Backcountry huts give hikers, climbers, and skiers a warm and dry place to sleep, eat, and chill out between adventures. Thankfully there are dozens of backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.
In this post, I’ve got basic info for over 80 backcountry cabins in BC and Alberta. The listing for each hut includes the location, info on fees, and booking, and a link to make reservations or get more info. The backcountry hut listings are separated into six regions. Click the links below to jump to your area.
- Vancouver backcountry huts
- Sunshine Coast backcountry huts
- Vancouver Island backcountry huts
- Kootenays backcountry huts
- Canadian Rockies backcountry huts
- Northern BC backcountry huts
All info on backcountry huts in BC was up-to-date at the time of publishing. But booking policies, prices, and access can change without notice. Check the club and park links below for the latest info. And let me know if anything is incorrect so I can update it.
I’ve been to lots of the backcountry cabins on this list, especially the ones near Vancouver. But with over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia to choose from, I haven’t made it to all of them… yet!
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What kinds of backcountry huts are on this list?
The backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies on this list are geared toward self-propelled users and are operated by clubs and parks.
You won’t find ATV, snowmobile, or 4×4 club cabins on this list.
I also haven’t included private, for-profit lodges.
BC also has lots of “secret” un-sanctioned cabins and I haven’t included them. These unofficial backcountry huts are often illegal and increased traffic means they might get shut down. However, info on secret cabins is often widely available in local communities.
I also chose not to include emergency shelters which you shouldn’t plan to stay at – that’s why they have “emergency” in the name!
BC Backcountry Huts Map
To give you a general idea of where these backcountry cabins are located, I’ve put together a custom Google map of backcountry huts in British Columbia. Click through to zoom in.
A Note on Hut Access
Some of these backcountry huts in British Columbia are easy to reach via well-marked trails. Others involve off-trail travel, route-finding, scrambling, glacier, travel, or rock climbing.
In winter, reaching many of the backcountry cabins is more complex and may take you through avalanche terrain.
As well, road access to trailheads can be complicated. It may involve rough logging roads that are unplowed or require 4WD. In some areas, it is common to use a snowmobile to reach trailheads where users switch to skis to reach the hut.
A few huts can only be reached by helicopter.
See the links to club and park websites for more access information.
Backcountry Hut Etiquette
In general, backcountry huts in British Columbia are for outdoor adventurers. Most huts are communal, so you will share space with strangers. We all need to work together to help these cabins in good condition for everyone to enjoy. These aren’t places to have a party.
Here are a few BC backcountry hut etiquette tips:
- Research hut rules and guidelines before your trip. Know what to expect at each hut and pack accordingly. Some huts supply stoves, kitchen gear, and mattresses, but many do not.
- Pack out everything. That includes your trash and trash that other groups have left. Please don’t leave extra food as it is unlikely to get eaten and will just attract mice.
- Protect the water source. Don’t bathe, do dishes, or pee in the hut water source. In winter, there is often a designated pee area to avoid contaminating snow that will be melted for drinking water.
- Keep the noise levels down. Many hut users may go to bed early to get an early start the next morning. Skip the music unless all hut users agree.
- Leave your dog at home. Very few huts allow dogs.
- Conserve firewood. Firewood is a scarce resource that can be expensive to supply. In most huts, it is only acceptable to use the wood stove in winter.
- Keep your gear tidy and out of other people’s way. Don’t monopolize the drying rack.
- Don’t wear boots inside the hut. This keeps dirt, mud, and snowmelt off the floor. Bring hut booties or sandals to wear indoors.
- Keep the mice out. Mice are a problem at most huts. Keep the door closed and store your food and garbage inside a bin or hanging from the ceiling in a sealed bag.
- Share the chores: Help out by restocking firewood, swapping outhouse barrels, or grabbing more snow to melt.
- Clean up before you leave. Sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, and empty the grey water buckets.
- Be nice. Be welcoming and friendly to other hut users. Communicate your plans so you can optimize the use of cooking areas and agree on quiet hours.
Backcountry huts Near Vancouver
Elsay Lake Hut
Location: Elsay Lake in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver.
