The Highest Mountains in the Arctic Cordillera

The Arctic Cordillera features massive glaciated peaks rising through the icefields in Northern Canada, which is one of the coldest areas of the world. The deeply dissected mountains ranges of the Arctic Cordillera stretch from the Ellesmere Island to the Labrador Peninsula, and extend as far south as northern Quebec. The greater part of Nunavut’s eastern coast is covered by mountains of the Arctic Cordillera. Large areas of these mountains are protected within the limits of various national parks and other protected areas.

1. Barbeau Peak

Barbeau Peak has an elevation of 8,583 ft and a prominence of 8,583 ft, making it the tallest mountain in the Arctic Cordillera. The mountain is part of the British Empire Range, is located on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada, and falls within the limits of Quttinirpaaq National Park of Nunavut. Barbeau Peak offers great challenges to climbers since it is crisscrossed by deep crevasses and sharp, narrow ridges. The mountain area is also subjected to harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. The first successful summit of the mountain occurred on June 7, 1967.

2. Mount Whisler

Mount Whisler has an elevation of 8,200 ft above sea level and is the Arctic Cordillera’s second tallest peak. The mountain is located on Ellesmere Island and also belongs to the British Empire Range. The mountain is only 12 km away from Barbeau Peak. Mount Whisler is surrounded on all sides by the Henrietta Nesmith Glacier.

3. Commonwealth Mountain

Commonwealth Mountain has an elevation of 7,300 ft and is located on Nunavut’s Ellesmere Island. The mountain falls within the limits of Quttinirpaaq National Park, and is part of the Challenger Mountains range.

4. Mount Oxford

Also located on Ellesmere Island, Mount Oxford is the fourth tallest peak of the Arctic Cordillera. The mountain derives its name from the University of Oxford. The first successful ascent to the peak's summit was made in 1935, when Mount Oxford was incorrectly estimated to be 9,000 ft tall. Later measurements determined the elevation of Mount Oxford to be 7,251 ft. The mountain belongs to the British Empire Range.

5. Outlook Peak

Outlook Peak has an elevation of 7,250 ft and is the fifth tallest mountain in the Arctic Cordillera. The mountain is located in Qikiqtaaluk, which is Nunavut’s easternmost administrative region. Outlook Peak is the tallest point on Axel Heiberg Island and is part of the the Princess Margaret Range.