Where: Illecillewaet Hut (A.O. Wheeler Hut), Rogers Pass, Glacier National Park
When: July 19-26, 2026 – 7 nights
Description: For the first time in 25 years the Toronto Section Camp will return to the birthplace of alpinism in North America, including one of the 50 Classics Climbs of North America, the Northwest Arête of Mount Sir Donald. Many of the routes are steeped in tradition and history, an interesting fact to remember as you reach for that next impeccable quartzite handhold or take that next footstep along one of the many trails which wind through the lush cedar forests that dominate the region.
The Wheeler Hut is an ideal base for climbing as most peaks are within day access from the cabin. On the north side of the highway, the Hermit Range provides many popular objectives on both good rock and ice, Tupper and the peaks of the Rogers massif being foremost among them. The Asulkan Group stretches to the south from the hut, beginning as popular hiking and scrambling terrain, and becoming more serious as it reaches Sapphire Col. Closer to home, Sir Donald’s peaks to the east provide everything from desperate north faces to classic ridge climbs. These are some suggested objectives.
Logistics:
Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore, which is a 1-hour (100km) drive west of Calgary. Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore.
You should plan to arrive in Canmore the day before camp starts. There will be 8-12 beds available at the Canmore Alpine Hostel for approximately $50/night additional on July 17, 18, 26, and 27 (those who want multiple nights and first registrations will have priority).
Section Camp will start with a chartered bus from Canmore to the hut (2.5 hrs) on July 19th at 10:30 AM.
The hut is just 200m from the trailhead (10m elevation gain). The Toronto Section will have exclusive use of the hut.
All meals will be provided, we’re currently looking to secure a chef. For those who want to camp/bivy enroute to an objective, dehydrated meals will be provided.
The trip will end with a chartered bus trip back to Canmore from the hut (2.5 hrs) on the afternoon of July 26th.
Activities:
This area offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all skill levels, including hiking, scrambling, alpine climbing, mixed routes, and excellent quality rock climbing. Routes range from 5th-class ridges to multi-pitch climbs.
- Self-Guided Activities: Including hiking, scrambling, alpine rock climbing, and mountaineering.
- Introduction to Mountaineering Course: Includes 6.5 days (1 half day and 6 full days) of instruction by an ACMG guide covering fundamentals of glacier travel, rope techniques, crevasse rescue, snow and ice climbing, anchor building, rock rescue, navigation, and potential peak ascents. For more details, reach out to the Mountaineering Coordinator.
- Intermediate Mountaineering (Mountain Mentor Clinic): Includes 4 days of instruction by an ACMG guide, followed by 2 days of self-guided activities. The expectation is that participants have previously participated in an introduction to mountaineering course or have similar skills. The focus is on travel techniques, not on teaching basic rope management or rescue skills. The participants will work through a series of standard mountaineering “problems” on various snow, ice and rock routes. Expect to learn lots of new skills, develop better climbing techniques, do a lot of thinking on your feet, and see some amazing mountains in the process. For more details, reach out to the Mountaineering Coordinator.
Estimated Costs:
- Self-Guided Participant: ~$1450
- Introduction to Mountaineering Course: ~$2536 (based on 4:1 guide-to-participant ratio).
- Intermediate Mountaineering (Mountain Mentor Clinic): ~$2118 (based on 4:1 guide-to-participant ratio).
Costs are subject to change and will finalize as the trip date approaches.
Non-refundable deposit of $725 for self guided participants, $1268 for introduction to mountaineering participants, and $1059 for intermediate mountaineering participants. Please have your deposit ready by Feb 1st to secure your spot (an invoice will be sent to you). The full balance is due by May 18, 2026.
Registration: Please sign up using the application form.
Gear: Gear list will be provided after qualification for Section Camp has been determined.
Max Participants: 27
Trip Classification: B/C
Trip Hazards (depending on activity): Communication and Rescue, Falls and Belaying, Rockfall and Icefall, Terrain, General Hazards. Review trip hazards on our website: https://alpineclubtoronto.ca/activities/trip-hazards/ and contact trip leaders for more details.
Waiver: Signing of ACC trip waiver is mandatory. Please read and be aware of the ACC waiver before attending. Members sign the waiver when completing renewal/registration. Please ensure that your membership is up to date. Non-members are not able to participate in section camp (a good reason to join the ACC).