Discover the Highest Point in Canada

Western Canada is a mountainous region of North America. The provinces of British Columbia, Yukon, and Alberta, all contain high mountain peaks. One mountain stands taller than any other in the country, though. Also, the tallest mountain is the highest part of the country. Learn all about the highest point in Canada including its total elevation, where it is located, how people get there, and what animals live in the area.

What Is the Highest Point in Canada?

The highest point in Canada is the peak of Mount Logan with an elevation of 19,551 feet. Mount Logan is the tallest mountain in Canada, and its peak is also one of the most prominent on the continent. The mountain is known for having the largest base circumference of any mountain that is not a volcano, a measure of 99.42 miles.

Named for Sir William Edmond Logan, the mountain is in the Yukon Province in Canada. People first reached the summit of Mount Logan in 1925, and many others have done so in the years since. The mountain’s remoteness contributes to the difficulty of climbing it. Reaching the mountain requires hiking around many miles or flying closer to the mountain before even starting the ascent.

Where is Mount Logan on a Map?

Mount Logan is in the far southwestern corner of the Yukon Region. It is within the boundaries of Kluane National Park and Reserve, but it is not easily accessible.

The mountain is about 25 miles from the border with Alaska as well. Few roads anywhere near the mountain except for Alaska Highway and Haines Road. Both of these roads are far away from the actual mountain, though.

How Close Can You Drive to Mount Logan?

Mount Logan is so remote that getting there is incredibly difficult. One of the closest places that you can drive to near Mount Logan is Haines Junction. The town lies at the junction of the Alaska Highway and the Haines Highway. That is roughly 100 miles away from the mountain. Only 1,000 people live in this town, but the residents still welcome tourists in the area.

People that do not want to drive into this region from Alaska or up through Canada can fly into the Haines Junction Airport. Still, that is as close as major roads get to the Kluane National Park and Reserve or Mount Logan. Otherwise, getting to the mountain requires a lot of time and work in an unforgiving wilderness. The best bet would be to get an aerial tour of the region rather than trying to hike into it.

What Can You Do at the Highest Point in Canada?

The highest point in Canada is located in a major national park. As a result, some people travel to the national park in which Mount Logan is located to explore the wilderness. People go to the nearby lakes for fishing and canoeing. They may go hiking, biking, and camping in other portions of the region where such activities are allowed. However, only a few thousand tourists make the trip every year.

The main reason that more people don’t go out to this national park is the difficulty associated with getting there. Roads will take you to towns like Haines Junction but not deep into the protected lands of the Kluane National Park.  

Getting to Mount Logan is incredibly difficult and requires time, money, and effort while also having no small amount of danger. Most people are unprepared for such a trek. Still, visitors can stay in the towns along Alaska Highway or Haines Highway and get incredible views and opportunities to experience the nearby wilderness.

Is Mount Logan the Highest Point in North America?

No, the highest point in North America is not found at the peak of Mount Logan. The highest point in North America is the summit of Denali, a mountain in Alaska with an elevation of 20,310. The mountain was formerly known as Mount McKinley.

That makes Denali about 759 feet taller than Mount Logan, so the difference is quite significant. Nevertheless, both mountains have very impressive elevations. They’re also some of the most difficult mountains to climb.

What Animals Live Near Mount Logan?

Mount Logan is located within the Kluane National Park Reserve, and many animals live in this area. Some of the creatures that people may find when they are traveling to the mountain include:

• Gray wolves
• Grizzly bears
• Coyote
• Beaver
• Hares
• Red foxes
• Sheep
• Goats
• Wolverines

These are just a few of the animals that roam in the park where Mount Logan is located. As one might imagine, these animals make the trek to the base of the mountain quite dangerous. People must know how to survive in “grizzly country” before making the journey.

The waters near Mount Logan are also filled with plenty of fish. If you choose to fish in these lakes, you may find:

• Northern pike
• Rainbow trout
• Arctic salmon
• Mountain whitefish

Of course, these animals and fish are not common on the mountain. The temperatures plummet as the mountain rises. Nevertheless, people must remember that they are in a remote mountain area and wildlife is all around them. Anyone that visits the national park must remember to take measures to remain safe while they’re outdoors. Otherwise, they could meet with disaster.

All in all, the highest point in Canada is both very high and remote. Few people make the journey to climb Mount Logan because of the difficulty associated with just getting to the mountain. Still, the area has plenty of natural beauty, untouched landscapes, and ways for people to interact with nature. Nature lovers are bound to revere this region.  

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/husayno