Its nearest higher peaks are Catamount Peak, 1.8 km (1.1 mi) to the southwest, and Ursus Minor Mountain, 2.24 km (1.39 mi) to the northeast.

[3] The first ascent of the mountain was made August 5, 1902, by a Dominion Topographic Survey party.

[2] It was so-named by the survey party because of its proximity above Bear Creek (since renamed Connaught Creek), and in keeping with the bear theme of other nearby features such as Ursus Minor Mountain, Grizzly Mountain, Bruins Pass, and Balu Pass.

[4] The high point on Ursus Major's east ridge is unofficially called Balu Peak.

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Ursus Major Mountain is located in a subarctic climate zone with cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.