Operated By: Mount Seymour Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking
Sleeps: 4
Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free.
More Info: Mount Seymour Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Mountain Lake Hut
Location: Near Mount Sheer east of Britannia Beach.
Operated By: BCMC
Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.
Cost: $20/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for members
More Info: BCMC
Watersprite Lake Hut
Location: At Watersprite Lake In the mountains east of Squamish.
Operated By: BCMC
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 60 days in advance.
Cost: $300/night for the entire hut
More Info: BCMC and my book, Watersprite Lake Facebook group (for road and trail conditions) Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Elfin Lakes Shelter
Location: At Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park east of Squamish
Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 33
Booking: Reservations required. Book online four months in advance.
Cost: $15/person/night
More Info: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
READ NEXT: Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish
Tantalus Hut (Lake Lovely Water)
Location: Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park west of Squamish.
Operated By: ACC Vancouver and Tantalus Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering
Sleeps: 16
Booking: Reservations required. Book online two months in advance for non-members. Members can book six months in advance. Open in summer and fall only.
Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut
More Info: ACC Vancouver, Tantalus Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Jim Haberl Hut
Location: On the edge of a glacier high in the Tantalus Range west of Squamish. Access requires glacier travel or helicopter.
Operated By: ACC Vancouver
Best For: Mountaineering
Sleeps: 12
Booking: Reservations required. Book online two months in advance for non-members. Members can book six months in advance. Open in spring and summer only.
Cost: $40/person/night for non-members. $30/person/night for members
More Info: ACC Vancouver
Brew Hut
Location: Near the summit of Mount Brew, west of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler.
Operated By: UBC VOC
Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 12
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.
Cost: $10/person/night
More Info: UBC VOC and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Get My Book…
Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.
- 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
- Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
- Detailed maps and photos
- Advice for extending your trip
- Points of cultural and natural history
Sphinx Hut (Burton Hut)
Location: On the eastern shore of Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park between Squamish and Whistler. Summer access is via boat.
Operated By: UBC VOC
Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, mountaineering
Sleeps: 10
Booking: You must purchase a Wilderness Permit for Garibaldi Provincial Park. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.
Cost: $5/person/night
More Info: UBC VOC
Kees and Claire Hut
Location: At Russet Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park just outside Whistler. The hut sits at the south end of the Spearhead ski traverse.
Operated By: Spearhead Huts Society
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 38
Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days in advance for non-members. ACC and BCMC members can book 90 days in advance.
Cost: $50/person/night for non-members. $40/person/night for ACC and BCMC members.
More Info: Spearhead Huts Society, Garibaldi Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Wedgemount Lake Hut
Location: At Wedgemount Lake in the northern part of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler.
Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online four months. You will actually need to make a reservation for the Wedgemount Lake campground as there is no separate booking for the hut. Spots in the hut are first-come, first-served amongst those with campground reservations.
Cost: $10/person/night
More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Tenquille Lake Cabin
Location: Tenquille Lake, northwest of Pemberton.
Operated By: Pemberton Wildlife Association in partnership with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations.
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring
Sleeps: 12
Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days before your trip.
Cost: $25/person/night.
More Info: Pemberton Wildlife Association and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
North Creek Cabin
Location: In the mountains on the north side of the Lillooet River valley west of Pemberton.
Operated By: BCMC
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 10
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.
Cost: $20/person/night for non-members. $10/person/night for BCMC members.
More Info: BCMC
Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group
Harrison Hut
Location: At the edge of the Pemberton Icefield above Meager Creek east of Pemberton.
Operated By: UBC VOC
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering
Sleeps: 15
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.
Cost: $10/person/night
More Info: UBC VOC
Wendy Thompson Hut
Location: Near Mount Marriott on the west side of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.
Operated By: ACC Whistler
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 16
Booking: Reservations required. Book online 105 days before your trip. Members of the Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver ACC sections can book 140 days in advance.
Cost: $25/person/night for non-members. $20/person/night for members of the Whistler, Squamish or Vancouver sections of the ACC.
More Info: ACC Whistler and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
Keith Flavelle Hut (Keith’s Hut)
Location: Just north of Joffre Lakes on the east side of Highway 99 in between Pemberton and Lillooet.
