Little Hector

Overview

This peak gets its unoffical name Little Hector due to its proximity to higher Mt. Hector just to the south. Mt. Hector is named after James Hector who was a figure in the construction of the Canadian Pacific railway line throught the Canadian Rockies for Calgary to Vancouver. Thus this is an unoffical name and does not appear on any map. This is briefly explained in Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies by Alan Kane.

Getting There

From Calgary take the Trans-Canada highway to Lake Louise. Here switch to the Ice fields Parkway. After about 20 k you will see a roadside pullout on the left. From here you will be standing below Andromache and also see Little Hector a pointed peak to the south. Cross the road and head up a small slope and follow a path along the left hand side of the Hector creek bed. After about 100 yards you will cross the creek on an old rotting log bridge. Here turn left. (Do not go straight) Follow the trail which now follows the right hand side of the creek. It will lead you to a series of cliff bands with waterfalls. At this point you should cross the trail to the left hand side and scramble up the cliff bands which are not that difficult.

Eventually you will find your self in a small bowl. If you proceed to the centre right you will be heading to Mt. Hector via the north glacier. Keep right and follow the least line of resistance to the top of the ridge. Scramble up the slopes of the north end of Little Hector keeping more to the west as the slope is not as steep. Loose rock and rubble is the order of the day. Follow the ridge to the summit for excellent views of the surrounding peaks. Mt. Hector, Andromache, the Wapta Icefield and Hector Lake are just a few. You can down climb the same way you came up or keep to the righ (north west) further on the decent and do the scree slopes to the gully . From this point you will have to bushwack till you meet up with a narrow trail which will lead you back to the rotten log bridge and the stream. This very well explained in Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies by Alan Kane. This book is a worthwhile purchase.

Red Tape

You will have to purchase a parks pass upon entry to the park at Banff. Should you wish to camp a backcountry permit will be needed. You should check in and out with the rangers at Lake Louise.

Rates for Parks Canada as of July 1, 2005:
Wilderness Backcountry: $9/night
Wilderness Pass: $63/year
Reservation Fee: $12/group

Park Entry:
$16/group/day
$109/year

When To Climb

The summer season, July on through to September would be the best. There are avalanche warnings in the gully with the cliff bands leading up through Hector creek. Proceed with caution in snow seasons.

Banff Warden Office (403) 762-4506 for route info
Lake Louise Warden Office (403) 522-3866

Camping

I did not here of any restrictions while I was there. There can and are campfire restrictions depending on the weather.

Mountain Conditions

weather office or (403) 762-2088 for weather conditions

Images

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