Let's get you there...

Drive past the Illecillewaet campground, and park in the last parking lot on site. The hut is just above the parking lots.

Coming from out of western Canada? We suggest flying into the Calgary airport.

From Calgary, total drive time: 3 hrs 45 min

From Kelowna, total drive time: 3 hrs 20 min

- Accessed via Illecillewaet Campground Rd  

- 3.5 km west of Rogers Pass Information Centre

*PST time zone*

*No service at the hut. Service at the summit of some of the hikes and in the parking lot depending on your provider*

What's on the menu?

Breakfasts include:

• Eggs and sausage
• Breakfast Burritos. 
• Yoghurt and Granola
• Extra gluten free and non-gluten free oatmeal as backup

Lunches include:

• Make your own sandwiches

Dinners include: 

• Friday no dinner
• Fajitas + greek salad
• Pasta + Beet Salad

Snacks include: 

• Bars and Fruit on hikes
• Fruit tray
• Veggie Tray
• Chips

Please fill out THIS FORM to submit your dietary restrictions. Form must be submitted no later than one week before the event to be accommodated.

Any dietary restrictions that are submitted within one week of the event may not be accounted for. 

Please note:

1. We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose free, and gluten free (not celiac), if you have any other dietary restrictions please clearly state so on the form above, and we will contact you for more information.
2. We do not provide vegan options.
3. Everything we eat is in a build-it-yourself format. 
4. If you are a snacker, bring your own snacks! You are welcome to bring any snacks you wish to supplement what is provided. 
5. We will do a roll call for allergies on site so everyone who brought extra snacks are aware of the allergies. 

There are so many hikes in the area!

From easy to difficult and everything in between, Glacier National Park is known for it's hikes.

We have two days to explore different hikes in the area. We will list some of the hikes here, but please keep your top options in mind. Don't set your plans in stone just yet. 

We ask on each hike that a minimum of 6 is followed at all times. We will discuss this more on Friday night. Because of this minimum, your plans will need to be flexible to fit with other attendees. 

We will bring information booklets of the hikes in the area for the entire group. These booklets will explain the elevation gain, distance, and other deciding factors of each hike. You do not need to print anything out or bring information of your own. We find that some blogs mis-represent the information of the hike. We will be using Parks Canada information only.

We will decide together which hikes each group wants to accomplish. But until then here are some hikes to start teasing you on your trip!

Easy:

Abandoned Rails Trail

Great Glacier Trail

Bear Creek Falls, Giant Cedars Boardwalk and Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk 

Meeting of the Waters

Moderate:

Balu Pass

Avalanche Crest

Difficult:

Abbott Ridge

Asulkan Valley

Mount Sir Donald

Hermit Trail

Perley Rock

Need a refresh?

Whether you're new to hiking or an veteran hiker, we want to help you prepare for this adventure!

Hiking Tips:

1. Cut your toenails! We don't mean to sound like your mother, but this tends to be forgotten before hiking. Long toenails while hiking back down the mountain can turn downhill fun into downhill pain really quick!
2. Socks on socks. Double socking helps with blisters. Wearing a thin, high hiking sock underneath a second, lower hiking sock will help transfer the rubbing off your foot and to the two socks. The inner layer should be higher than the outter layer so that you can pull the sock tight if need be. 
3. Layer, so you can de-layer. Hiking should start a bit cold, get warmer, and get cold at the top. So layer up to prepare for it. Depending on the weather, it is not a bad thing to start a bit chilled in shorts, a t-shirt and a long sleeve or flannel, then delayering as you climb. Your legs warm up as you climb, leaving you at the perfect temperature enjoying your hustle. 
4. Hiking poles for knee support. If you have bad knees, downhill can be painful! Support your knees with hiking poles to help eleviate the pain. 
5. Bring a down layer or a warm layer for the top. Down jackets or vests are light and easy to pack. Once you are at the top, the elevation, wind, sweat and lack of physical activity will cool your body quickly. A new layer for the summit is always a great idea.
6. Expect rain. There is nothing worse than being caught in a storm, everything wet, cold, and miserable. 
7. Leave no trace. Products such as Kula Cloths, anti bacterial camp towels, waste containment pouches, and other items can help eliminate waste on the trial. 