Operated By: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 14
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served and is often over capacity.
Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.
More Info: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy
Brian Waddington Hut (Phelix Creek Hut)
Location: In the mountains near Birkenhead Provincial Park north of Pemberton.
Operated By: UBC VOC
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 25
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.
Cost: $10/person/night.
More Info: UBC VOC
Get My Book…
Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.
- 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
- Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
- Detailed maps and photos
- Advice for extending your trip
- Points of cultural and natural history
Backcountry Huts on the Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Trail Huts
Location: There are 14 huts spread along the length of the Sunshine Coast Trail between Saltery Bay and Lund. From north to south they are: Bliss Portage, Manzanita Bluff, Rieveley Pond, Inland Lake-Anthony Island, Confederation Lake, Fiddlehead Landing, Tin Hat, Elk Lake, Walt Hill, Golden Stanley, Mount Troubridge, Rainy Day Lake, and Fairview Bay.
Operated By: Sunshine Coast Trail/Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society
Best For: Hiking
Sleeps: Most huts sleep 10, but a few fit 3-6.
Booking: None. All huts are hut is first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free, but donations of $5/person/night are encouraged.
More Info: Sunshine Coast Trail and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia
READ NEXT: Best Hikes on the Sunshine Coast
Tetrahedron Provincial Park Cabins
Location: There are four cabins accessed from the same trailhead in Tetrahedron Provincial Park north of Sechelt: Batchelor Cabin, Edwards Cabin, Mount Steele Cabin, and McNair Cabin. Batchelor and Edwards Cabins are on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.
Operated By: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club and Tetrahedron Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 12
Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served and are often over capacity on winter weekends.
Cost: $15/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for Tetrahedron Outdoor Club members
More Info: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club, Tetrahedron Outdoor Facebook group (for trail and road conditions) Tetrahedron Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
Emma Lake Cabin
Location: On the South Powell Divide in the Eldred River Valley north of Powell River.
Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 6-10
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free, but donations of $10/person/day are welcome.
More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association
Knuckleheads Cabins
Location: The Knuckleheads Range north of Lois Lake near Powell River. There are three cabins: Vic Cole Lodge, E-Branch Cabin, and A-Branch Cabin (Chateau Rotary Cabin).
Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association
Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 8-12
Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free, but donations of $10/person/day are welcome.
More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association
Backcountry Huts on Vancouver Island
Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut (5040 Peak Hut)
Location: On the slopes of 5040 Peak east of Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. The hut’s name means “Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Ucluelet First Nation and is pronounced Hi-SHIM-ya-wit.
Operated By: ACC Vancouver Island
Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 12 in 2 rooms with 6 bunks each
Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months before your trip.
Cost: Bookings are per room. $150/room/night for non-members. $120/room/night for members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Wheaton Memorial Hut
Location: In the Marble Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Access to the trail is via boat across Buttle Lake.
Operated By: BC Parks
Best for: Hiking, scrambling
Sleeps: 2-4
Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free.
More Info: BC Parks
Kludahk Huts
Location: Five huts (Meadow Cabin, Tower Cabin, Blueberry Cabin, Noyse Lake Cabin, and Tent Lake Cabin) spaced along the top of San Juan Ridge between Port Renfrew and Sooke.
Operated By: Kludahk Outdoors Club
Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 4-10
Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may use the huts.
Cost: A nightly per person fee is charged.
More Info: Kludahk Outdoors Club and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
Get My Book…
Backpacking on Vancouver Island
Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips
- 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
- Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
- Detailed maps and photos
- Advice for extending your trip
- Points of cultural and natural history
Backcountry Huts in the Kootenays
Bill Putnam Hut (Fairy Meadow Hut)
Location: In the Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park. Access is via helicopter.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring
Sleeps: 20
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.
Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada
Ben Ferris (Great Cairn) Hut
Location: In the Northern Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park at the base of Mount Sir Sandford. Access via helicopter.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada
A.O. Wheeler Hut
Location: Southwest of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 30
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park
Asulkan Cabin
Location: At the head of the Asulkan Valley south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 10
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park
Sapphire Col Hut
Location: High on the Asulkan Ridge south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 4
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park
Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group
Glacier Circle Cabin
Location: Below the Illecillewaet Neve in the Dawson Range of Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park
McMurdo Cabin
Location: North of the Spillimacheen Glacier in the mountains southwest of Golden.
Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 5
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 2 months in advance.
Cost: $85/whole hut/night
More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Kingsbury Cabin
Location: Near the Headwaters of Bobbie Burns Creek in International Basin southwest of Golden.
Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 4
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 2 months in advance.
Cost: $90/whole hut/night
More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Conrad Kain Hut
Location: In Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Purcell Mountains east of Radium Hot Springs.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing
Sleeps: 35
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. Open in summer only.
Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Bugaboo Provincial Park
Dave White Cabin
Location: In the Forester Creek valley near the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs.
Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 4
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 2 months in advance.
Cost: $70/whole hut/night
More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Olive Hut
Location: On the edge of the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs. Access requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 4
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 2 months in advance.
Cost: $70/whole hut/night
More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Jumbo Pass Cabin
Location: At Jumbo Pass along the Purcell Divide near Invermere.
Operated By: Columbia Valley Huts
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 2 months in advance.
Cost: $120/whole hut/night
More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society
Kokanee Glacier Cabin
Location: At Kaslo Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson. Winter access is via helicopter.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 12-20
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.
Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
Silver Spray Cabin
Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling
Sleeps: 10
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. The hut is closed in winter.
Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
Woodbury Cabin
Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. The hut is closed in winter.
Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
Backcountry Huts in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Colin Centennial Hut
Location: On the southwest side of Mount Colin in the northern part of Jasper National Park.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing, scrambling
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.
Jacques Lake Cabin
Location: Jacques Lake near Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. This hut is only open in winter.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.
Wates-Gibson Hut
Location: At Outpost Lake in the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. (Psst! The Tonquin Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring
Sleeps: 24-26
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.
Sydney Vallance (Fryatt) Hut
Location: In the Fryatt Valley in Jasper National Park.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring
Sleeps: 12
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.
Lloyd Mackay Hut (Mount Alberta Hut)
Location: On the shoulder of Mount Little Alberta in Jasper National Park. Access requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.
Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group
Peter and Catharine Whyte Hut (Peyto Hut)
Location: The northern end of the Wapta Icefield near the Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 16-18
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.
Bow Hut
Location: On the Wapta Icefield west of Bow Lake in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 30
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.
Balfour Hut (Rob Ritchie Hut)
Location: On the toe of the Vulcan Glacier on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 16-18
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.
Scott Duncan Hut
Location: South end of the Wapta Icefield near Mount Daly in Yoho National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 12
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.
Louise and Richard Guy Hut
Location: Just north of Yoho Peak in Yoho National Park on the Bow-Yoho Traverse. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Ski touring, mountaineering
Sleeps: 18
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.
Stanley Mitchell Hut
Location: In the Little Yoho Valley of Yoho National Park. (Psst! The Yoho Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 22
Booking: Reservations required. Book online.Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.
Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to the Yoho Valley Loop.
Elizabeth Parker Hut
Location: Near the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. (This is one of the destinations on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, scrambling, mountaineering
Sleeps: 20-24
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. In summer, bookings are by lottery.
Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to Lake O’Hara
Neil Colgan Hut
Location: Above the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake in, Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing
Sleeps: 18
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.
Castle Mountain Hut, Banff
Location: Halfway up the south face of Castle Mountain. Access to the hut requires scrambling and technical rock climbing.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Rock climbing, mountaineering.
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.
Cost: $60/night for non-members. $50/night for ACC members. Bookings are for the entire hut.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.
Elk Lakes Cabin
Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Kananaskis Valley south of Canmore.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing
Sleeps: 14
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance.
Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Naiset Huts
Location: A cluster of five huts at Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park southwest of Canmore. (Mount Assiniboine is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)
Operated By: Mount Assiniboine Lodge and Assiniboine Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 5-8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online for summer starting in early January. Book online for winter starting in December.
