Mount Nelson (British Columbia) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Nelson
Mount Nelson
Highest point
Elevation	3,313 m (10,869 ft)
Prominence	1,715 ft (520 m)
Listing	Canada highest major peaks 53rd
Geography
Mount Nelson Location in British Columbia Show map of British Columbia Mount Nelson Location in Canada Show map of Canada
Location	British Columbia, Canada
Parent range	Purcell Mountains Columbia Mountains
Topo map	NTS 82K/8
Climbing
First ascent	1910 by C. D. Ellis
Easiest route	Trail near Delphine creek to upper basin / summit block scramble

Mount Nelson is a tall mountain in the Purcell Mountains of southeast British Columbia, Canada. It stands at about 3,313 meters (10,869 feet) high. The mountain is located west of the Rocky Mountain Trench, near the towns of Invermere and Panorama Mountain Resort.

At the very top of Mount Nelson, there is a 5-foot tall aluminum cross. This cross was put there in 1986 by the Kloos family from Invermere. It marks the highest point and also holds a special book where climbers can write their names.

Mountain History

The mountain got its name in 1807 from an explorer named David Thompson. He named it after a famous British naval leader, Lord Admiral Nelson (1758-1805). This was to remember a big sea battle called the Battle of Trafalgar.

The name "Mount Nelson" became official on March 31, 1924. The first time someone climbed to the very top was in September 1910. A climber named C. D. Ellis reached the summit using the south ridge route.

Mountain Climate

Mount Nelson is in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Temperatures can drop very low, sometimes below −20 °C. With the wind, it can feel even colder, below −30 °C.

All the rain and snow that falls on Mount Nelson eventually flows into streams. These streams then join the Columbia River.

Climbing Mount Nelson

There are several known ways to climb Mount Nelson. Here are some of the routes that climbers have used:

• South Ridge - First climbed in 1910
• Southwest Ridge - First climbed in 1911
• Southwest Face - First climbed in 1913
• East Ridge - First climbed in 1975

Gallery

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  Mt. Nelson

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  Mount Nelson (left)