The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Situated on a bench with a “front row seat” for the many moods of Mt. Sir Sandford, and built from stones from the area, the Great Cairn Hut is one of the most picturesque huts the ACC operates, as well as one of the most spectacularly positioned. See all of our huts here.
Trail distance: Helicopter Only
Trailhead: Helicopter, Lake Kinbasket
Family Friendly: No
Activities: Mountaineering, Backcountry Skiing
Technical Considerations: Helicopter Only
The Great Cairn Hut is a very small and remote stone cabin located in the northern Selkirks of BC. The Great Cairn Hut offers the perfect location to enjoy both solitude and excellent adventure opportunities. The hut is located on a red bedrock bench overlooking Mt. Sir Sandford, the highest peak in the Selkirks. Mt. Sir Sandford is the most obvious climbing objective, but there are many other excellent climbs and peaks in the area. Access is via Helicopter or as an overnight objective from Fairy Meadow Hut. Guests must supply their own Reststop bags. This facility has minimal supplies and users must be prepared to be self-sufficient.
Capacity: 6
Hut Location: 51.4124-117.5254
Heat: Wood stove – firewood is not provided
Light: Coleman lanterns – bring white gas
Stove: Propane and white gas stove – bring your own propane and white gas
Oven: No
Mattress: Yes
Open: Year-round
Staying in a backcountry hut is a shared, rustic experience. Sleeping, kitchen and living areas are communal. Guests area expected to bring their own sleeping bags, food and personal items.
All of our huts are user-maintained, meaning that the custodial work of keeping the hut clean, chopping firewood and shovelling snow is done by the guests. The ACC provides major service and renovations to all of our huts each year to ensure they are in good repair.
There are no transition days between bookings. Guests are responsible to sanitize before and after use of the huts.
Download our hut cleaning and sanitation guidelines here.
The mountaineering and alpine rock climbing in the Adamants, Gothics and Sir Sandford ranges is excellent. Mt. Sir Sandford itself, the highest peak in the Selkirks, is a classic mountaineering objective and without a doubt the biggest attraction of the area. The hut can also be used as a ski touring objective from the Fairy Meadow Hut or as a base for excellent ski touring in the Sir Sandford area itself.
Situated on a bench with a “front row seat” for the many moods of Mt. Sir Sandford, and built from stones from the area, the Great Cairn Hut is one of the most picturesque huts the ACC operates, as well as one of the most spectacularly positioned.
The hut sleeps six people quite comfortably, has a mouse-proof wooden food locker and a small table with four stools. There is a small wood burning stove for heat, but firewood is not supplied. Propane stove and white gas stove is also available, but you’ll have to bring both your own propane and white gas canisters. Outhouses are also available, but do require a Re-stop bag (deposited into blue barrels). For water sources, visitors can look to melt snow (in winter), or use the streams behind the hut (Summer).
From its location on a red bedrock bench, 4 km NNW of Mt. Sir Sandford in the heart of the Northern Selkirk Mountains of B.C. Access to the hut is via either of two long overland routes involving extensive glacier travel or via helicopter from Golden, B.C.
The Fairy Meadow Hut is a long day’s travel north of the Great Cairn. The trip is commonly done in both summer and winter, but involves extensive glacier travel – mountaineering experience is essential.
Summer (May 1 to October 30)
There are no pre-set booking schedule for these dorm-style huts. Guests may book and stay for any period.
Overnight rates are inclusive of all fees and charges, including Parks Canada fees.
Beginning summer 2022, Parks Canada Wilderness Pass fees will not be added to your booking.
Sleeping Capacity: 6
Bedding: Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag
Cooking: Propane stove and white gas stove. Bring both the green canister and white gas
Bathroom: Outhouse – use of reststop bags required. Deposit reststop bags into blue barrels.
Lighting: Coleman lanterns – bring white gas and spare mantels
Heat: Wood stove – firewood is not provided
Water Source: Snow melt (winter), stream behind hut (summer)
Summer
Winter
Access in summer and winter is via helicopter. Travel arrangements through Alpine Helicopters in Golden (250-344-7444).
Quick Description: Helicopter flight from Golden
Approach Description: Printable PDF
ACC Members may make reservations up to 6 months in advance. To access this benefit, please LOG IN to your membership account and follow the prompts.
If you are not an active member, you may SIGN-UP to join a community of alpine enthusiasts.
Non-Members are welcome to make reservations up to 3 months in advance.
Please call our reservation team at 403-678-3200 ext. 0 if you are looking to make a booking within 1-week of check-in.
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