Wilderness Lodging Canada - Backcountry Lodges, Resorts, Huts, Cabins, Yurts, Prospector, Tents

Canadian Wilderness Lodging

Wheelers Hut, Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park

Canada is renown for it's magnificent wilderness. One of the best ways to enjoy this natural playground is to take advantage of of one of the countries innumerable backcountry facilities. Depending on your activity, fitness and skill level, as well as comfort requirements you can choose from backcountry cabins, huts, yurts or wilderness resorts and lodges.

Wheeler Hut, Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park, BC

Backcountry Resorts and Lodges

If you're visiting Canada, don't miss a chance to stay at one of the countries backcountry lodges or resorts. This is one of the finest ways to experience Canada's vast and varied wilderness. The lodges and resorts are located in the most beautiful areas of the back country which means that most of them aren't accessible by car. To reach your destination you might be required to hike, ski (may require backcountry gear) or snowshoe in. Distances vary but they are usually in the 10 to 30km range. Some like Lake O'Hara have a shuttle (with limited space, so book well in advance) while others have more exotic access, like a helicopter charter. Located on isolated islands, or deep in mysterious rain forests, high in the Canadian Rockies or thousands of miles from civilization in our legendary northern reaches there are many different experiences to choose from.The facilities vary widely, ranging from cozy cabins, to stately rooms luxuriously appointed with finest of furnishings. Meals may be self catered or perhaps prepared by some of the countries finest chefs. Advanced bookings are essential, whatever your choice. Be sure to check with your chosen host or operator for all of the details. Just prior to your visit, contact the lodge or operator to check on current weather and access conditions.

Yurts

Yurts are tent structures, once commonly used by the nomadic peoples of Mongolia. Not unlike a round circus tent in shape, they are of course much smaller. Straight walled and originally the size of about a large bedroom, they were supported by wood and covered by hides. Decorated as the Mongols do they presented a rather rich and romantic abode, with the additional ability to be broken down and moved easily. This latter feature was essential in order to take advantage of new grazing lands for their animals. Modern yurts are generally made from high technology materials and may be heated with wood stoves, gas or electricity. How closely they resemble their predecessors depends on the builder or manufacturer but the concept stays the same. Yurts are becoming popular options in many of Canada' parks, providing a great alternative to winter camping for those without the skills, stamina or equipment.

Huts

The hut system in Canada is extensive but not well know outside of climbing and ski mountaineering circles. There are huts throughout the Alberta and British Columbia mountain ranges. There are also less isolated systems of huts thoughout Quebec and Ontario. Many of the mountain huts are the work of the Alpine Club of Canada as well as other clubs such as the British Colunbia Mountaineering Club. Some are independant, in the east many are run by the parks bodies. While facilities are usually minimal some huts are really quite appealing in their accomodations and many share one common traite; they are often located in some of Canada's finest backcountry. With few exceptions huts are not accessible by car and some have access which requires expert outdoor skills.

If you want to take advantage of Canada's huts, be prepared to pack in your own gear with the exception of those simple utensils provided at some huts. Many of the access routes require expert skills in either climbing, scrambling, mountaineering or ski mountaineering. In the winter many approaches are through avalanche areas. Avalanche training, knowledge of current conditions and the proper gear are essential. Some huts are only accessible in the summer or may be rarely used due to difficult access in the winter. Consult with the various clubs or authorities regarding use, fees, gear and skill requirements before doing any planning.

Cabins

Cabins vary widely in respect of facilities, access and amenities. Ranging from fully featured, drive-to destinations to remote, rustic sites that offer little more than basic shelter. Be sure to inquire carefully before you book a site to make sure it meets you expectations and you have the skills and equipment required for access.

Note Carefully: Use of huts is at the discretion of the groups who own and maintain them. Many huts are locked with access available through those groups only. Trail or route access is often difficult and may be impossible in some seasons or during incliment weather. Always obtain persmission, pay fees (including park fees where applicable), research access, facilities and check the weather, consult the authorities and leave a trip plan with someone responsible before setting out and never go alone. Winter temperatures can plumit in a few hours to minus thirty or more in many areas of Canada. If you don't have the skills and equipment hire a qualified guide or don't go.

Alberta	British Columbia
Manitoba	Newfoundland
New Brunswick	Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia	Nunavut
Ontario	Prince Edward Island
Quebec	Saskatchewan
Yukon