Abbot Hut was built by hand in 1922 by Swiss mountain guides using locally quarried, hand-cut stone and supplies ferried by boat, carried on horseback and on foot to the 2925 metre (9598 feet) col (or pass). The stone hut blends with the background and has withstood a century of snowstorms and gale force winds. The sturdy design and connection to the golden age of Canadian mountaineering made it a national historic site.
Abbot Pass Refuge Cabin National Historic Site was substantially removed by Parks Canada for safety in June 2022.
The Hut was an alpine shelter, operated by the Alpine Club of Canada, until it was closed in 2018 due to the erosion of the slope beneath the hut. Despite extensive stabilization work, erosion continued and in 2021 began impacting the walls and foundation of the building. Parks Canada made the difficult decision to dismantle the structure for safety. This work was completed June 30, 2022. A ruin remains on site, marking the historic footprint of the building.
In 2023, Parks Canada asked how this nationally significant heritage place should be remembered. A report will be forthcoming.
For more information, please visit the About page.
