SIGN IN

The Alpine Club of Canada

Peter and Catharine Whyte (Peyto) Hut

Peyto Hut Fact: The first Peyto Hut was a fiberglass igloo built in the late 1960’s. It was wrecked by wolverines.

Peter and Catharine Whyte (Peyto) Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Being the most northerly of the huts on the Wapta Icefield, the Peyto Hut is where a full traverse of the Wapta starts (or finishes). It gives access to the excellent, moderate mountaineering challenges of Peyto and Trapper Peaks, and Mts. Baker, Thompson and Rhondda, all of which are popular ascents in both summer and winter. See all of our huts here.

At A Glance

Trail distance: 10 km(From Highway)
Elevation Gain: 670 m
Trailhead: Near Bow Summit , Banff National Park  
Family Friendly: No
Activities: Scrambling, Mountaineering, Backcountry skiing, Ski-mountaineering
Technical Considerations: Glacier Travel, Avalanche Terrain; ATES Class 3

Peyto Hut is the northernmost hut on the Wapta Icefield, and allows for access to moderate mountaineering objectives and the classic Wapta Traverse. The hut can be accessed from the Bow Hut to the south or directly from the highway via Peyto Lake. In the summer, Peyto Hut is most easily accessed from Bow Hut which usually takes 3-4 hours. In the winter, Peyto Hut can also be accessed directly from the highway with a larger 4-8 hour day involving technical route finding. All access routes to Peyto Hut involve glacier travel.

Capacity: 18
Hut Location: 51.6659, -116.5460
Heat: Unheated
Light: Propane
Stove: Propane
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.

THE NORTHERN EXTENT OF THE WAPTA

Being the most northerly of the huts on the Wapta Icefield, the Peyto Hut is where a full traverse of the Wapta starts (or finishes). It gives access to the excellent, moderate mountaineering challenges of Peyto and Trapper Peaks, and Mts. Baker, Thompson and Rhondda, all of which are popular ascents in both summer and winter.

The hut is cozy for groups up to 18 (16 in winter) and has amazing views across the icefields.

The hut has no source of heat but it is well insulated and warms up nicely from the propane stoves.

The hut is situated on a bit of a moraine at the base of Mt. Thompson, but all access routes to the hut involve glacier travel. The easiest access is the 3-4 hour trip from the Bow Hut. Access from the Highway is via Peyto Lake and takes 5-8 hours.

Hikers without glacier travel experience can sign up for our Hut Discovery: Bow to Peyto trip under the supervision of an alpine guide.

OTHER HUTS IN THE AREA

The Wapta Icefield is home to four ACC huts. See Bow, R.J. Ritchie (Balfour) and Scott Duncan huts.

MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

NON-MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

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.

FACILITIES

Sleeping Capacity: 18 in summer, 16 in winter

Bedding: Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag

Cooking: Propane stovetops (propane supplied). Pots and pans, dishware and cutlery are provided.

Bathroom: Outhouse

Lighting: Propane lighting – propane is supplied

Heat: Unheated

Water Source: Snow melt

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Summer

  • Scrambling
  • Mountaineering

Winter

  • Ski Touring
  • Ski Mountaineering

Important – All access routes to Peyto Hut require glacier travel. Appropriate knowledge, equipment and safety precautions are required.

From Bow Hut: Across the Wapta Icefield via straightforward glacier travel. 3 to 4 hours in good conditions.

Via Peyto Lake: From Highway 93, the route descends to and crosses Peyto Lake before approaching the Peyto Glacier from the North. Avalanche hazard in winter. 5-8 hours in good conditions.

Quick Description: From Bow Hut or from the highway at Peyto Lake. All access routes to the hut require glacier travel.
Elevation Gain to Hut:
Approach Time: 3-4 hours from Bow Hut. 5-8 hours via Peyto Lake.

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. 

Searching Availability...

References And Links