ROBSON, MOUNT

peak in eastern British Columbia, Can., 50 miles (80 km) west-northwest of Jasper, Alta. Rising above Kinney Lake and overlooking Yellowhead Pass to the east, Mount Robson is the highest peak (12,972 feet ) in the Canadian Rockies. Composed of horizontal shale strata, the mountain was probably named for Colin Robson (17931842), an official of the Hudson's Bay Company. It was mentioned by fur traders as early as 1827, but not until 1913 did A.H. MacCarthy, W.W. Foster, and Conrad Kain (an Australian guide) reach its summit. The Canadian National Railway's main line traverses Mount Robson Provincial Park, which surrounds the mountain.