Quebec Climbing Legend François-Xavier Garneau Passes

Quebec’s climbing site Escalade Quebec has reported that Quebec climbing legend François-Xavier Garneau passed away on Oct. 16 at his home in Chicoutimi, Saguenay. He discovered climbing in 1954 while working at Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta. Accompanied by other climbers from Quebec, Garneau returned many times to western Canada to climb ice and rock.

In Quebec, Garneau was an early route developer at many now-popular areas. He made the first ascent of White Spot with Richard Régis and Jacques Lamontagne, the first route on Mont Dome. Garneau also made the first ascent of Banana Split, the first line up the imposing face of Mont Gros Bras. Our condolences to his family and friends. Watch a short film featuring Garneau below.