Mount Harmston – Island Qualifier

Group SizePrice

1 Guest $1,500 + GST

2 Guests $800 + GST per person

3 Guests $600 + GST per person

4 Guests $500 + GST per person

The exact approach is selected based on current mountain conditions, road access, and seasonal snow coverage.

Possible approaches include:

Comox Glacier Trail

Typically favoured when access and glacier conditions are favourable. This route provides spectacular alpine scenery while accessing the upper mountain through the Comox Glacier basin.

Oshinow Lake Approach

Used when road conditions or seasonal access make it the preferred option. This approach offers a more direct route into the alpine while avoiding potential access limitations.

Regardless of the chosen approach, the summit is typically climbed via the Southeast Ridge, the classic line to the summit offering enjoyable alpine scrambling with sections of exposed 4th Class terrain before returning via the same route.

Day 1

Travel into the alpine via either the Comox Glacier Trail or Oshinow Lake approach.

Establish camp, review mountain conditions, discuss the summit plan, and enjoy an evening in one of Vancouver Island's premier alpine settings.

Day 2

An early alpine start sees the team make their way toward the Southeast Ridge before climbing enjoyable alpine scrambling terrain to reach the summit of Mount Harmston.

Following time on the summit, the team returns to camp for a second night.

Day 3

Break camp and descend to the trailhead, concluding the expedition.

What's Included

• Alpine Guide

• Three-day guided expedition

• Route planning and logistics

• Group technical equipment

• Ropes and glacier equipment

• Emergency communication device

• Pre-trip planning support

What's Not Included

• Transportation

• Meals

• Personal camping equipment

• Personal technical equipment (unless arranged)

• Accommodation before or after the trip

• Travel insurance

This expedition is designed for experienced mountain travellers.

Participants should:

• Have excellent fitness

• Be comfortable carrying an overnight backpack over steep terrain

• Have previous scrambling experience

• Be confident on exposed 4th Class terrain

• Have prior alpine or mountaineering experience

While previous glacier travel experience is beneficial, it is not essential depending on seasonal conditions, as instruction will be provided where appropriate.

A detailed equipment list will be provided after booking.

Typical equipment includes:

• Mountaineering boots

• Helmet

• Harness

• Ice axe (season dependent)

• Crampons (season dependent)

• Overnight backpack (50–65L)

• Tent and camping equipment

• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad

• Technical clothing suitable for alpine conditions

Group technical equipment, ropes, glacier rescue gear, and safety equipment are provided by VIBE.

This Trip is offered exclusively as a private guided trip.

Every Mount Harmston expedition is planned around your group's experience, objectives, and current mountain conditions. Dates are arranged individually to ensure the best possible chance of a safe and successful summit.

Don't see available dates?

Contact us at 250-616-0351 or info@vibebackcountry.com, and we'll work with you to plan an expedition that fits your schedule.

Congratulations on completing Mount Harmston, one of Vancouver Island's most rewarding alpine objectives and an important milestone in the Island Qualifiers.

Whether this was your first qualifier or another summit on your journey, there are plenty more incredible peaks waiting to be explored. Each Island Qualifier offers its own unique challenge, from remote alpine traverses and glacier travel to classic ridge scrambles and technical mountaineering.

At VIBE, our ACMG guides can help you plan your next objective, build the skills required for more committing alpine terrain, and safely work your way through the complete Island Qualifier collection.

Ready for your next summit? Explore our other guided Island Qualifier expeditions, including Colonel Foster, Golden Hinde, Elkhorn Mountain, Mount Colonel Foster, The Septimus–Rosseau Traverse, and many more of Vancouver Island's premier alpine adventures.

The Island Qualifiers aren't just about reaching summits, they're about developing mountain skills, exploring wild places, and building unforgettable experiences in some of British Columbia's most spectacular alpine terrain.