What's in my pack?

Our founder Kieren shares some items you may want to consider bringing in your day pack:

1. Snacks - we provide an apple and a granola bar. You may find you need more with you. Please do not leave the wrapper or core behind.
2. Water bottles - for the day hike I will bring two full water bottles. Remember, water = life. But water also = weight.
3. A whistle - 3 whistle blows is an SOS sign
4. Bear spray - If you are comfortable bringing bear spray, bring it! We go through bear safety at the hut and explain the use of bear spray. If you are passing through Canmore and want to rent bear spray, Tour Canmore usually rents it! They have odd hours so call ahead!
5. First aid kit - I personally like a full first aid kit when hiking with lots of people, but MEC has a great mini kit that has a lot of what you would need!  
6. A warm layer for the summit - I love my down jacket for the top. A gear swap store is a great place to find second hand down jackets. 
7. Sun Protection - because wrinkles and sunburn. 
8. Headlamp - there would be nothing worse than being stranded and the sun setting leaving you in the dark. Headlamps are always in my pack. 
9. A source of fire - waterpoof matches or a lighter are a great back up in a dire situation. 
10. Emergency shelter - I usually like to keep a small bivy on me just in case I spend the night outside accidentally. MEC has a cheap bivy that reflects body heat and is bright orange for rescuers to spot. 
11. Kula Cloth - I haaaaaate hiking somewhere and seeing old toilet paper. *insert vomit emoji here*

Not your classic Winnie The Poo situation...

Though they seem cute and cuddly, bears are no joke. 

We will be going over an in-depth bear discussion when you arrive at the hut, but we want to share a few things ahead of time. 

Glacier National Park is home to both grizzly and black bears. You can run into a bear anywhere here, be it on a busy trail close to the hut or in the remote backcountry. Bears generally prefer to avoid people. However, encounters between bears and people do occur, as we are in their home.

Knowing how to avoid an encounter with a bear is the best way to enjoy your weekend, safely. In the event you do come across a bear, it is important to know a bit about bear behaviour. How we respond in an encounter with a bear really depends on the type of interaction that is taking place.

AVOID an encounter: the best approach

Bears are extremely sensitive to the stress of human activity. You can help protect these animals by avoiding encounters with them.

• Make noise! Let bears know you're there. Call out, clap, sing or talk loudly especially near streams, dense vegetation and berry patches, on windy days, and in areas of low visibility. Bear bells are not enough.
• Watch for fresh bear sign. Tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks are all signs that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh.
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times or leave it at home. Dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears.
• Larger size groups are less likely to have a serious bear encounter. We request group hikes on this trip be of groups of 6 or more. 
• Use officially marked paths and trails and travel during daylight hours.
• If you come across a large dead animal, leave the area immediately and report it to park staff.

Bear Spray

Carry bear spray with you at all times on the trail, and know how to use it.We will review bear spray at the hut all together.

Bear spray can be effective with some bears when used properly. Be aware that wind, spray distance, rain, freezing temperatures and product shelf life can all influence its effectiveness. Familiarize yourself with the proper use of bear spray (including the manufacturer’s specific instructions) and keep it readily accessible.

If you SEE a bear

Stop and remain calm. Get ready to use your bear spray. Do not run away.

Is the bear UNAWARE of your presence?

Move away quietly without getting its attention.

Is the bear AWARE of your presence?

Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, growling, snapping their jaws and laying their ears back.

