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Renovations On Tap For Historic Log Tea House In Yoho National Park

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By Jennifer Bain - January 20th, 2022
The Twin Falls Tea House log cabin in Yoho National Park is a national historic site.

The Twin Falls Tea House log cabin in Yoho National Park is a national historic site/Z. Lynch, Parks Canada

Parks Canada has chosen the Alpine Club of Canada to operate Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site in Yoho National Park for the next 10 years.

Located near the foot of Twin Falls in the Upper Yoho Valley, the site attracts hikers exploring the Yoho backcountry and showcases the style of building and accommodation typical of early wilderness recreation in the Rocky Mountains.

The log structure was built in the rustic design tradition and in association with the Canadian Pacific Railway for visitors stopping in Field, British Columbia, while travelling by rail across the Rockies. A one-story cabin went up from 1908 to 1910. A two-story chalet and lodge came in 1922-23. A link between the two units was created from 1925 to '28. These sections illustrate log construction methods practiced at different periods within Canada’s national parks. There are massive peeled and unpeeled logs, hand-hewn shingles and an iconic sign above the door.

Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site has views of these double falls.

Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site has views of these dual cascades/Z. Lynch, Parks Canada

The Alpine Club operates 33 backcountry huts across the country. It promotes alpine experiences, knowledge and culture, responsible access, and excellence in mountain skills and leadership.

“Our first job will be to renovate the facility and modernize it as much as is possible within the guidelines for National Historic Sites,” the club reports in a blog post. “We’ll be modernizing the kitchen, staff quarters and sleeping accommodation, adding a new patio area and replacing the outhouses. Our hope is to be able to install a micro hydro generator in the creek below Twin Falls.”

Renovations should run from spring to summer. It intends to open to the public by late season. The chalet will cater to overnight guests and day users and become the club’s first dual-use facility. “Imagine a European refugio/teahouse model with hearty dinners and breakfasts provided for our overnight guests, as well as lunches, snacks and cold drinks available for day users,” says the club.

The summer season should run June to October and plans for a winter season are being considered.

The site can only be reached on foot with a three-hour hike from the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, west of Lake Louise, Alberta or east of Field. The return hike is 10 miles (16 kilometres) and takes six hours.

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