Embarking on the ascent of Mt Victoria's South Peak from the tranquil shores of Lake O'Hara demands a blend of steady determination and respect for the changing mountain environment. The route begins along a well-marked hiking path winding through the dense subalpine forest, gradually climbing toward the saddle beneath Mt Huber’s stark West Face. Here, the mountain’s raw nature reveals itself: ledges piled with loose debris challenge your footing, demanding caution on sections rated class 3 to 4. The rock underfoot feels brittle, requiring careful, deliberate steps as you inch upward toward the West Ridge.

Crossing the ridge’s corner, you enter a realm of ice and glacier. The hanging glacier north of Huber is a striking yet dynamic presence—its icefields daring you forward while reminding you of the inherent risks. Although the glacier’s position has shifted since the first ascents, its icy expanse still dominates the basin between Mt Huber and Victoria. Navigating this basin means picking the path of least resistance, balancing snow, ice, and rock options as you ascend a gully carved by seasons of frost and thaw. The terrain shifts constantly, keeping you alert to subtle changes in snowpack and rock stability.

From the gully, the clear objective emerges: the N-S knife-edge ridge rising sharply to Victoria’s summit. The ridge demands focus; several sections narrow dramatically, exposing climbers to the alpine air and the drop-offs flanking your route. The rock here is mostly solid, but weather conditions can make holds slick, so timing your climb during stable weather windows is crucial. The absence of technical pitches means the challenge is a test of endurance and steady footing rather than hard moves, but the continuous elevation gain totaling over 6,000 vertical feet ensures this remains a serious undertaking.

Returning the same way down, the descent is long and methodical; fatigue can breed carelessness, so it’s vital to stay present through the loose rock sections and glacier crossings. For those attempting the fully sustained day-trip, bivouac planning near the saddle or on the West Face can break up the effort and lessen exposure to potential evening weather shifts.

The route’s history echoes with early climbers’ footsteps—marked by careful exploration of rock and ice, and by lessons learned from tragedy in this remote mountain wilderness. Though straightforward in rating as an 'Easy 5th' with WI2 ice sections, the climb’s sustained length, route-finding demands, and exposure make it a genuine alpine adventure for well-prepared climbers.

Practical advice is clear: bring a compact alpine rack (cam sizes from 0.5 to #2 are recommended), long runners for managing pro on tricky sections, and prepare for mixed conditions. Lightweight ice gear is non-negotiable when crossing glaciers late in the season. Approach from Lake O’Hara is marked and scenic but expect slow progress where loose rock dictates discretion. Hydration and endurance pacing are essential given the route’s elevation gain and length.

In sum, the Mt Victoria South Peak ascent via the Huber West Face weaves together vivid alpine exposure, glacier travel, and sustained scrambling within Yoho National Park’s wild Rockies. It’s a climb where patience meets primal mountain elements, rewarding those who step up with expansive views, tactile mountain terrain, and a profound sense of connection to a landscape carved by ice and time.