Peter and Catharine Whyte (Peyto) Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. Being the most northerly of the huts on the Wapta Icefield, the Peyto Hut is where a full traverse of the Wapta starts (or finishes). It gives access to the excellent, moderate mountaineering challenges of Peyto and Trapper Peaks, and Mts. Baker, Thompson and Rhondda, all of which are popular ascents in both summer and winter. See all of our huts here. 

ACC Hut Bookings

  • Orders and Provincial guidelines for gatherings may change between the time of booking and scheduled arrival date. All hut users must meet current guidelines and restrictions for gatherings, even if those numbers are less than facility capacities. The ACC reserves the right to revoke any bookings that do not comply with the current order or guidelines at the time of your booking.
  • Please see the hut rates below and see our Booking Huts page for more information.
  • All guests with bookings at ACC huts are encouraged to read the latest provincial health regulations:
  • Covid Safety Plan (pdf).

The Northern Extent of the Wapta

Being the most northerly of the huts on the Wapta Icefield, the Peyto Hut is where a full traverse of the Wapta starts (or finishes). It gives access to the excellent, moderate mountaineering challenges of Peyto and Trapper Peaks, and Mts. Baker, Thompson and Rhondda, all of which are popular ascents in both summer and winter.

The hut is cozy for groups up to 18 (16 in winter) and has amazing views across the icefields.

The hut has no source of heat but it is well insulated and warms up nicely from the propane stoves.

The hut is situated on a bit of a moraine at the base of Mt. Thompson, but all access routes to the hut involve glacier travel. The easiest access is the 3-4 hour trip from the Bow Hut. Access from the Highway is via Peyto Lake and takes 5-8 hours.

Hikers without glacier travel experience can sign up for our Hut Discovery: Bow to Peyto trip under the supervision of an alpine guide. 

At A Glance

Location
General: The northern end of the Wapta Icefield, Banff National Park, Alberta
Map and Grid Reference: 
Hut Elevation: 2,500 m (8,200 ft)
GPS:
Lat / Long:
Open: Open all year
Rates: See below
Access
Quick Description: From Bow Hut or from the highway at Peyto Lake. All access routes to the hut require glacier travel.
Elevation Gain to Hut: 
Approach Time: 3-4 hours from Bow Hut. 5-8 hours via Peyto Lake.
Approach Description: Printable PDF
How To Book

Check Availability

Other Huts in the Area

The Wapta Icefield is home to four ACC huts. See Bow, R.J. Ritchie (Balfour) and Scott Duncan huts.

Peyto Hut Fact: The first Peyto Hut was a fiberglass igloo built in the late 1960’s. It was wrecked by wolverines.

Rates

All hut pricing is subject to change without notice.

Summer 2022 (May 1 to October 30)

  ACC Member Non-Member
Price per night $40 $50

  • There are no pre-set booking schedule for these dorm-style huts. Guests may book and stay for any period.
  • Overnight rates are inclusive of all fees and charges, including Parks Canada fees. Beginning summer 2022, Parks Canada Wilderness Pass fees will not be added to your booking.

Check Hut Availability

Facilities

Sleeps 18
Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag
Propane stovetops (propane supplied)
Outhouse
Propane lighting – propane is supplied
Unheated
Snow melt

Recreational Opportunities

Summer
  • Scrambling
  • Mountaineering
Winter
  • Ski Touring
  • Ski Mountaineering

Access

Important – All access routes to Peyto Hut require glacier travel. Appropriate knowledge, equipment and safety precautions are required.

From Bow Hut: Across the Wapta Icefield via straightforward glacier travel.  3 to 4 hours in good conditions.

Via Peyto Lake: From Highway 93, the route descends to and crosses Peyto Lake before approaching the Peyto Glacier from the North. Avalanche hazard in winter. 5-8 hours in good conditions.

Printable detailed approach description

References and Links

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.