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

Hiking. Great Glacier Trail is mostly snow-free! Asulkan Trail is snow-free up to 1,450m elevation; expect constant snow above this. Sir Donald/Perley Rock Trail to the junction is clear and bridges are in, but snow is still deep above this. Hiking is not recommended beyond this point. (Updated June 29, 2026)

Canada Strong Pass. The Canada Strong Pass is back! Enjoy free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7, 2026.

Cost

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

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

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

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.

When is the best time to hike in Glacier National Park?

The best time to hike in Glacier National Park is from mid-July to early October.

Due to the high elevation of Rogers Pass, snow delays the opening of hiking trails until early to mid-July.

Bridges are taken out before snowfall and placed on the trails for creek crossings in late spring. Check Parks Canada trail conditions before heading out.

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.

NEW! A Winter Permit is required for all backcountry access. Backcountry areas and parking 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

black bear in autumn foliage

Featured Guide

Your Guide to Hiking In Bear Country

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