About Heart Peaks
Heart Peaks is a shield rising to 2,012 meters (6,601 feet) in Canada's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Heart Peaks is located in Canada, within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 58.60° N, 131.97° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. At 2,012 meters above sea level, Heart Peaks rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a shield, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Heart Peaks is an intraplate volcano, meaning it formed away from any plate boundary. These volcanoes are often powered by hotspots — plumes of abnormally hot mantle material rising from deep within the Earth. Hotspot volcanoes like Heart Peaks tend to produce effusive eruptions with lava flows that can be relatively predictable, giving nearby communities in Canada more time to prepare. However, they can also produce explosive phases, particularly when magma interacts with groundwater. The dominant rock type is basalt / picro-basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
The late-Cenozoic Heart Peaks shield volcano, located NW of Level Mountain in NW British Columbia, is capped by rhyolitic lava domes. The basal shield rises above local topography and is composed of flat-lying basaltic and trachybasaltic lava flows and pyroclastics. The most recent eruptive activity is of dominantly Pleistocene age; late-stage Holocene activity is uncertain (Edwards and Russell, 2000; Edwards 2004, pers. comm.). The volcano rises above the Heart Peaks Plateau, which is sculpted on all sides by tributaries of the Inklin River. The colorful bright green and pink, steep-sided lava domes of the Heart Peaks Formation are formed of porphyritic rhyolitic and minor trachytic rocks and occupy the western side of the plateau.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Heart Peaks.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Peaks
Is Heart Peaks an active volcano?+
Heart Peaks is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Heart Peaks?+
Heart Peaks has a summit elevation of 2,012 meters (6,601 feet) above sea level. At 2,012 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Heart Peaks?+
Heart Peaks is classified as a Shield. Shield volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Heart Peaks located?+
Heart Peaks is located in Canada, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Northern Cordilleran Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 58.600° latitude, -131.970° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Heart Peaks?+
Heart Peaks can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Canada may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
