It is situated 17 km (11 mi) northeast of Pemberton, immediately west of the Place Glacier, and 1.8 km (1 mi) north of Mount Oleg, its nearest higher peak.

[4] The mountain was named for William and Henry Gardiner, early settlers who farmed in Pemberton Meadows.

[6] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Coast Mountains where they are forced upward by the range (Orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall.

As a result, the Coast Mountains experience high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall.

The months July through September offer the most favorable weather for climbing Mount Gardiner.