It is the highest point in Alberta, Canada, and is second only to Mount Robson for height and topographical prominence in the Canadian Rockies.

The first winter ascent of Columbia was completed on March 14, 1944, by about thirty men led by Major Douglas Groff[7] of Winnipeg, during the course of a three-day patrol on the Icefield, using snow holes as sleeping quarters.

The normal route is on the east face, a non-technical glacier climb that is straightforward in summer, albeit with a long approach (approx.

Other routes include the North Ridge, which is more technical (Grade V, YDS 5.7, W3) but considered more spectacular.

[1] Mount Columbia is composed of sedimentary rock laid down from the Precambrian to Jurassic periods.