The Volcanoes Of British Columbia: The most photogenic gems

British Columbia, with its rugged landscapes and dramatic mountain ranges, harbors a hidden secret: a collection of dormant volcanoes that slumber beneath the majestic scenery. Let’s explore British Columbia’s stunning volcanoes, each with its own unique charm. 

The Pacific Ring Of Fire

British Columbia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean. This region is a hotbed of geological activity, where tectonic plates collide, earthquakes rumble, and volcanoes emerge. Here’s what you need to know:

The Cascadia Subduction Zone:

• Stretching from Vancouver Island down to northern California, the Cascadia subduction zone marks the convergence of the Juan de Fuca Plate and the North American Plate.
• Along this boundary, volcanic activity thrives. Most of British Columbia’s volcanoes are remnants of past eruptions during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 10,000 years ago.
• While some volcanoes remain dormant, others have shown signs of life in the distant past.

The 18 Sleeping Volcanoes:

• Although British Columbia boasts hundreds of volcanic fields and centers, there are 18 proper volcanoes scattered throughout the province.
• The largest cluster lies in the north near the coast, but these geological marvels can be found elsewhere as well.
• Notably, Mount Baker, technically located across the border in Washington state, is often counted among British Columbia’s volcanic peaks.

Unveiling the Volcanoes

Heart Peaks:

• Height: 2,012 meters
• Location: 58.6°N / -131.97°W
• Description: Heart Peaks, part of the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province, is a plateau crowned by a shield volcano that rises an additional 900 meters. The volcano consists of a basal shield capped by rhyolitic lava domes. Its rhyolitic lava domes add to its allure.
• Eruption History: Heart Peaks last erupted during the last ice age, but whether it has experienced more recent eruptions remains unconfirmed. Today, it is suspected to be extinct but cautiously labeled as dormant.

Level Mountain:

• Height: 2,164 meters
• Location: 58.42°N / -131.35°W
• Description: Located east of Heart Peaks, Level Mountain is another shield volcano. It boasts the most voluminous magma capacity in the Stikine Volcanic Belt covering an area of 1,800 square kilometers, it features 20 potential eruptive centers. 
• Eruption History: Formed over an older Miocene shield volcano after the ice ages, Level Mountain has immense potential for magma and volcanic gases. Its peaks and valleys teem with diverse animal species.

Lesser-Known Volcanoes:

• Beyond the famous peaks, British Columbia hosts lesser-known volcanoes like Cayley, Meager, Nazko, Tseax, Hoodoo, and Edziza.
• The most recent eruption in Canada occurred at Lava Fork volcano in northwestern B.C., approximately 150 years ago.

And the price for the most photogenic volcanoes of British Columbia goes to:

1. Mount Garibaldi
2. Black Tusk
3. Mount Baker

Mount Garibaldi

Mount Garibaldi, also known as Nch’ḵay̓ in the indigenous Squamish language, is a dormant stratovolcano situated in the Garibaldi Ranges of the Pacific Ranges in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Part of the active Cascades Range, Mount Garibaldi boasts breathtaking views and is a favorite among photographers. Its rugged slopes, snow-capped peaks, and proximity to Vancouver make it a photogenic gem.

Let’s delve deeper into the fascinating details of this majestic mountain:

Elevation and Location:

• Mount Garibaldi stands tall at a maximum elevation of 2,678 meters (8,786 feet).
• It dominates the landscape on the east side of the Cheakamus River in the New Westminster Land District.
• Glacier-capped and awe-inspiring, it is a prominent feature in the Garibaldi Provincial Park, covering an area of 760 square miles (1,968 square kilometers).

Sub-Peaks and Glaciers:

• Besides the main peak, Mount Garibaldi boasts two named sub-peaks:
  • Atwell Peak: A sharp, conical peak slightly higher than the more rounded peak of Dalton Dome.
  • Both sub-peaks have experienced volcanic activity at different times during Mount Garibaldi’s eruptive history.
• The northern and eastern flanks of the mountain are veiled by the Garibaldi Névé, a vast snowfield hosting several radiating glaciers.
• The Cheekye River, a tributary of the Cheakamus River, flows from the steep western face of Mount Garibaldi.
• On the southeastern flank lies Opal Cone, a small volcanic cone from which a lengthy lava flow descends.

Geological History:

• Over the last 260,000 years, Mount Garibaldi has experienced intermittent volcanic activity.
• The predominant volcanic rock type is dacite, which forms the bulk of the mountain.
• An ancestral cone was constructed between 260,000 and 220,000 years ago, only to be subsequently destroyed.
• Around 13,000 years ago, during the last glacial period, Atwell Peak erupted while the mountain was encased in an ice sheet.
• The most recent volcanic activity occurred approximately 10,000 years ago, with eruptions from Dalton Dome and Opal Cone after the ice sheet retreated.
• Although dormant now, Mount Garibaldi remains a potential volcanic hazard, and if it were to erupt again, it could pose a threat to nearby communities. Prepared teams, such as the Interagency Volcanic Event Notification Plan, stand ready to notify and organize relief efforts for those affected by volcanic eruptions in Canada.