• Stay calm. Your calm behaviour can reassure the bear. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack.
• Speak to the bear. Talk calmly and firmly. This lets the bear know you are human and not a prey animal. If a bear rears on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you.
• Back away slowly. Never run! Running may trigger a pursuit.
• Make yourself appear BIG. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
• Do not drop your pack. It can provide protection.

If you must proceed, make a wide detour around a bear or wait at a safe distance for it to move on.

If the bear APPROACHES

Stop and remain calm. Get ready to use your bear spray. Do not run away. Assess the bear’s behaviour and determine why it is approaching.

Is it DEFENSIVE?

The bear is feeding, protecting its young and/or surprised by your presence. It sees you as a threat. The bear will appear stressed or agitated and may vocalize.

• Try to appear non-threatening.
• Talk in a calm voice.
• When the bear stops advancing, start slowly moving away.
• If it keeps coming closer, stand your ground, keep talking, and use your bear spray.
• If the bear makes contact, fall on the ground and play dead. Lie still and wait for the bear to leave.

Is it NON-DEFENSIVE?

A bear may be curious, after your food, or testing its dominance. In the rarest case, it might be predatory–seeing you as potential prey. All of these non-defensive behaviours can appear similar and should not be confused with defensive behaviours.

The bear will be intent on you with head and ears up.

• Talk in a firm voice.
• Move out of the bear’s path.
• If it follows you, stop and stand your ground.
• Shout and act aggressively.
• Try to intimidate the bear.
• If it approaches closely, use your bear spray.

Handling an ATTACK

Most encounters with bears end without injury. If a bear actually makes contact, you may increase your chances of survival by following these guidelines. In general, there are 2 kinds of attack:

Defensive

This is the most COMMON type of attack.

• Use your bear spray.
• If the bear makes contact with you: PLAY DEAD!

PLAY DEAD! Lie on your stomach with legs apart and position your arms so that your hands are crossed behind your neck. This position makes you less vulnerable to being flipped over and protects your face, the back of your head and neck. Remain still until you are sure the bear has left the area.

These defensive attacks are generally less than two minutes in duration. If the attack continues, it may mean it has shifted from defensive to predatory—FIGHT BACK!

Predatory

• Try to escape into a building, car or up a tree.
• If you cannot escape, do not play dead.
• Use your bear spray and FIGHT BACK.

FIGHT BACK! Intimidate that bear: shout; hit it with a branch or rock, do whatever it takes to let the bear know you are not easy prey. This kind of attack is very rare, but it is serious because it usually means the bear is looking for food and preying on you.

**It is very difficult to predict the best strategy to use in the event of a bear attack. That is why it is so important to put thought and energy into avoiding an encounter in the first place.

Running on the trails

Your speed and quietness put you at risk for sudden bear encounters.

• Slow down through shrubby areas and when approaching blind corners.
• Make noise, travel in groups, be alert and always watch ahead.
• Carry bear spray with you at all times on the trail, and know how to use it. 

Don't worry! We go over all of this again together, and we walk through bear spray as well! We will have a bear reminder each day before we hike, and we hike in groups of 6 or more at all times, greatly minimizing the risk of an encounter!

Additional Information

Level of Difficulty:

No previous experience is necessary but a general fitness level is needed. You will be able to choose the hikes that best suit your needs. You will need to carry your personal gear plus food and water for a short distance each day; approximately 2km. 

The hut is a backcountry hut, so we like to add the hut itself into the level of difficulty. If you prefer more plush accommodation, please check out our Whiskey Jack retreat. 

Please note: There is no guide present on this adventure. These hikes are taken at your own risk.

Transportation to hut is not provided. You must purchase a park pass to enter the park.  

This adventure will be cancelled if we do not have enough registrants. In the case of a cancellation, we will refund your ticket purchase.

There are no refunds after registration. 

You will be required to sign this waiver upon arrival. You do not need to print or prepare the waiver ahead of time, as it will be at the hut when you arrive. We have attached it here for your review. This waiver was also the terms and conditions you approved upon purchase.