Alberta. Backcountry hut
Tonquin Valley near headwaters of Astoria River
52.6633 N 118.2567 W Google — GeoHack
Not currently an official name.
Tonquin Valley near headwaters of Astoria River
52.6633 N 118.2567 W Google — GeoHack
Not currently an official name.
Cyril G. Wates. Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol 29, No. 2, p. 277
The hut is named for Cyril G. Wates [1883–1946] and E. Rex Gibson [1892–1957].
Three successive huts have stood in the Eremite Creek valley of Jasper National Park, providing access to numerous hikes, climbs, and ski trips in the Eremite and Tonquin valleys. The present Wates-Gibson-Memorial Hut, built in 1967, is the third: the original Memorial Cabin was built in 1930, and replaced in 1947 by the Wates-Memorial Hut.
This third version of the Wates-Gibson Hut was built in 1959 after two previous structures in different locations were found to be inadequate.
As of 2023, there is a seasonal closure in place for mountain caribou conservation. No access to this backcountry area is permitted between November 1 and May 15.
References:
- Bulyea, H. E. “A trip to the Geikie valley.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 13 (1923):140
- Wates, Cyril G. [1883–1946], and Gibson, E. Rex [1892–1957]. “The Ramparts in 1927.” Canadian Alpine Journal, Vol. 16 (1927):85-95
- Kariel, Herbert G. [1927–], and Kariel, Patricia E. Alpine huts in the Rockies, Selkirks and Purcells. Banff, Alberta: Alpine Club of Canada, 1986
- Hayes, Scott. “End of an era as outfitters leave Tonquin Valley.” Jasper Fitzhugh, December 21 (2022). Jasper Fitzhugh
- Hayes, Scott. “Eco groups support ‘difficult decision’ to buy out Tonquin Valley leases.” Jasper Fitzhugh, January 11 (2023). Jasper Fitzhugh