individual hiker walking towards massive waterfall in lush forest

Glacier National Park

Overview

Canada's Glacier National Park is located between Revelstoke and Golden, BC. The national park is a mecca for outdoor adventures including frontcountry and backcountry camping, short hikes, day hikes, mountaineering, and backcountry ski touring.

Seasonal Update

Trails. As the weather cools down this fall, rain at higher elevations may turn to snow. Weather at this time of year changes frequently. Be prepared and check trail conditions to understand better what trails are open and accessible to hikers.

Winter Permit System. Due to the avalanche control program, all slopes in Glacier National Park adjacent to the transportation corridor are officially closed beginning November 15, 2024. The Winter Permit System was implemented in 1995 to allow Parks Canada to open some of these areas for skiers and snowboarders when avalanche control is not planned or anticipated.

Cost

National Parks Pass Required

Seasons

Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring

girl and her dog on ridge top hike
two girls hiking in alpine in fall folliage
alpine sunset in glacier national park
mountain goat amongst mountain peaks at sunset
group of three breaking trail while ski touring in Glacier National Park
individual hiker walking towards massive waterfall in lush forest

July - October

Alpine Hiking.

Stop at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre to obtain your National Parks pass and learn about trail restrictions, closures, group number minimums, and other key information. No matter which trail you pick in Rogers Pass, if you want the epic 360-degree mountain views, you must work for it. Be prepared for challenging terrain and steep inclines.

The Abbott Ridge hike is a classic, leading to a true alpine tundra. The trail is 6.8 km each way with an elevation gain of 1029 metres. If you’re not up for the full trail, you can stop at Marion Lake.

Another favourite is the Asulkan Valley trail. This trail is 6.9 km each way and climbs 869 metres. At the trail's end, the lower tongue of the Illecillewaet Glacier lies below you.

cabin at edge of snow in alpine

Asulkan Cabin, Glacier National Park | P Eva Akopian

May - October

Picnic.

Check out one of five seasonal picnic areas in Glacier National Park. Stretch your legs, roll out a blanket, or learn something new about the natural and cultural history of this special place.

We recommend stopping at the Rogers Pass Summit Picnic Area which is a short drive west of the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. On a clear day, views of the Hermit Range are incredible.

day use area with mountain view

Rogers Pass Summit, Glacier National Park | P Parks Canada

December - April

Ski Touring.

Rogers Pass is all about ski touring during the winter and has the inherent risk associated, it also has a mandatory winter permit system that allows us to ski without causing a problem to the highway or train. In the Spring, be especially vigilant of the warming conditions.

Most parking lots in Rogers Pass require a Winter Parking Permit and open or close daily depending on avalanche control. Please learn more about the Winter Permit System.

group of five going up skin track in mountain valley

Backcountry Touring, Glacier National Park | P Laura Szanto

Frequently asked questions

Are Parks Passes Mandatory for stops in GNP?

Yes, you need a Parks Canada pass to visit Glacier National Park in British Columbia. You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass, depending on how long you're staying or if you plan to visit other national parks. The pass covers activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing in the park.

Where can I purchase a Parks Pass?

Parks Passes are available for purchase at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre or the Parks Canada office in Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Are bear sightings common in GNP?

We are located in bear country so sightings are not uncommon. Don't worry, bear interactions are not common and there are strategies you can take to avoid it. Learn more about hiking in bear country.

View reports of bear sightings here.

Mountain Background

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