Because of the popularity of the hut in core summer months, reservations are made via a lottery system.
The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. One of our most accessible and popular huts, Elizabeth Parker (EP) Hut is located in a beautiful alpine meadow 500 metres from the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park.
The shuttle bus ran June 18th – October 23rd for 2023, and the schedule for 2024 is TBA.
Trail distance: Summer: .5 km, Winter: 12 km
Elevation Gain: 400 m
Trailhead: Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park
Family Friendly: Yes
Activities: Mountaineering and Scrambling, Day Hiking, Ice Climbing, Backcountry Skiing
Technical Considerations: Avalanche Terrain; ATES Class 1
One of the ACC’s most popular huts, Elizabeth Parker Hut is an ideal base for a spectacular day hiking and ski touring in Yoho National Park. Summer – The Lake O’Hara area with its sublime alpine lakes, gorgeous scenery, and amazing network of hiking trails and alpine routes is famous around the world as a hiker’s paradise. Summer access is via Parks Canada 30 minute shuttle and a 10-minute hike. Due to the hut’s popularity, reservations are made via a lottery system in the summer. Winter – Ski touring in the Lake O’Hara area is lesser known than the summer hiking but it is every bit as scenic and rewarding. Winter access via a 3-4 hours ski.
Capacity: 24
Hut Location: 51.3554, -116.3441
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, and foam mattresses, cooking and eating utensils are provided. 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 Lake O’Hara area, with its sublime alpine lakes and scenery, amazing network of hiking trails and alpine routes is rightfully famous around the world as a hiker’s paradise.
The Elizabeth Parker (EP) Hut is located in a beautiful alpine meadow 500 metres from the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. This is one of the most accessible ACC huts and is very popular.
The Lake O’Hara area is a sensitive alpine area and Parks Canada has implemented a quota system to limit use and protect the area. Access to the Lake in the summer months is via a Parks Canada bus, which you can book through the ACC if you’re staying at the hut.
Note: High season rates apply in the summer months while the bus is running.
In the winter, the ski touring is as beautiful as the summer hiking. The scenery is stunning and as the approach trail follows the summer road, access is straightforward.
Wood stoves in both the main cabin and the Wiwaxy Cabin keep things cozy for large or small groups. Note: High season rates apply to Elizabeth Parker Hut from December 20 to April 30.
EP Hut fact: Elizabeth Parker was one of the founders of The Alpine Club of Canada in 1906. The huts were built in 1912 (Wiwaxy Cabin) and 1919 (main hut).
Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Pricing is subject to change without notice.
*Winter high season rates apply Dec. 1 to April 30 annually.
*Summer high season rates apply mid-June to Thanksgiving annually.
*Pricing includes all Parks Canada Wilderness Pass fees.
*Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Sleeping Capacity: 24 in summer, 20 in winter
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. Fully-equipped kitchen suitable for groups
Bathroom: Outhouse
Lighting: Propane lighting – propane is supplied
Heat: Wood stove – firewood is provided
Water Source: Snow melt, Creek
Summer
Winter
Via Parks Canada bus (summer): Lake O’Hara is reached by a Parks Canada bus (June to September only). From the bus drop off, a 10 minute hike takes you to the hut.
The shuttle bus ran June 18th – October 23rd for 2023, and the schedule for 2024 is TBA.
You can learn more about getting to the hut on our Lake O’Hara bus page and through Parks Canada
Lake O’Hara fire road (skiing in winter): Three to four hours is the usual time it takes to ski the approach road. There is some avalanche hazard on the road.
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.
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