The Climb of Ha LIng

Ha Ling Peak is a peak at the northwestern end of Mount Lawrence Grassi, a mountain located immediately south of Canmore, Alberta, Canada.

Photo by J.Borno

The name of the mountain has been subject to much controversy. Originally, the mountain was known to the locals as The Beehive.

Photo by J.Borno

In 1896 Ha Ling, a Chinese cook at the Oskaloosa Hotel in Canmore was bet 50 dollars that he could not climb the peak and plant a flag on the summit in less than 10 hours.

Photo by J.Borno

According to the Medicine Hat News of October 24, 1896, he started the ascent at 7:00 am the previous Saturday morning and was back in time for lunch.

Photo by J.Borno

As nobody believed his story, he led a party of doubters to the summit where he planted a much larger flag beside the original, this one visible to the naked eye from Canmore. The townsfolk were ashamed of their doubts, so they proclaimed that the nameless peak shall be called “Ha Ling Peak” in his honour.

Photo by J.Borno

That name did not stick and for a 101 years it was called Chinamans Peak, although that name only became official in 1980 . As Canmore grew, the newcomers perceived the name as derogatory and in 1997 it was renamed Ha Ling Peak.

Photo by J.Borno

A relatively short (2.2 km) hike with a steep incline (819 m) and as Ha Ling did way back in 1896, you climb the backside of the mountain to the peak. Careful at the top as it is a 600 metre drop and you may be shocked to see climbers coming over at the top to meet you. It’s roughly a 4 hour round-trip hike. The views at the top are amazing with great view of Canmore.

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