KELOWNA, British Columbia — At just 23 years old, Simran Bajwa is pushing the boundaries of endurance and ambition as she pursues a historic milestone in mountaineering: becoming the youngest Canadian, male or female, to conquer the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the world's seven continents.
Bajwa, a resident of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, has already scaled more than half of these formidable mountains. Her most recent ascent was Mount Kosciuszko in Australia this fall, marking her fourth summit and bringing her closer to shattering the current record held by a 26-year-old Canadian. The Seven Summits challenge, popularized in the 1980s by climbers like Dick Bass and Pat Morrow, includes peaks such as Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, Denali in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Elbrus in Europe, and Kosciuszko or Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, depending on the list followed.
"My goal is to become the youngest Canadian in history, both male and female, to climb the 7 Summits and the 7 Summits are the highest mountain on each continent," Bajwa said in a recent interview. Her journey began amid the rugged landscapes of her hometown, where the sight of towering peaks sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Okanagan, she was constantly exposed to stories of hiking and climbing from friends and family.
"Growing up in the Okanagan, I was just surrounded by mountains," Bajwa explained. "Always hearing about hiking and being outdoors and climbing, there are just so many ways to find happiness in the outdoors." This environment fostered a deep connection to nature, but it was personal challenges that truly ignited her mountaineering pursuits a few years ago.
Bajwa's path to the mountains was not without hardship. She opened up about a difficult family situation that shaped her early life. "Growing up, my Dad was an alcoholic and I pretty much only ever knew him as an alcoholic," she shared. Her father has been absent from her life for the past three years, a period that coincides almost exactly with the start of her serious climbing endeavors. This timeline suggests that overcoming these personal obstacles provided the emotional foundation for her to channel energy into physical challenges.
Since embarking on this quest, Bajwa has methodically tackled the summits, each climb building on the last. Mount Kosciuszko, standing at 2,228 meters (7,310 feet), might be the lowest of the Seven Summits, but it represents a significant step in her progression. According to reports, she completed the ascent earlier this fall, navigating the Snowy Mountains' trails under clear skies, a far cry from the extreme conditions she'll face next.
Looking ahead, Bajwa's next target is the ultimate prize: Mount Everest, the world's highest peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. She plans to attempt the summit in April, aiming to make it her fifth conquest. This expedition will take her to the Himalayas in Nepal, where she'll join thousands of climbers vying for the rooftop of the world during the pre-monsoon climbing window.
Preparation for Everest is intense and multifaceted. Bajwa emphasized the importance of a solid base in the coming months. "The next few months are about building, building, being able to go for longer periods of time, go for longer runs, go for longer hikes," she said. Her training regimen includes focusing on diet, cardiovascular endurance, and muscle development to withstand the thin air and harsh weather at high altitudes.
"You just have to work on a really strong foundation in the first month. You just have to work on your diet, work on your cardio, work on building muscle," Bajwa added. This approach aligns with standard mountaineering advice from experts, who stress acclimatization and progressive overload to mitigate risks like altitude sickness, which claims lives on Everest annually. According to the Himalayan Database, more than 300 climbers have died on the mountain since records began in the 1920s.
Bajwa's timeline allows for a measured pace; she hopes to complete the challenge by age 25, giving her about two years to savor the journey. This isn't a frantic race against the clock but a deliberate pursuit of personal growth. The Seven Summits have been completed by over 500 people worldwide, but for Canadians, the record books highlight fewer names, with Bajwa poised to etch hers in history.
Her story resonates in the broader context of Canadian mountaineering. The country boasts a rich tradition of high-altitude feats, from the first ascents of peaks in the Rockies to modern adventurers like Colin O'Brady, who crossed Antarctica solo. Yet, youth records remain elusive, and Bajwa's bid stands out for its blend of resilience and reflection. She views each climb not just as a physical test but as a source of wisdom.
"Each step always teaches me a new lesson," Bajwa reflected. "I never know what the next one’s going to bring, but I’m just so grateful for what I’ve learned on this journey so far and what I continue to learn." This philosophy underscores the mental fortitude required for such endeavors, where avalanches, crevasses, and exhaustion are constant threats.
Support from the mountaineering community in British Columbia has been crucial. Local climbing groups in Kelowna and Vernon have offered guidance, while sponsors are beginning to take notice of her progress. Bajwa funds much of her travels through part-time work and crowdfunding, a common strategy for aspiring adventurers in a sport that can cost tens of thousands per expedition—Everest alone often exceeds $50,000 including permits and Sherpa support.
As she gears up for the Himalayas, Bajwa remains grounded in her Okanagan roots. The valleys and lakes that inspired her continue to serve as her training ground, with long hikes along the Kettle Valley Railway Trail simulating the endurance needed for higher elevations. Friends and family, aware of the risks, express a mix of pride and concern, but Bajwa's determination is unwavering.
Ultimately, Bajwa's quest transcends the record itself. It highlights how personal adversity can fuel extraordinary achievements, inspiring a new generation of Canadian climbers. Whether she summits Everest in April or faces setbacks, her journey exemplifies the transformative power of the mountains. As she looks toward the horizon, the peaks ahead promise not just views, but invaluable lessons in perseverance.
(Word count: 1,048)