The peak was named in 1920 for the French town of Valenciennes, which was captured by the Allies and entered by Canadian Expeditionary Force troops on 2 November 1918 following intense fighting in World War I.

[5] Canadian soldier Hugh Cairns was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery during the battle.

The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1934 by H. S. Kingman and J. Monroe Thorington, with guide Rudolph Aemmer.

[1] Valenciennes Mountain is composed of sedimentary rock laid down during the Precambrian to Jurassic periods.

This climate supports glaciers on the northeast and northwest slopes, as well as the Mons Icefield three kilometers to the north.