Scott Duncan Hut

The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. This was the final hut to be established on the Wapta Icefield, a very nice addition to the chain of huts which now makes the Wapta Traverse one of the classiest and most comfortable ski traverses in all of North America! Balfour Hut is also a great base for a number of climbing objectives in the summer. See all of our huts here.

This was the final hut to be established on the Wapta Icefield, a very nice addition to the chain of huts which now makes the Wapta Traverse one of the classiest and most comfortable ski traverses in all of North America! Yes, it is that good.

Most people make the Scott Duncan their final stopover when tackling the traverse, climbing over the Balfour High Col from the Balfour Hut then descending the Schiesser/Lomas route to Sherbrooke Lake after a night at the Duncan. Some folks will approach the hut from Sherbrooke and make it a base for the many objectives in the area, the most common being an attempt on Mt. Balfour via the normal route from the south.

The hut sleeps 12 both summer and winter and is well-equipped with propane stoves and lanterns, cooking supplies and foamies on the beds.

The Wapta Icefield is home to four ACC huts. See Whyte (Peyto), Bow and RJ Ritchie (Balfour) huts.

Access to the Scott Duncan Hut is most often done from the Balfour Hut. It is possible to access the hut, and begin the Wapta Traverse from the south.

From the Balfour Hut: Over Balfour High Col and down the glacier toward Mt. Daly.

From West Louise Lodge: The route follows the east side of Sherbrooke Lake and follows Niles Creek.

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.