Jacques Lake Cabin

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. A Jasper Park patrol cabin, the Jacques Lake Cabin is the newest backcountry hut operated by the ACC. This winter-only cozy log cabin is perfect for families and small groups and is an accessible ski or snowshoe trip close to the Jasper townsite. See all of our huts here. 

A Jasper Park patrol cabin, the Jacques Lake Cabin is the newest backcountry hut operated by the ACC. This cozy log cabin is perfect for families and small groups and is an accessible ski or snowshoe trip close to the Jasper townsite. The 12 km trail is relatively flat and the approach involves very little elevation gain. Note: the hut is only open in the winter months.

For more information, please see Parks Canada statement about the expansion of this patrol cabin's use for public enjoyment in winter, operated by the ACC.

Two km east of Jasper townsite, follow Maligne Road 28km to parking lot on the south end of Medicine Lake. Follow the summer trail to Jacques Lake. The hut is on the far (north) end of the lake. For approach distances and terrain, please see the summer trail description on Parks Canada website. Approach time is 4-7 hours depending on your party and the amount of trail breaking.

You will be passing by avalanche terrain on the way in to Jacques Lakes Cabin - please have up-to-date knowledge and plans in case of an emergency.

The downloadable image below shows the trail and possible avalanche areas. Note that avalanche paths cross both the summer and winter routes.

Note that there is significant danger in skiing across the lakes on this approach and multiple parties have reported breaking through ice. The Summit Lakes are very shallow but Beaver and Jacques Lakes are potentially more hazardous. 



The downloadable image below is from the Parks Canada trailhead information kiosk.

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.