Mount Caubvick is the highest peak in mainland Canada east of the Rockies

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Rising sharply from the sea, this formidable peak straddles the border of Quebec and Labrador. Known by two names, it is a landscape of craggy ridges and glaciers. While it holds the title of the highest point in two provinces, its unpredictable weather and technical terrain make it a dangerous climb.

Mount Caubvick, also known as Mont D'Iberville, stands at 1646 metres within the Selamiut Range of the Torngat Mountains. Its geographical significance is profound, serving as the highest point in both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the tallest peak in mainland Canada east of the Rocky Mountains. Despite the provincial border running nearby, the summit itself is situated entirely within Labrador, approximately 10 metres northeast of the Quebec boundary.

The mountain's naming history reflects its dual identity. In 1971, the Quebec government designated it Mont D'Iberville. On the Labrador side, it was unofficially called L1 until 1981, when it was renamed Mount Caubvick. This name honors one of five Inuit individuals who traveled to England with George Cartwright in 1772. The peak's physical character is defined by steep cirques, glaciers, and ridges that rise abruptly from sea level, creating a formidable environment for any mountaineer.

Accessing the summit is inherently difficult, typically requiring transport by bush plane or boat. Climbers generally choose between the Minaret Ridge from the east or the Koroc Ridge from the west, both of which involve technical sections. The first successful ascent was completed by Americans Michael Adler and Christopher Goetze in 1973, followed by the first Canadian party in 1978. The mountain's dangers were tragically underscored in 2003, when two climbers from Mississauga perished during their descent. Their bodies were not recovered until August 2004, highlighting the extreme risks posed by the region's unpredictable, snowy weather and challenging terrain.

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