ACC to operate historic Twin Falls Tea House
Twin Falls Tea House update: January 2023
After conducting a detailed analysis of the potential operation of the Twin Falls Tea House, the ACC has decided to surrender the License of Occupation that the club signed with Parks Canada in December of 2021.
This was a difficult decision for the club to make, and it’s sad to see this project come to an end. However, after several hundred hours of work, we have decided that the project, under the current parameters set out by Parks Canada, is not a good fit for the club.
We have shared all of our analysis of the site and the business with Parks Canada and we wish them all the best in finding a suitable operator for this unique and historic facility.
Today we are thrilled to announce that The Alpine Club of Canada has been selected to operate Parks Canada’s historic Twin Falls Tea House. Parks Canada administers one of the finest and most extensive systems of natural and cultural heritage places in the world, and is the owner of Twin Falls Tea House, a designated National Historic Site.
© Parks Canada / Zoya Lynch
Following a transparent and competitive bidding process, a licence of occupation has been issued by Parks to the ACC to operate the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site for a 10-year term.
The Alpine Club operates 33 backcountry huts across the country. We’ve been Canada’s national mountain organization for 115 years, promoting alpine experiences, knowledge and culture, responsible access, and excellence in mountain skills and leadership. We are pleased to work closely with Parks Canada to help Canadians discover and connect with history and nature at the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site.
About the Tea House
© Parks Canada / Zoya Lynch
National Historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of Canada and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site was designated in 1992 and offers breathtaking views of the dual cascades of Twin Falls in Yoho National Park, BC.
The original single-story hut was erected in 1908 by the Canadian Pacific Railway for use as an overnight shelter for backcountry trail rides. A second story and an adjacent chalet were constructed in the 1920s and later linked to the original building.
The tea house is accessible via a moderate 8km hike from the Takakkaw Falls Day-use Area.
improvements
Our first job will be to renovate the facility and modernize it as much as is possible within the guidelines for National Historic Sites. 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.
Renovation work will begin this spring as soon as snow melt allows access to the area. Renovations are expected to continue into the summer, and we intend to be open to the public by late season.
© Parks Canada / Zoya Lynch
Our plans for the Tea House
When we launch, Twin Falls will be the first dual-use ACC facility, meaning the tea house will cater to overnight guests as well as to day users. 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.
© Parks Canada / Zoya Lynch
The summer operating season will be from June to October (which will be dependent upon the opening of the Takakkaw Falls road). A plan for operating a winter season offering at the Tea House is under consideration.
We are humbled by the opportunity to continue the long legacy of this backcountry operation, and to have the go ahead to make some exciting upgrades to the facility. We look forward to seeing you up at the Twin Falls Tea House later this summer.
