Update (Jan 25th, ’23): Parks Canada is anticipating approval of a Caribou Breeding Facility. If approved, this facility would be constructed on Geraldine Rd. Construction would impact access for Sydney Vallance (Fryatt) Hut Users. During construction, hut users cannot drive or ski on 93A or Gerlandine Rd. Winter access to Fryatt in 2023 is one of two ways:

1. Crossing the Athabasca river and intersecting with the trail. The user must assess the safety of crossing the river.
2. Parking at Athabasca Falls and skiing the Athabasca River Route until picking up the Fryatt Trail. The distance from Athabasca Falls to the Fryatt Valley trail is approximately 4km.

The approach is usually completed in a long day, but some parties will appreciate the Parks campsites which are strategically located along the trail, breaking the trip into two days during the summer. Bikes can also be used for the first 11 km, as far as the first campsite at Fryatt Creek, which will substantially reduce the total approach time and makes for a fun trip out! Yet another option is to canoe across the Athabasca River, cutting off 7 km. In winter it is a good idea to inquire as to whether the Athabasca River has frozen over (usually by the end of December). If so, then parties can cross immediately from the Icefield Parkway and, with good snow conditions, easily reach the hut in a day with an early start. Winter access involves crossing some avalanche paths – check conditions before you go.

Winter Access (October 1 – June 8): Users will need to use the winter access route for access October 1 through June 8, as Geraldine Road is closed to all access. Download the Winter Access Map (Updated: Winter 2022/23). The map shows the route along the Athabasca River. Of course, if safe to do so, there is also still the option of crossing the river from the Icefields Parkway to shortens the approach by approximately 11.5km.

Geraldine Road Closure: Access to the trailheads along the Geraldine Road are affected by the caribou breeding centre construction for Spring/Fall 2024 and Spring 2025.

Geraldine Road Closed: October 1 – June 8 (Use winter access route below)

Winter Access (October 1 – June 8): Users will need to use the winter access route for access October 1 through June 8, as Geraldine Road is closed to all access. Download the Winter Access Map (Updated: Winter 2022/23). The map shows the route along the Athabasca River. Of course, if safe to do so, there is also still the option of crossing the river from the Icefields Parkway to shorten the approach by approximately 11.5km.

October/November and April/May bookings:

We are open for bookings during these months, but please be aware that trail conditions will likely be variable in the shoulder season. Options for guests accessing the Fryatt Hut in Oct/Nov and April/May are limited because the winter route is not a maintained trail and travels through marshy wet areas. Once the ground freezes, it can be traveled on by foot, snowshoe, ski, etc. from Athabasca Falls. Of course crossing the river is an option, but not one that Parks Canada can recommend.