This is one of the most conspiracy mountains whose stories are connected with the Black prince mountains.
Satan’s peak is another infamous mountain peak in this region and is listed in the British Columbia mountains.
27. Mount Stephen
The mountain of glory is situated in the Glacier National park near the Selkirk British Columbia mountains. There is another peak which is near the mountain called Uto peak.
The Uto peak is about 1 km away from Eagle peak. On the northeast side of the peak situated the Avalanche Glacier.
The nearest mountains are Mount Sir Donald which is about 2 km away from eagle peak. In the southeast, there is mount Macdonald which is 4.0 km away from eagle peak.
The elevation of the mount Egale peak is about 9,337 ft high. This peak can be visible from the east side of highway 1. The Rogar pass is bisect the highway of Trans-Canadian.
28. Mount Zupjok Peak
This spontaneous summit of the mountain is situated on the northwestern border of the provincial capital of the Coquihalla summit recreation range area.
Near to the north cascade of the Southwestern British Columbia mountains. This mountain range receives a lot of rain. The tributaries of this mountain are the Coquihalla River and the Anderson River.
The elevation of the mount Zupjok peak is about 6,020 ft high. The climatic condition of this peak is a marine west coastline climatic zone of western North America. However, most are under pressure from the Pacific Ocean.
The Gems of British Columbia, Canadian Provinces
This section talks about the Gems of Canadian provinces which included the coastal islands, organizations, and the crown of Canada.
Which is the South-eastern British Columbia. Also, several national BC parks are included. Let’s start with the first attraction of the Canadian province.
1. Southeastern British Columbia
This is renowned as the Crown of the Canadian provinces. It included seven of the national parks are situated here. Wildlife flourished in this region.
Mainly due to its location which is situated near the coast of the British Columbia mountains. Makes it near the Pacific coastal region.
South-eastern British Columbia terrain is filled with many trails for hiking. Which are epic to pursue. Also, This place is one of the best mountain terrains for biking.
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in this mountain range. Mainly renowned for the fishing activity in the hot spring seasons.
The part of British Columbia is surrounded by the Rockies in the eastern part and the Purcell, and Selkirk mountain ranges in the western part. Thus this vast area flourished with several fauna and flora.
This land area has exceptional beauty and explores rough terrain. As a result, the regional district is well-known for the national parks of Banff and Jasper. These national parks are situated in the Alberta region of the Rockies.
Due to the flowing of major rivers in this regional district. Kootenay lake and Columbia river make it the perfect place for mining, and river transportation. with a long history of desperation.
The mild climate of this lower mainland with dense forest creates the most popular hike trails for climbing and exploring. Southeast British Columbia is regarded as one of the best places to see Grizzly bears.
There are several provincial parks and national parks included in this regional district. On the southern coast, their deep canyons surrounded the whole British Columbia Mountains.
2. Canadian Pacific Railway
This is considered another gem of the Canadian province. The Canadian Pacific Railway is abbreviated as the CPR. The pacific railway is put into work in 1881.
This was formally known as the CP railway in 1996. The railway has incorporated more than a length of 20K tracks.
Which are lying in the seven Canadian provinces up to stretch to the USA. the railway tracks cover almost the border regional districts of Canada.
The railway tracks make magnificent stretches from the south and eastern part of British Columbia up to the eastern border side of Canada and the USA.
It almost acts as a man-made divider of the North American continent.
3. Coastal Islands & National Parks of British Columbia Province
The Coastal islands are situated parallel to the west coast mountains in the pacific ocean region.
After establishing of Rocky mountains and other major mountain ranges the federal government was quickly incorporated.
The provincial park act is implemented for instance Stanley Glacier, & Yoho national park. by the provincial government.
In the provincial park act, there are several islands as central coast mountains are listed. Tourists like to visit the sandy beaches of these islands.
There are several water sports also organized. Also talks about some national grasslands which are famous for their popular hikes.
a. Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is listed as one of the major cities and the largest city in British Columbia. Although, Vancouver city is the youngest city from the 19th century. This is British Columbia’s administrative center.
Vancouver Island was home to the Nuu-Chah-Nulth. Which is also known as the Kwakiutl people. They were the indigenous people before the encroachment of missionaries.
This coastline is found on the Ocean’s north coast and occupies the majority of British Columbia’s southwest corner.
Vancouver Island has a total area of more than 456 km in length and 100 km in width. Thus in total 32,100 sq km in area. Vancouver Island is one of the famous islands on The west coast of America.
Vancouver Island is listed as the 43rd world’s largest island. Vancouver Island is the 11th largest island in Canada. Vancouver Island comes in second place after Montreal island Canada in popularity.
Vancouver Island is home to more than a wide variety of species. The island is a uni-balanced environment that consists of mountains and the lower mainland.
This island holds one of the major mountain ranges. Golden Hinde is one of them. And is situated on Vancouver Island’s central coast. This mountain is also on the list of British Columbia mountains.
Several species can be found in flora and fauna. Douglas fir is a rare member of the pine family. And can be located in the western part of the island. Although, Grizzly bears were never been seen on this island.
b. Queen Charlotte Islands
The island is the home of most indigenous groups. The island is filled with totem poles standing on the sandy beaches of this Island. The Queen Charlotte Islands were originally known as Haida Gwaii.
The Island consists of two islands on the north coast Gram island and the southern part of Moresby island.
Despite its proximity to Vancouver Island to the south. Moresby Mountain is considered the highest mountain on the island. That is 26 kilometers south of Daaijin Giids. The elevation goes up to 3930 feet high.
The total landmass of this island consists of more than 10,000 sq km. There are more than 400 small islands. Other major islands are Anthony island, Burnaby island, and Alder island.
Moresby mountain is listed as one of the British Columbia mountains.
c. Yoho National Park
The Yoho national park is located on the slopes of the western north of the American continent. Within the Rocky Mountains of Canada.
More accurately on the traditional territories in between the Scewepemc and Ktunaxa first nation. This park is one of the BC parks which have the most spectacular landscape.
The Yoho National park is spanning over more than 1313 sq km a total area. This massive national park consists of Jasper, Kootenay, and Banff national gardens. as well as some BC parks also.
Common species found in this area are Grizzly bears, Kayote, Timberwolves, badgers, and moose.
There are several mountains in this provincial park and Mount Goodsir is top of the list with an elevation of 11703 ft. Other mountains are Vaux, Balfour, Chancellor peak, & Stephen.
Conclusion
British Columbia Mountains are far starting from the north side and the range continues along the province’s west coast.
This Canadian province is spread over more than 943.9K sqm. And surrounded by the deepest ocean, the Pacific Ocean on the planet.
This province consists of the Canadian Rockies, Coast Mountains, Cassiar Mountains, and the other British Columbia Mountains.
The province’s southwestern tip is also known as the most mountainous province in Canada. British Columbia mountains take a share of almost 29.9% approximately of overall mountainous Canada.
The great vastness of this land is filled with an astonishing view of the landscapes and parks. British Columbia for instance consists of peace river, & a small town. In its 26 districts Fraser valley is included.
The majestic view of the British Columbia mountains gives a breathtaking view to anyone.
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