Cost: $150-$240 per night for an entire hut
More Info: My huge guide to hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Mount Assiniboine Lodge
Queen Mary Lake Cabin
Location: At Queen Mary Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park northeast of Fairmont Hot Springs.
Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 8
Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free
More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Connor Lake Cabin
Location: At Connor Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park east of Canal Flats.
Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring
Sleeps: 6
Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.
Cost: Free
More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Fish Lake Cabin
Location: At Fish Lake in Top of the World Provincial Park northeast of Kimberley.
Operated By: Top of the World Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, scrambling
Sleeps: 14-18
Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.
Cost: $15/person/night
More Info: Top of the World Provincial Park
Thunder Meadows Cabin
Location: Northwest of Fernie Alpine Resort near the Island Lake Lodge
Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club
Best For: Ski touring
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website.
Cost: $110/whole hut/night + $10 booking fee
More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club
Tunnel Creek Cabin
Location: On the west side of Highway 3 between Fernie and Elko
Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club
Best For: Ski touring
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website. The hut is closed in summer.
Cost: $100/whole hut/night + $10 booking fee
More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club
Cameron Lake Cabin
Location: At Cameron Lake in the southwest part of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada
Best For: Ski touring, ice climbing
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.
Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.
More Info: Alpine Club of Canada
Backcountry Huts in Northern BC
Plummer Hut
Location: In the remote Mount Waddington area on the central coast. Access is via helicopter.
Operated By: BCMC
Best For: Mountaineering
Sleeps: 8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.
Cost: $10/person/night for non-members. Free for members.
More Info: BCMC
Hankin Lookout Cabin
Location: At the community-run, no-lifts Hankin-Evelyn ski area northwest of Smithers.
Operated By: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society
Best For: Ski touring
Sleeps: 5
Booking: Reservations required. Book online.
Cost: $5/person/night
More Info: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society
Harold Price Cabin
Location: In the headwaters of Gramaphone Creek, north of Smithers.
Operated By: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 6-8
Booking: Reservations required. Contact Patricia Klym [email protected] or 250-876-8943
Cost: $10/person/night, payable at McBike on Main Street in Smithers
More Info: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society and Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
Joe L’Orsa Cabin
Location: Silverking Basin in Babine Mountains Provincial Park east of Smithers.
Operated By: Babine Mountains Provincial Park
Best For: Hiking, ski touring
Sleeps: 15-20
Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.
Cost: $10/person/night payable in cash at the cabin.
More Info: Babine Mountains Provincial Park
Morice Mountain Cabin
Location: At the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club south of Houston.
Operated By: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club
Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking
Sleeps: 6
Booking: Reservations required. Book by email: [email protected]
Cost: $20/person/night for the first night and $10/person/night for each additional night.
More Info: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club
Ozalenka Cabin
Location: In the Boreal Valley north of Ozalenka Peak near McBride.
Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club
Best For: Hiking
Sleeps: 6-8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online.
Cost: $120/whole hut/night
More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club
Eagle Valley Cabin
Location: In the Eagle Valley southwest of McBride.
Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club
Best For: Hiking
Sleeps: 6-8
Booking: Reservations required. Book online.
Cost: $120/whole hut/night
More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club
Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group
So that’s my big list of over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Did I miss a BC backcountry cabin? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it.
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Talia
Thursday 18th of May 2023
Hi Taryn,
I have your book (it's my favourite outdoor resource!), and have planned a trip to the Tantalus Hut. In your book you mention to contact Patrick Lewis of Squamish First Nation about a ride across the river to the trailhead - do you happen to have his contact info that you can share? Thanks so much!
Taryn Eyton
Friday 19th of May 2023
Patrick Lewis' phone number is in my book - it's in the further resources section on page 99 at the end of the Lake Lovely Water section - 604 898 9107. As you may know, Squamish River Jet is no longer operating. However, Squamish Watersports now offers jet ski rides to the trailhead from downtown. For updates on info on my book, you can see my book updates page.
Chris Ludwig
Saturday 4th of March 2023
An excellent well laid out and written article conveniently presenting all the resources and online reservation site in one location. It is highly helpful for both the booking public, as well as those of us who are administering online reservation system.