Mount Hector

Program Agenda

We will meet all guests at our office in Canmore at 4:00 am MST on the day of the climb.  We will check and issue gear then head to the trailhead 19 km north on the Icefields Parkway, north of Lake Louise.  This climb takes about 10 – 12 hours, so please come prepared for a full day out in the mountains with lots of snacks, a lunch, and appropriate clothing and footwear. The initial approach will take us through creek beds, woods and into the open slopes before hitting the peaks North Glacier.  We’ll rope up as we head over the heavily crevassed glacier and continue the steady climb towards the peak. Several switchbacks up the steep snow slopes followed by a short scramble through the rocks lead us to the summit.  Before descending we’ll take in the expansive views of the Wapta and Waputik Icefields. We will then begin our descent, heading back the way we came with memories of another successful adventure. 

Departures can be set up on a private basis for individuals, families, or groups. Please contact us if you would like to arrange your own departure and we will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your group’s size and trip options.

Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.

Guides & Group Size
The maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:4. Our guides are enthusiastic and extremely talented. They hold certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and we are licensed to operate in the area by the Province of Alberta. The maximum group size is 12, minimum 2. 

Transportation
Transportation is not included in this program. We will rely on guest’s vehicles to reach the trailhead.

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Vehicle rental is available both in Calgary and in Canmore.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodations and meals are not included. 

Accommodation in Canmore is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo style accommodation with kitchens or suites.  We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly. 

Yamnuska guests receive exclusive rates with Clique Hotels & Resorts upon booking an adventure with either Yamnuska Mountain Adventures or Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska.  (Please note that some rates are non-refundable) 

Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office. 

Equipment & Clothing

We supply group and personal climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses and ice axes. You must bring your own personal gear, clothing and general equipment. If you arrive without the appropriate clothing and gear for the day your guide may require that you not attend without reimbursement. Read the following suggestions and lists carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to call or email prior to your departure. 

Equipment 

Yamnuska provides the following personal technical gear. Please feel free to bring your own if desired: 

• Crampons 
• Mountaineering ice axe 
• Climbing harness 
• Climbing helmet 

We recommend you bring: 

• Light mountaineering boots or mountaineering boots* (must be crampon compatible) 
• Daypack* (30-40 litres) 
• Lunch, snacks
• Water bottle (full!) 
• Sunglasses 
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm 
• Camera 
• Blister kit 
• First aid items (Our guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired.) 
• Trekking pole (optional)* 

*These items are available for rent. Please advise us in advance. 

Clothing 

When scrambling in a high mountain environment, it is important to be able to adjust to the changing conditions. We recommend bringing clothing that can be layered to achieve comfort as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. Cotton clothing is not appropriate as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. 

We recommend you bring: 

• Mountaineering boots 
• Socks (synthetic/wool) 
• Light synthetic shirt 
• Softshell pants and jacket 
• Midweight synthetic or down jacket 
• Heavyweight insulated jacket 
• Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood 
• Waterproof hard-shell pants 
• Midweight gloves 
• Gaiters 
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet 
• Sun hat 

Additional gear info: 

Mountaineering boots: A good pair of boots is essential. They need to be warm and crampon compatible. Yamnuska uses Scarpa Mont Blanc boots 

Daypack:  For single day climbing trips your pack should be 30–40 litres. 

Crampons:  Mountaineering crampons should have anti-snow-balling plates, and need to be compatible with your boots. We use the Petzl Vasak. 

Mountaineering ice-axe:  Your ice axe should be 55-75cm and should be equipped with an adze. Yamnuska provides the Petzl Summit Axe. 

Climbing harness:  Should be sized to fit over your cold-weather clothing. It is recommended to have a harness with a belay/rappel loop 

Helmet:  A comfortable, all-around climbing helmet that can fit over your winter hat. 

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. Full payment is required at time of booking.  We accept Visa, Mastercard, Canadian Cheques, Money Orders and Bank Drafts.  Credit card payments are easiest, especially for international travellers.

We ask that you review our detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.

Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:

It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip.  Obtain extra coverage if necessary.  There is no charge for rescue in the national and provincial parks, however, costs such as air or ground transportation, long term care and other services are not covered.

Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:

We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries and other unplanned events. For these eventualities, the Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment.

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group. This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance. For more information and to purchase a plan, visit the Simpson Group’s website.

Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure’s trip.