Glacier Circle Cabin

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. The Glacier Circle Cabin is located in the Dawson Range of the Selkirks, near a small lake in the deep cirque bound by Mt. Macoun, Mt. Fox, Mt Selwyn and Mt. Topham. See all of our huts here.

The Glacier Circle Cabin is located in the Dawson Range of the Selkirks, near a small lake in the deep cirque bound by Mt. Macoun, Mt. Fox, Mt Selwyn and Mt. Topham. The cabin is usually accessed via the Illecillewaet Neve (14 km from the Illecillewaet campground). Most popular access is the Illecillewaet route, then Deville Glacier route. Knowledge of safe glacier travel techniques and whiteout navigation skills are required.

The Glacier Circle cabin has a capacity of up to 8 people. The cabin contains a wood stove, wood, ax and saw, limited cookware, and cutlery, a Coleman stove and lantern, but no fuel. Water source is Fox Creek, a large stream 150 meters from the cabin. The historic Glacier Circle Cabin was rebuilt in 2006, with a new foundation, new roof, walls, front porch and outhouse. Note: there are no mattresses at the hut. Firewood is not provided. It is suggested that groups bring tie-on mantels for the Coleman lanterns.

The A.O. Wheeler Hut in Rogers Pass is often used as a staging area for trips into Glacier Circle.

An overnight parking permit is required (free of charge) when accessing the Glacier Circle Cabin from the Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground trailheads.

• July – September at the Illecillewaet Campground kiosk.
• October – June at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre.
• Check the Glacier National Park website for hours of operation.

• 250-837-7500 ext. 4.

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.

Summer Approach: From the Illecillewaet Campground, the glacier is followed to its southern end. The hut is located in a deep cirque-like amphitheatre and can be difficult to find.

Winter Approach: In winter, the hut is used by skiers on the Bugaboos to Rogers Pass Traverse. It can be accessed via the Deville Glacier.

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.