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The Alpine Club of Canada

Lloyd MacKay (Mt. Alberta) Hut

Lloyd MacKay (Mt. Alberta) Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Perched on a narrow, rocky shoulder of Mt. Little Alberta, this small hut is surrounded by some of the most spectacularly rugged terrain in all of the Rockies. See all of our huts here.

At A Glance

Trail distance: 11 km  
Elevation Gain: 1320m
Trailhead: Near Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint, Jasper National Park  
Family Friendly: No
Activities: Rock climbing, Mountaineering
Technical Considerations: Avalanche Terrain

Perched on a narrow, rocky shoulder of Mt. Little Alberta, this small hut is surrounded by some of the most spectacularly rugged terrain in the Rockies. This hut offers shelter for climbers en route to Mt. Alberta or as a base for other objectives in the area. The location of this hut is spectacular and is normally reached in a single day by a strenuous hike from the Icefield Parkway, up Woolley Creek and over Woolley Shoulder. A few adventurous souls have paid winter visits to this hut and have reported excellent skiing on the slopes in the area. Guests should come prepared for the possibility of bad weather in this area since options for exploring would be limited in the event of whiteout or storm. This facility is a shelter with minimal supplies and users must be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Capacity: 6
Hut Location: 52.1712, -117.2618
Heat: Unheated
Light: Coleman lanterns – bring white gas
Stove: Coleman stove – bring white gas
Oven: No
Mattress: Yes
Open: Year-round

The Hut Experience

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.

SMALL HUT, BIG PEAKS

Perched on a narrow, rocky shoulder of Mt. Little Alberta, this small hut is surrounded by some of the most spectacularly rugged terrain in all of the Rockies.

It is similar in design to the Castle Mountain Hut and offers a comfortable shelter for climbers en route to Mt. Alberta or as a base for other objectives in the area. The hut and outhouse received a complete makeover in the months before the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the first ascent of Mount Alberta. A composting outhouse was installed thanks to the joint fundraising efforts of the Japanese Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada. The hut interior was completely renovated and is now a very comfortable place to relax, prepare dinner, wait out a storm, or plan your ventures onto the surrounding peaks.

The location of this hut is spectacular and it is normally reached in a single day by a strenuous hike from the Icefield Parkway, up Woolley Creek and over Woolley Shoulder. A few adventurous souls have paid winter visits to this hut and have reported excellent skiing on the slopes in the area. Coleman stoves and lanterns as well as an adequately stocked cooking area make up the amenities at the hut. Sleeping capacity is 6. People should come prepared for the possibility of bad weather in this area since options for exploring would be limited in the event of whiteout or storm.

The Lloyd MacKay Hut with Mts. Alberta and Woolley

MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

NON-MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Summer (July 1 to October 31)
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.

FACILITIES

Sleeping Capacity: 6

Bedding: Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag

Cooking: Coleman stove – bring white gas

Bathroom: Outhouse

Lighting: Coleman lanterns – bring white gas and spare mantels

Heat: Unheated

Water Source: Snow melt

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Summer

  • Mountaineering
  • Alpine rock climbing
  • Scrambling
  • Trail hiking

Summer Access: The approach begins 2.5 km north of the Icefields Information Centre on Highway 93 in Jasper Park. After fording the Sunwapta River, faint trails lead up Wooley Creek and up to Wooley Shoulder. The hut is visible from Wooley Shoulder, 1 km away. A short bit of glacier must be navigated before reaching the hut.

Winter Access: The hut is very seldom used in the winter months. The approach from Highway 93 would be via the summer route. Avalanche hazard.

Quick Description: A very strenuous hike over Wooley Shoulder (5-7 hours)
Elevation Gain to Hut: 1,320 m (4,330 ft)
Approach Time: 5-7 hours
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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References And Links