Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 03:58 am
Hut trips are an ideal option come winter and Elk Lakes Cabin had been on my list for a few years. When I finally got the chance to book it, I jumped. I can’t lie, especially with the current ACC rules due to the pandemic, booking the whole hut had proved to be rather tricky when it came to finding availability. Regularly checking the ACC website proved fruitful though and I was able to secure the Elk Lakes Cabin for two nights at the end of January.
Elk Lakes Cabin is highly popular and one of the few huts in the Rockies for which access doesn’t involve the need for avalanche training and special gear. This makes it very popular and therefore rather hard to find availability to book.
Elk Lakes Cabin Trailhead
The trail to the Elk Lakes Cabin starts from the Elk Pass trailhead in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Located just over 60km south of Highway 1, follow Highway 40 until the turn off on the right for Peter Lougheed. Highway 40 past this junction is closed in the winter, so you can’t go too wrong!
Once in Peter Lougheed follow the road as it winds through the park, keep your eye out for wildlife, we spotted a female moose on the shoulder of the road! Shortly after Boulton Creek is the Elk Pass trailhead. It is clearly signposted on the left.
Getting To The Elk Lakes Cabin
Distance: Approximately 10km depending on trails chosen to ski.
Elevation: 200m gain, 200m loss
From the parking lot the cross country ski trail is groomed all the way to Elk Pass, which marks the half way point approximately. Straight out the gate the trail climbs, at points, rather steeply! Once at the top, you can see Kananaskis Lakes below through the tree cut.
Steep up, is followed by steep down! But once at the bottom the trail levels out for most of the rest of the way, slowly gaining elevation at an almost unnoticeable rate. It weaves through the trees alongside a creek. Views of mountains open up occasionally.
At the pass, there is a picnic bench. It seems like a good spot for a rest and snack but both going in and out, this spot was awfully windy and brutally cold! Once at the pass, the tracksetting ends and the trail starts to descend, fairly steeply.
It criss crosses the power line cut making for some nice views into the Elk Valley. We skied most of the way down, but opted to snowshoe back up when we came to leave due to the steepness and the fresh, deep powder which had arrived during our time at the hut. We broke trail allowing for an easier exit for our friends who only had skis.
The Elk Lakes Cabin
The Elk Lakes Cabin is a rustic looking cabin which has a whole load of space once you get inside. Padlocked with a code you receive once you’ve booked, you shouldn’t find strangers taking refuge in here, especially during the pandemic since there are only whole hut bookings allowed.
As you get to the Elk Lakes Cabin, the first sign of civilization is the outhouse, promptly followed by the wood shed and then the main Cabin comes into view. In the area there is also a park warden Cabin and some other utility hut. As well as an outdoor fire pit for warmer times!
Once inside there is a small area to store wood along with a bench to sit and take off your boots and hooks for outdoor jackets. Past this you are greeted with a dining area.
Looking right, there is a second eating area, a comfy chair and the fireplace. Followed on by the kitchen. The ground floor loops around in a circle so I’m sure it’s easier to get around when the hut is fully booked due to this. There is also a cupboard signed ‘food storage’ and a locked room where the caretaker can sleep.
Unlike some huts I’ve stayed out there is a robust staircase to the sleeping area upstairs as opposed to a ladder.
The sleeping area upstairs is a loft style layout with railings looking down over the fireplace and one of the dining areas. There are sleeping areas lining each wall on both sides of the staircase which comes up through the middle.
Overall this hut is spacious and practical. A perfect spot to relax in winter!
What Is Provided At The Elk Lakes Cabin
Elk Lakes Cabin comes with most things you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Heck, even the outhouse had a toilet paper dispenser fully stocked!
The kitchen came with ample burners as well as a stove! (We made cinnamon buns and I don’t regret it!) There are pots and pans as well as plates, mugs and cutlery. Chopping boards and baking trays. Basically everything you need to cook up a full feast in the kitchen!
Cleaning supplies were a plenty! Sponges, dish soap, bleach, spray bottles. There was even a sanitizer dispenser on the kitchen wall. Everything you need to clean when you arrive and before you leave, ready for the next people. There are brooms, dustpans and a mop and bucket as well.
Outside there are logs in the woodshed and two splitting mauls, to make light work of big logs. Inside were two small hatchets for making kindling to get the fire going. Ash trays and scoops for clearing out the fire after use. Outside the front door there is a big barrel to dump your ashes in as well.
Up in the sleeping area there are raised sleeping beds with covered foam mattresses. I didn’t take a sleeping pad and found the mattresses to be super comfortable, I had a great night sleep!
Things To Do Around The Cabin
From the Elk Lakes Cabin its a short 1km ski/snowshoe to Lower Elk Lakes. An easy trail with little elevation gain. The views from the lake are beautiful as well on a clear day!
There was plenty of fresh snow while I was out at Elk Lake Cabin and I could see some people had some fun ski touring in and around the cabin.
The area is known to have some awesome ice climbing routes as well and although it isn’t an activity I partake in, we could see some insane ice falls across the lake which would surely explain why the area is known for ice climbing.
For those bad weather days or just relaxing days, nothing beats a day spent in and around the Cabin, having a fire, sipping red wine and reading a good book or playing a game with your hut friends.
How To Book The Elk Lakes Cabin
The Elk Lakes Cabin is very popular, so book early! As of 2023 you can now book almost all ACC Huts online through their reservation system. Since the Elk Lake Cabin is located in BC Parks, it is possible for anyone, ACC member or not, six months in advance. I’d recommend booking your spot as soon as possible because it does fill up! If you are looking for a last minute booking, you will still need to call the ACC hut reservation number, (403) 678-3200, if you are looking to go within 7 days.
Staying at the Elk Lakes Cabin in the winter of 2024 will cost $25 per person per night. I also believe there is a special family rate which can be booked if space allows.
Other Winter Hut Trips
Another incredible winter hut trip is to the Elizabeth Parker Hut at Lake O’Hara. An 11km cross country ski up the access road, leads you to a pristine wilderness many people only dream of visiting. The ski in is rated as moderate by Parks Canada with a few steep hills. I personally found it much easier going than the ski into the Elk Lakes Cabin. Find out more about my trip here.
