A. O. Wheeler Hut

 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. 

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: [email protected] 

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.

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.

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.