The Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) is announcing the addition of a new backcountry hut in Mount Robson Provincial Park. This long-awaited project, more than two decades in the making, will provide much-needed accommodations for adventurers exploring the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and its breathtaking surroundings.
Once completed, the new hut will offer a safe, warm, and comfortable shelter for backcountry travelers in all seasons. It will serve as a key staging point for climbers, hikers, and skiers venturing into the remote wilderness of Mount Robson Park. The project addresses a long-identified need for improved backcountry infrastructure in the area, ensuring a more sustainable and accessible experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With unpredictable mountain weather and the rugged nature of the terrain, having a reliable shelter can make all the difference for those seeking to explore this iconic landscape.
Since the ACC’s first exploratory camp at Mount Robson in 1913, the region has been a destination for club members. Generations of mountaineers have been drawn to its dramatic peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The new hut represents a major investment in both adventure and conservation, balancing sustainable access with the preservation of this spectacular environment. The hut will minimize the environmental impact of dispersed camping and provide a safer, more responsible way for adventurers to experience the backcountry.
The hut will be designed to accommodate 12 people and will incorporate innovative construction techniques. It will be a two-story hybrid timber-frame building with sustainable exterior materials. The sleeping area will be located on the first floor, while the kitchen and common area will be situated on the second floor to optimize temperature regulation and airflow. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Robson from the second-floor common area, while an entrance vestibule will provide an “airlock” system to prevent cold air from entering the main quarters. A wraparound deck on the west and south sides will feature exterior seating, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding beauty. Solar panels mounted on the roof will provide energy for the hut’s electrical needs, reinforcing the ACC’s commitment to sustainability.
Planning for a hut at Robson Pass initially began in 2002 but faced multiple delays over the years. After resuming in the mid-2010s, the project was further postponed due to the pandemic and flood damage to the park in 2022. Now, after more than 20 years, construction planning is well underway, and the ACC is confirming that ground will be broken in early summer 2025. If all goes according to plan, the first visitors will be welcomed to the hut in the summer of 2026. Key milestones already completed include a site survey, a Level 2 environmental assessment, a geotechnical assessment, and an archaeological impact assessment. Ongoing work includes First Nations consultation, with construction set to commence next year.
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