Rockies · British Columbia
Glacier National Park
131 glaciers, the wettest mountain weather in Canada, and the storied Rogers Pass.
Province
British Columbia
Established
1886
Size
1,349 km²
Coordinates
51.27°, -117.52°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Glacier National Park
Not to be confused with Montana's. This Canadian Glacier National Park straddles Rogers Pass — one of the most avalanche-prone road corridors in the world — and rewards visitors with rainforest hikes, alpine meadows and the historic Illecillewaet glacier.
Why visit
- Rogers Pass Discovery Centre & avalanche history
- Illecillewaet Campground — at the base of the glacier
- Hemlock Grove ancient-forest boardwalk
- Asulkan Valley backcountry traverse
- Some of the deepest snowpack in Canada
Things to do
Plan your days.
Avalanche Crest Trail
hiking
Illecillewaet Campground glacier base camp
camping
Hemlock Grove rainforest boardwalk
interpretive
Rogers Pass Centre
interpretive
Backcountry ski touring (winter)
winter
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Illecillewaet — glacier-base tent and small RV sites
- Loop Brook — historic with rail-era ruins
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Late June: meltout; many trails snowbound earlier.
- Summer
- July–August: peak hiking season.
- Fall
- September: short but spectacular.
- Winter
- December–March: world-class ski touring (with avalanche training).
- Peak
- Late July through August.
- Shoulder
- Late June or mid-September.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
High alpine for goats and marmots; bear activity rises in late summer berry season.
Common species
Mountain goat · Marmot · Pika
Signature species
Grizzly bear · Wolverine · Mountain goat
Wildlife safety
Active avalanche terrain in winter — never enter the backcountry without training and equipment.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Revelstoke
- Golden, BC
Nearby attractions
- Mount Revelstoke National Park
- Yoho National Park
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
weekend
Rogers Pass weekend
Illecillewaet hikes, Hemlock Grove, Discovery Centre.
road trip
BC Rockies parks loop
Glacier + Mount Revelstoke + Yoho.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Glacier National Park.
Can I camp in Glacier National Park?+
Yes. Glacier National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Glacier National Park?+
Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends; a portion of sites may remain first-come, first-served.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Glacier National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 6/10. Good for families with school-age kids; some activities require planning and gear.
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?+
Late July through August. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include mountain goats, grizzly bears and wolverines. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
Yes — designated loops accommodate RVs and trailers. Check site dimensions and service availability (electrical/water/sewer) when booking, as not every site offers full hookups.
How many days should I spend here?+
Two days as part of a Trans-Canada Highway crossing.
Nearby parks
