The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. The Wheeler Hut serves as a base for the legendary powder skiing of the Rogers Pass area. In summer there are numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking. See all of our huts here.
Trail distance: Summer: 45 m, Winter 1.5km
Elevation Gain: 10m
Trailhead: Summer: Illecileweat Campground, Winter: Asulkan Parking, Glacier National Park
Family Friendly: Yes
Activities: Backcountry sking, Day Hiking, Mountaineering
Technical Considerations: Avalanche Terrain; ATES Class 1
Located in Rogers Pass, the Wheeler Hut is one of the most historic, aesthetic and accessible huts in the ACC hut network. The hiking, mountaineering and winter backcountry skiing are world-class. This log cabin has a beautiful dining room with a large central fireplace. In the summer the hut has a 200m approach with access directly from the Illecillewaet Campground. In the winter the campground is closed and the approach is 1.5km.
Capacity: 24/30
Hut Location: 51.2639, -117.4916
Heat: Wood
Light: Propane
Stove: Propane
Oven: Propane
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.
Carrying on the tradition of the Glacier House which was closed in 1925 and now exists only as a few concrete foundation pieces, the Wheeler Hut serves as a base for the legendary powder skiing of the Rogers Pass area. In summer there are numerous opportunities for climbing and hiking.
This is the birthplace of alpinism in North America. Many of the routes are steeped in tradition and history, an interesting fact to remember as you reach for that next impeccable quartzite handhold or take that next footstep along one of the many trails which wind through the lush cedar forests that dominate the region.
This is the one and only ACC hut which can be reached by vehicle in summer. Winter access is a mere 2 km along a well-broken and level trail.
It is difficult to convey to the first time visitor the number and quality of the summer and winter day trips possible from the hut. The potential is outstanding from this single hut including summer hikes to Asulkan Pass or up the Great Glacier Trail to the Illecillewaet Glacier, summer climbs to Sapphire Col, Mt. Sir Donald, and Avalanche Peak; winter ski tours to Young’s Peak, the Seven Steps of Paradise, the Dome Glacier – the list goes on and on. Go and explore for yourself, you will not be disappointed!
The Wheeler Hut is quite luxurious! A propane system provides the cooking and lighting, with two wood stoves for heating. The hut sleeps 30 in summer and 24 in winter.
Note: High season rates apply at the Wheeler Hut from December 21 to April 30 annually.
OVERNIGHT PARKING PERMITS
An overnight parking permit is required (free of charge) when accessing the A.O. Wheeler Hut from the Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground trailheads.
You will need the group leader’s name, destination, number of people in group, license plate of ALL vehicles being left at the trailhead, and your ACC reservation number. Winter users must verify whether planned routes require a Winter Permit. For current information on Glacier National Park’s Winter Permit System please visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier/visit/hiver-winter/ski
Obtain your Overnight Parking Permit in person at the following locations:
July – September at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk.
October – June at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
Check www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier/visit/heures-hours for hours of operation.
If unable to obtain an Overnight Parking Permit in person during the Rogers Pass Discovery Center’s hours of operations, call or e-mail to make arrangements. (Allow 3-5 business days)
By phone: 250-837-7500
By e-mail: mrg.information@pc.gc.ca
NATIONAL PARK PASSES
A valid national park pass is required for all visitors to the national parks. For fee information and purchase locations visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier/visit/tarifs-fees
The Asulkan Cabin is a four-hour hike or ski from the Wheeler Hut. Mountaineers can continue on from the Asulkan Cabin to the Sapphire Col Hut.
The Glacier Circle Cabin is reached from the Wheeler Hut via a long glacier trip.
Pricing is subject to change without notice.
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 ACC hut fees and charges, and do not include national park pass fees.
Sleeping Capacity: 30
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: Snow melt, Creek
Summer
Winter
Wheeler Hut is accessed via the Illecillewaet Campground road, 3.5 km west of Rogers Pass Information Centre. In the summer months you can park very close to the hut. In the winter the campground road is not plowed and the hut is reached by skiing 1.2 km (30-45 min) from the parking lot on the highway.
Quick Description: The hut is a short ski (45 minutes) from the highway in winter. In summer the hut is accessible by vehicles.
Approach Description: Printable PDF
Trail Report: Parks Canada
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...
Input your search keywords and press Enter.
