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The Alpine Club of Canada

Wates-Gibson Hut

Wates-Gibson Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Tucked away in a corner of the spectacular Tonquin Valley, the Wates-Gibson Hut is a large and well-equipped log cabin in a fantastic destination for summer adventures. See all of our huts here.

At A Glance

Trail distance: 17 km  
Elevation Gain: 320 m
Trailhead: Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park  
Family Friendly: Yes
Activities: Mountaineering, Scrambling, Hiking
Technical Considerations: Avalanche Terrain

Tucked away in a corner of the spectacular Tonquin Valley, the Wates-Gibson Hut is a large and well-equipped log cabin located on the shore of Outpost Lake. Seasonal Closures affect access to this hut between November 1 – May 15 to protect sensitive caribou habitat.

Capacity: 26
Hut Location: 52.6626, -118.2551
Heat: Wood
Light: Propane
Stove: Propane
Oven: Propane
Mattress: Yes
Open: Summer only

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.

MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

NON-MEMBER RATES

Pricing is subject to change without notice.

TONQUIN VALLEY – SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Tucked away in a corner of the spectacular Tonquin Valley, this large and well-equipped log cabin is a fantastic summer destination. There are a number of excellent alpine rock and mixed routes in the area as well as some delightful scrambles and many superb hiking opportunities. There is truly something for everyone. 

The road is typically open to vehicles from mid-June to October 15. These dates may change without notice – Please check the Parks Canada road updates page before your trip. The road is open to bike travel from May 15, before it opens to motorists. 

WINTER: SEASONAL CLOSURE 

Please note that the Tonquin Valley and the Wates-Gibson Hut are closed annually from November 1 to May 15 for caribou conservation. 

FACILITIES

Sleeping Capacity: 26

Bedding: Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag

Cooking: Propane stove and oven – propane is supplied. Pots and pans, dishware and cutlery are provided.

Bathroom: Outhouse

Lighting: Propane lighting – propane is supplied

Heat: Wood stove – firewood is provided

Water Source: Creek

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Summer

  • Mountaineering
  • Scrambling
  • Trail Hiking
  • Alpine Rock Climbing

Summer Access: The Astoria River Trail begins at the Edith Cavell Parking lot. The trail follows the Astoria River for most of its length, gaining very little elevation over 19 km (5-6 hours).

Motorists: The Edith Cavell Road is open to motorists from May 31 – October 6, 2024. 

Bike Travel: The Edith Cavell Road is open to bike travel trom May 16 – May 30, 2024 and October 7 – October 31, 2024, when the park is open but closed to motorists. 

Winter Closure: The Wates-Gibson Hut is closed annually from November 1 and May 15 for caribou conservation. 

Quick Description: 5-6 hours hiking via Astoria River Trail. 
Elevation Gain to Hut: 320 m (1,050 ft) 
Approach Time: 5-6 hours 
Trail Conditions: Parks Canada

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