Cultural Significance:

• To the Squamish Nation, Mount Garibaldi is known as Nch’ḵay̓, which holds cultural and spiritual significance.
• The mountain was originally named in the 1860s by Captain George Henry Richards of the Royal Navy, who commemorated Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi, a key figure in Italy’s unification during the same decade.

Black Tusk

Black Tusk is an iconic mountain nestled within the Garibaldi Ranges in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. Here are some key points about this remarkable peak:

Location:

• Black Tusk lies within the Garibaldi Provincial Park, approximately 37 kilometers north of Squamish and 19 kilometers south of Whistler.
• Its distinctive upper spire is visible from afar, catching the eye of travelers along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler.

Stats:

• The peak of Black Tusk stands at a towering 2,319 meters (7,608 feet) above sea level.
• It hosts two significant glaciers, starting from about 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) and flowing northwards.

Geological Origins:

• The Black Tusk is the remnant of a much larger volcano that formed during two periods of volcanic activity between 1.3 and 1.1 million years ago.
• It sits within the northernmost reaches of the Canadian Volcanic Arc.
• The rock of Black Tusk dates back to the Pleistocene era (the Ice Age), making it a geological marvel.

Indigenous Connection:

• To the indigenous Squamish people, the mountain is known as t’ak‘t’ak mu’yin tl’a in7in’a’xe7en.
• Translated, it means “Landing Place of the Thunderbird”.
• The jagged shape and black color of the mountain are said to come from the supernatural Thunderbird’s lightning.

Mount Baker

• Height: 3,286 meters
• Location: 48.78°N / -121.81°W

Although not entirely within British Columbia, Mount Baker is often counted among our province’s volcanic peaks. It’s part of the Cascade Arc and shares its volcanic heritage with the region. It is one of the few mountain peaks that can be seen from Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. The stunning peak towers 10,781 feet into the sky and is snow-covered year round.

Nestled in the rugged beauty of the North Cascades, Mount Baker stands as a sentinel of ice and fire. This majestic stratovolcano, with its snow-clad peaks and ancient glaciers, has captivated adventurers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Mount Baker, exploring its geology, history, and unique features.

Geological Origins

Mount Baker, also known as Koma Kulshan by the indigenous Lummi Nation, boasts a rich geological history. Here are some key points:

• Stratovolcano: Mount Baker is a classic stratovolcano, characterized by its steep slopes and alternating layers of lava flows, volcanic ash, and debris. Its formation began over a million years ago during the Pleistocene epoch.
• Andesite Dominance: Composed primarily of andesite lava flows and breccias, Mount Baker’s volcanic rocks tell tales of ancient eruptions. These andesitic lavas erupted explosively, shaping the mountain’s distinctive profile.

Glacial Legacy

Mount Baker’s icy embrace sets it apart from other Cascade volcanoes. Here’s why:

• Glacial Sculpting: Unlike its neighboring peaks, Mount Baker has experienced both alpine glaciation (from local mountain glaciers) and continental glaciation (from massive ice sheets). The Fraser Glaciation, which occurred around 25,000 to 10,000 years ago, significantly shaped the landscape.
• Sherman Crater: Located just south of the summit, Sherman Crater is a volcanic feature associated with Mount Baker. In the mid-1970s, it exhibited signs of renewed volcanic activity, reminding us that this sleeping giant still stirs beneath its icy cloak.

Record Snowfall

Mount Baker wears its snowy mantle with pride:

• Snowfall Champion: This volcano holds the record for the most snowfall in a single season. Its glaciers accumulate immense snow depths, creating a winter wonderland for backcountry skiers and mountaineers.
• Glaciers and Ice Caves: The Coleman Glacier, Deming Glacier, and Easton Glacier are among the icy rivers that flow down Mount Baker’s slopes. Adventurers explore ice caves, crevasses, and seracs, revealing the hidden beauty of frozen water.

The Call of the Summit

Mount Baker beckons climbers and hikers:

• Summit Ascent: The standard route to the summit involves glacier travel, ice climbing, and breathtaking vistas. The view from the top reveals a panorama of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and distant horizons.

In summary, British Columbia’s volcanoes weave a tale of ancient eruptions, geological forces, and the delicate balance between dormancy and potential awakening. As we gaze upon these silent giants, we honor their place in our planet’s dynamic history.

Volcanoes Wall Art – Black Tusk and Mount Garibaldi

 If you’re looking to add a touch of natural wonder to your living space, consider volcano-themed wall art. Photographs of majestic volcanoes create a captivating focal point. Explore our galleries featuring stunning photographs of Black Tusk and Mount Garibaldi.