Elizabeth Parker Hut

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.

   Because of the popularity of the hut, reservations are made via a lottery system.  

See how the lottery works.

Summer at Lake O’Hara. Photo by Barbara Budenz

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.

See the summer lottery

Cozy Elizabeth Parker Hut. Photo by Doug Bezovie

 

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).

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.

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.

Printable detailed approach description

The Hut Experience

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.