Mount Andromache

Overview

This peak gets its unoffical name Andromache due to its proximity to Mt. Hector just to the south. Andromache is is the name of Hector’s wife in Greek mythology. But Mt. Hector is actually named after James Hector who was a figure in the construction of the Canadian Pacific railway line through 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. 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 right you will be heading to Mt. Hector via the north glacier. Keep left and follow the least line of resistance to the top of the hill where it levels out. Here there is a break in the cliff bands above and you can scramble up the scree slope to a sloping ridge line which leads to another unnamed peak go over the top of this and continue for 20-30 minutes to the summit keeping on the scree and away from the glacier. This very well explained in Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies by Alan Kane. This book also describes a different descent route and 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 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 hear of any restrictions while I was there. There can be campfire restrictions depending on the weather.

Author: RedWolf_ca Date: Jan 22, 2005 1:23 PM
The Mosquito Creek campground is only a few kilometres from the Noseeum Creek (for NW ridge). Easy walk/bike ride along the Icefields parkway.
Mosquito Creek campground

Try this for activities in the area
Banff Lake Louise Tourist Bureau

Joining a club such as The Alpine Club of Canada is recommended when climbing in Canada. While it is not obligatory, useful information can be had at any of their main Clubhouse in Canmore, or at their website which is open to everyone.

http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/

Staying at the club in Canmore is 22$ Canadian for members and 26$ for non-members. It can get quite crowded in the summer so a reservation is recommended. Staying at the hostel in Lake Louise is more at 36$ Canadian but is good value for the money.

Mountain Conditions

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

External Links

• NW ridge - July 26, 1997
  
  

Images

View Mount Andromache Image Gallery - 9 Images