Wenkchemna Peak

Wenkchemna Peak is a mountain summit located on the British Columbia and Alberta border in the Canadian Rockies. It rises to about 3,170 meters (10,400 feet) with steep slopes and exposed sedimentary rock formations that tower directly above Moraine Lake.

Samuel Allen named the peak in 1894, and the first successful climb took place in 1923 by F.C. Bell, A.W. Drinnan, and H. Herriot. Since then, it has become a sought-after destination for experienced climbers in the Canadian Rockies.

The name Wenkchemna comes from the Stoney language and means the number ten, since this peak is the tenth in Ten Peaks Valley. You can see this connection reflected on local maps and signs around Moraine Lake, where the cultural heritage remains present today.

Climbing this peak requires advanced mountaineering skills and careful planning, particularly due to extreme cold with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). Weather and snow conditions should be checked daily before attempting the ascent.

The summit marks the exact boundary between British Columbia and Alberta provinces, making it a rare spot where you stand in two places at once. Few visitors realize that this geographical point also separates two different national parks.