Peak Finder

Photo: Mount Saskatchewan with Lighthouse Tower at the far right from the south on the Icefields Parkway

Lighthouse Tower

  • 2960 m (9,712ft)
  • First Ascent
52.1028N -117.067W
Located in the North Saskatchewan River Valley 2 km east of Mount North Saskatchewan

Province: Alberta
Park: Banff
Headwater: Saskatchewan
Major Valley: Saskatchewan
Visible from Highway: 93N
Ascent Date: 1964
Ascent Party: G. Boehnisch, L. Mackay

The spectacular pinnacle known as Lighthouse Tower, or as it is sometimes called "Cleopatra's Needle," rises over 75 metres from a ridge which extends to the east of the highest part of Mount Saskatchewan. It may be seen from a pull-off 4.9 kilometres to the south of the Alexandra River Flats Viewpoint and this is also the best spot for a view of Mount Saskatchewan. Another view of the Tower is through a gap in the ridges 5.2 kilometres north of the viewpoint and although the spire is much closer and still spectacular, it is not nearly as "needle-like" as it is from the south. Lighthouse Tower was first climbed in 1964.

Photo: Lighthouse Tower from the east with Mount Saskatchewan beyond from the Icefields Parkway

Lighthouse Tower (courtesy John Phillips)