Barbeau Peak

Barbeau Peak is a mountain summit in Quttinirpaaq National Park, Nunavut, reaching 2,616 meters as the highest point of the British Empire Range in the Arctic Cordillera. The peak displays deep crevasses and sharp ridges that create a challenging terrain.

Geoffrey Hattersley-Smith led an expedition that reached the summit on June 5, 1967, as part of a Defence Research Board mission. This ascent marked the first documented arrival at this remote Arctic peak.

The peak was named after Marius Barbeau, a Canadian anthropologist who documented First Nations and Inuit cultures. This naming reflects a recognition of the indigenous peoples connected to this Arctic landscape.

Climbing is only feasible during specific weeks due to extreme Arctic weather and the peak's remote location. Visitors should plan for a long journey and come prepared with full Arctic mountaineering gear.

Only seven successful ascents had been recorded as of 2006, making climbs to this remote summit rare events. The extreme isolation and demanding conditions keep visitation exceptionally limited.

Location: Nunavut

Elevation above the sea: 2,616 m

GPS coordinates: 81.92667,-74.98667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25