Lloyd MacKay (Mt. Alberta) Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Perched on a narrow, rocky shoulder of Mt. Little Alberta, this small hut is surrounded by some of the most spectacularly rugged terrain in all of the Rockies. See all of our huts here.

Perched on a narrow, rocky shoulder of Mt. Little Alberta, this small hut is surrounded by some of the most spectacularly rugged terrain in all of the Rockies.

It is similar in design to the Castle Mountain Hut and offers a comfortable shelter for climbers en route to Mt. Alberta or as a base for other objectives in the area. The hut and outhouse received a complete makeover in the months before the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the first ascent of Mount Alberta.  A composting outhouse was installed thanks to the joint fundraising efforts of the Japanese Alpine Club and the Alpine Club of Canada. The hut interior was completely renovated and is now a very comfortable place to relax, prepare dinner, wait out a storm, or plan your ventures onto the surrounding peaks.

The location of this hut is spectacular and it is normally reached in a single day by a strenuous hike from the Icefield Parkway, up Woolley Creek and over Woolley Shoulder. A few adventurous souls have paid winter visits to this hut and have reported excellent skiing on the slopes in the area. Coleman stoves and lanterns as well as an adequately stocked cooking area make up the amenities at the hut. Sleeping capacity is 6. People should come prepared for the possibility of bad weather in this area since options for exploring would be limited in the event of whiteout or storm.

Summer Access: The approach begins 2.5 km north of the Icefields Information Centre on Highway 93 in Jasper Park. After fording the Sunwapta River, faint trails lead up Wooley Creek and up to Wooley Shoulder. The hut is visible from Wooley Shoulder, 1 km away. A short bit of glacier must be navigated before reaching the hut.

Winter Access: The hut is very seldom used in the winter months. The approach from Highway 93 would be via the summer route. Avalanche hazard.

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.