Abbot Pass Hut Removal - VIDEO

The Abbot Pass Hut was one of the most unique and iconic huts in North America. It was built in 1922 with stones from the pass itself and served as a refuge for mountaineers and skiers for almost 100 years. Sitting at and elevation of 2,926 metres above Lake Louise, it was located on the Continental Divide so the provincial and National Park borders ran right down the middle of the hut. Abbot Pass Hut was second in elevation only to the Neil Colgan Hut and was therefore one of the highest permanent structures in Canada.

Due to the instability of the slope, which was first noticed in 2016, the decision was made by Parks Canada to remove the structure. Public safety was the main concern and according to Parks Canada, if not for the slope stability decline, the structure could have stayed in place for several more decades if it were not for the slope stability. Abbot Pass Hut was sadly removed on June 30 2022.



“This is a unique environment. It was affected very rapidly because of small changes in climate because it is in a vulnerable location,” said Francois Masse, superintendent for Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay field unit. “Throughout the parks system, we are seeing the impacts of climate change in many different ways.”



The Alpine Club of Canada made a great video about the Abbot Hut and you can watch it here.