It's a long one, however, the scramble up Isolated Peak is a wonderfully scenic and enjoyable day trip. Leave early, bring a headlamp, and check that the Takkakaw Falls access road is in fact open. It seems that the road is closed between October and July. I strongly recommend the approach via Whaleback Mountain, as it gives you great views throughout and you are also treated to the wonderful view of Isolated Peak, as seen in Kane's book.  

The first couple of hours, while a little less than inspirational, are at least along a well-worn trail (a key point, given that we spent the last two hours of the trip in complete darkness, with only our headlamps to guide us). The scenery dramatically improves upon reaching Whaleback Mountain. As you traverse left and then up, towards Whaleback's summit, you are rewarded with magnificent views of Mounts Niles, Daly, Balfour, the Wapta Icefield, Mount des Poilus and its glacier, and of course The Presidents.

An unfortunate, but necessary, elevation loss takes you to the base of Isolated Peak. We tried to ascend the narrow gully directly above the ascent slope, but meltwater pouring down on us and icy conditions rendered it impassable. Eventually, we traversed below the ledges mentioned in Kane's description and found a steep, but decent route to the ridge and then up easier terrain to the summit. The panorama at the top is spectacular! You really need to see it for yourself.

For descent we took the alternate route to the Stanley Mitchell hut and then back to the parking lot on easy trails. It's a great alternative, as it saves you from re-ascending Whaleback Mountain (the last thing you feel like doing, 8 hours and 1400 vertical meters into the day!).

    
Isolated Peak, as seen from the summit ridge of Whaleback Mountain

    
A tree and a cloud

    
Traversing the summit ridge of Whaleback Mountain towards Isolated Peak; the ascent route goes down scree slopes to the base, alongside the glacier, and then up around the west side of the mountain

    
Mark traversing a wide ledge; this turned out to be the wrong way and we ended up traversing left below this ledge