Ready to take your hiking and camping adventures to new heights? BC’s Glacier National Park is definitely a bucket list trip for backcountry pros and aspiring mountaineers alike. And if you’re looking for less challenging trails to explore, not to worry, there are plenty of shorter hikes and day hikes to choose from.
Of note, visitors can hike along the abandoned Canadian Pacific Railway line that once took passengers from coast to coast, passing through the Selkirk Mountains.
At the Rogers Pass National Historic Site, visitors can also explore the storied stone ruins of a mountain resort, which at one point in history was accessed by horse-drawn carriage. And while you won’t see any horses here now, you might just spot a couple of mountain goats on your journey.
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From the famed and challenging Abbott Ridge Trail to the steep and scenic Avalanche Crest hike, to “gently rolling” trails through the Asulkan Valley, there are plenty of hikes varying in distance and difficulty to choose from. And all boast some of the most breathtaking views in the country!
Most of the short and day hikes at Glacier National Park can be accessed from the Trans-Canada highway, Illecillewaet Valley trailhead, or Illecillewaet Campground parking lot.
Note that dogs are not permitted on the Balu Pass Trail, or anywhere within the Connaught Creek drainage. As well, day passes are available at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for $10.50 per person.
Campers can reserve their spots at the Hermit Meadows backcountry via Parks Canada.
Visitors to the park are encouraged to prepare for the weather and rugged conditions by packing the following:
- Trail guide and map
- Full water bottle or thermos
- High-energy food
- Bear spray
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Hat and gloves
- Hiking poles
- Rain/wind jacket
- Warm layers
- Cell phone or satellite communication device
Come wintertime, the park is also a popular spot for backcountry ski touring in Rogers Pass, receiving an average of 14 metres of snowfall per year.
So there you have it – a spectacular national park to add to your Canada-wide bucket list that you can visit year-round!
Glacier National Park
Where: Between Revelstoke and Golden, BC
Information on Glacier National Park is from Parks Canada and is accurate as of publication date.
