Born in 1864 in London, England, James Outram was a Church of England clergyman, mountaineer, author, businessman, militia officer and Orangeman who came to Canada at the turn of the 20th century after travelling and climbing throughout Europe. As a relatively new climber, Outram made numerous impressive ascents in the Rockies and Columbias in 1900, 1901 and 1902. In 1925, after years living in Calgary, Alberta, he retired in Victoria, B.C.