Purcell Mountains Mountains

The Purcell Mountains are a subrange of the Columbia Mountains in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, characterised by high, rugged peaks and extensive alpine terrain.

The range includes steep granite spires, glaciated valleys and large icefields; notable climbing areas such as the Bugaboos attract technical climbers and mountaineers from around the world.

These mountains were formed by tectonic uplift and sculpted by Pleistocene glaciation, producing sharp ridges and deep valleys that define their present form.

The Purcells extend north-south across southeastern British Columbia and sit west of the Rocky Mountain Trench in the province’s interior, within a landscape of lakes, rivers and other high mountain ranges.

• Scale and relief: Part of the Columbia Mountains system in southeastern British Columbia, the range contains multiple peaks that exceed 3,000 metres and extensive glaciation.
• Recreation and access: Popular for backcountry climbing, ice and alpine climbing, and heli-skiing in winter; remote access and alpine conditions require mountaineering experience.

What to See#

• The Bugaboos: The Bugaboos are a concentration of granite spires and glaciers within the Purcell Mountains, renowned for technical alpine climbing and alpine huts used by mountaineers.

Access points vary: approaches are commonly made from towns such as Golden, Invermere or Kaslo depending on the subrange. Gravel forestry roads, backcountry logging tracks and mountain passes are typical; many routes require high-clearance vehicles and local guides for safe alpine travel.