Asulkan Valley Trail
A challenging 13.4 km alpine hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park leading to a picturesque valley and a cozy mountain hut.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer trails, stable weather
Asulkan Valley Trail
Best Time
Clearer trails, stable weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 13.4 km alpine hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park leading to a picturesque valley and a cozy mountain hut.
"The feeling of looking out over this picturesque valley is hard to beat."
Book the Hut Early! :house_with_garden:
The Alpine Club of Canada hut is popular and books up fast. Reserve your spot well in advance!
Pack Layers for All Weather :cloud:
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Bring warm layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Asulkan Valley Views
Asulkan Valley
Experience breathtaking alpine vistas and a picturesque valley that makes the challenging hike worthwhile.
Alpine Club of Canada Hut
End of the trail
A cozy and well-equipped mountain hut offering a unique overnight experience in the alpine.
Glacier National Park Scenery
Glacier National Park
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Glacier National Park, a true gem of British Columbia.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Asulkan Valley Trail
Prepare for an Alpine Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book the Hut Early! :house_with_garden:
The Alpine Club of Canada hut is popular and books up fast. Reserve your spot well in advance!
Pack Layers for All Weather :cloud:
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Bring warm layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be rugged and may have snow. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
Check Trail Conditions :memo:
Snow can linger into summer. Check recent reports for trail status and necessary gear like crampons.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book the Hut Early! :house_with_garden:
The Alpine Club of Canada hut is popular and books up fast. Reserve your spot well in advance!
Pack Layers for All Weather :cloud:
Alpine weather is unpredictable. Bring warm layers, rain gear, and sun protection, even in summer.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
The trail can be rugged and may have snow. Good hiking boots are essential for comfort and safety.
Check Trail Conditions :memo:
Snow can linger into summer. Check recent reports for trail status and necessary gear like crampons.
Bring Hut Boots :boot:
The hut can get cold, especially at night. Extra warm footwear for inside is highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning alpine scenery and the unique experience of staying at the well-equipped Alpine Club of Canada hut. The challenging hike is considered well worth the effort for the breathtaking views. However, some note that the hut can be quite cold, and early season snow can make the trail difficult.
"We didn't get to stay there, but it's so cool to see after that giant hike! So worth it"
Jennifer “Nacho / Pizza Snob” Bernardo
"One of my favourite parks, with a perfect mountain cabin and access to many objectives. The Alpine Club of Canada runs and maintains this hut, and it is well stocked with all essentials. It books up rather quickly and is very popular, however spaces are limited so you never feel over-crowded. Would recommend to anyone who can visit to check it out. Visited last in late September, with new snow already beginning! Thanks to all who have contributed."
Chris M
"The snow was punchy and gross after around 10:30am during my late June visit, but early walks with crampons were a treat! Summer offseason is pretty grand up here, y'all - I had the place to myself for a weeknight and am incredibly sold on returning for more shared ACC escapes"
Gill Lipton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Asulkan Valley Trail is located within Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia. Access is typically via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which leads to the trailhead. Ensure the parkway is open for the season, as it usually opens in late spring or early summer.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead for the Asulkan Valley Trail. However, it can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
Public transport options directly to the trailhead are limited. Most visitors access the trail via private vehicle. Consider ride-sharing or checking local shuttle services if available in the Revelstoke area.
The Asulkan Valley Trail is a 13.4 km out-and-back hike.
No, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which provides access to the Asulkan Valley Trail, is typically only open seasonally, usually from late May or June to October, depending on snow conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to enter Mount Revelstoke National Park. You can purchase passes online or at park visitor centers.
There are no separate fees for hiking the Asulkan Valley Trail beyond the park entrance fee. Access to the Alpine Club of Canada hut may have separate booking fees.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is generally accessible year-round, but specific roads like the Meadows in the Sky Parkway have seasonal operating hours. Always check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Alpine Club of Canada hut can be booked online through their official website. It's highly recommended to book well in advance due to its popularity.
While Mount Revelstoke National Park is open in winter, the Asulkan Valley Trail and the Meadows in the Sky Parkway are typically closed due to snow and avalanche risk. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are possible but require advanced skills and safety precautions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Asulkan Valley Trail is considered a challenging hike due to its length (13.4 km round trip) and elevation gain. Portions can be steep and demanding.
Hiking the Asulkan Valley Trail can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your fitness level, the conditions, and how much time you spend enjoying the views or at the hut.
You can expect stunning alpine scenery, including glaciers, rugged peaks, meadows, and potentially wildflowers in the summer. The views from the valley are spectacular.
Due to its length and challenging terrain, the Asulkan Valley Trail is generally not recommended for beginner hikers. Experienced hikers with good fitness levels will enjoy it more.
The primary facility is the Alpine Club of Canada hut at the end of the trail, which offers basic amenities for overnight stays. There are no other facilities like restrooms or picnic areas along the trail itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for dramatic alpine photography. Early morning can also be magical with mist or fresh snow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks or wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The entire valley offers incredible photo opportunities. The area around the Alpine Club of Canada hut provides a fantastic vantage point for panoramic shots of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. You must obtain a permit from Parks Canada and adhere to all rules regarding wildlife, sensitive areas, and visitor safety. Check the Parks Canada website for current drone policies.
Besides the Asulkan Valley Trail, consider the Revelstoke Mountain Resort for scenic views from the chairlifts, and the general mountainous terrain around Revelstoke offers numerous picturesque spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families interested in the alpine experience without the strenuous hike, exploring the Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers stunning views accessible via chairlift.
⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Backpackers
Experienced hikers should be prepared for variable conditions, including snow even in summer, and should carry appropriate gear such as crampons or microspikes if venturing out early in the season. Familiarity with navigation and backcountry safety is recommended. The terrain around the hut offers further exploration possibilities for those with the skills and energy to tackle more advanced routes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Alpine Club of Canada Hut Experience
However, it's important to be prepared. While the hut is stocked with essentials, it can get quite cold, especially during shoulder seasons or winter. Reviewers strongly advise bringing extra warm layers and hut boots to stay comfortable inside.
Staying at the hut allows for early morning starts to catch the best light for photography or to explore more challenging routes. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the alpine environment and experience the tranquility of the mountains away from the crowds.
Navigating Trail Conditions and Safety
Beyond snow, visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Packing layers is non-negotiable, including waterproof and windproof outer shells, as well as insulating mid-layers. Sun protection is also vital, as the sun's rays can be intense at higher altitudes. Always check the latest trail reports from Parks Canada or local hiking groups before you set out to understand current conditions and any potential risks, such as avalanche warnings if visiting during transitional seasons.
For those venturing into the backcountry, especially for overnight stays at the ACC hut, avalanche awareness and training are highly recommended, particularly if visiting outside of peak summer. While the main trail is generally considered safe during summer, understanding the terrain and potential risks is part of responsible backcountry travel. Informing someone of your hiking plans and expected return time is also a crucial safety measure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit