Mount Whymper facts for kids
Mount Whymper is the name of two different mountains in British Columbia, Canada. Both mountains are named after famous explorers and artists. It's easy to get them mixed up because they share the same name!
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Mount Whymper (Edward)
This mountain is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. It stands tall at 2,844 meters (about 9,331 feet) above sea level. This Mount Whymper is found near an area called Vermilion Pass.
Who was Edward Whymper?
Mount Whymper (Edward) is named after Edward Whymper (1840–1911). He was a very famous British mountaineer, explorer, and artist. He was known for making the first successful climb of the Matterhorn mountain in the Alps in 1865. Edward Whymper also explored the Canadian Rockies in 1901. During his trip, he helped survey the Great Divide, which is the main ridge of the Rocky Mountains that separates rivers flowing to different oceans.
Mount Whymper (Frederick)
The other Mount Whymper is on Vancouver Island, also in British Columbia, Canada. This mountain is smaller, reaching 1,539 meters (about 5,049 feet) high. It is part of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
Who was Frederick Whymper?
This Mount Whymper is named after Frederick Whymper (1837–1901). He was Edward Whymper's older brother. Frederick was also an artist and explorer. He traveled to British Columbia in the 1860s. He was part of an expedition that explored the Cariboo Gold Rush area and other parts of the province. He created many drawings and paintings of the landscapes and people he saw during his travels.
Why are two mountains named Whymper?
It's not uncommon for mountains or other places to be named after important people, especially explorers who helped map and understand new territories. In this case, both Edward and Frederick Whymper were significant figures in exploration and art during their time. Naming mountains after them was a way to honor their contributions to geography and understanding the natural world.
