Peak Finder

Photo: Mount King George dominates this view from the east (l-r) Princess Mary, King George, Prince Albert, and Prince Edward

Mount Prince Albert

  • 3209 m (10,529ft)
  • First Ascent
  • Naming History
50.6061N -115.399W
Located west of the Palliser River and east of Queen Mary Creek

Range: Royal
Province: BC
Headwater: Kootenay
Ascent Date: 1928
Ascent Party: C. Crosby, M. Crosby, H. Pillsbury, C.A. Willard
Ascent Guide: Rudolph Aemmer
Year Named: 1913
Named by: Interprovincial Boundary Survey
Named for: Prince Albert (Prince Albert was a son of King George V and Queen Mary.)

In Volume I of the Interprovincial Boundary Survey, Arthur Wheeler described the Royal Group as, "a very remarkable group of mountains comprising seven distinct peaks, the highest having a altitude of 11,226 fee; it is much in evidence, and its towers and precipitous walls, its glaciers and outlying ridges dominate the landscape from all dirctions. It was first noticed by the Topographical division from Wonder Peak, close to Mount Assiniboine, and the name of "Mt. King George" was then given to the highest summit. The Commissioners now suggest that the title of 'The Royal Group' be applied to this collection of peaks and that the names of the Royal Family be placed upon its several summits. . ." The names for these peaks chosen by the Interprovincial Boundary Survey were those of the British King and Queen of the day as well as their six children: King George, Queen Mary, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince Henry, Prince John, Prince Albert, and Princess Mary. Prince Edward actually succeeded King George V, but then abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. His brother, Prince Albert, then took the throne and ruled as King George VI.

Photo: Looking north to Mount Prince Albert (courtesy Drew Nugara)

Looking north to Mount King George (left) and Mount Prince Albert from near the toe of King George Glacier (courtesy Drew Nugara)