Facts About Canada

Glacier National Park (Canada)

Glacier National Park (Canada) protects steep Selkirk Mountain peaks, active glaciers, deep avalanche valleys, old-growth inland rainforest, and the historic transportation corridor over Rogers Pass between Revelstoke and Golden, British Columbia. The park, established in 1886, is paired historically with the Rogers Pass National Historic Site, reflecting the role of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Trans-Canada Highway in crossing the Selkirks.

At a glance — Glacier National Park (Canada)
Location Selkirk Mountains around Rogers Pass on Hwy 1 (between Revelstoke and Golden, BC)
Province British Columbia
Established 1886
Area (approx.) ≈ 1,349 km²
Highest peak Mount Dawson (≈3,377 m)
Notable features Illecillewaet Glacier & Asulkan Valley; Mount Sir Donald; Abbott Ridge; Hermit Trail; Balu Pass; Rogers Pass snowsheds & avalanche program; inland temperate rainforest
Nearby communities Revelstoke (west), Golden (east); smaller highway stops nearby (seasonal services)

Overview

Glacier NP is a mountain park of short valleys and very steep relief: ice-clad summits tower above cedar–hemlock rainforest and avalanche paths that sweep to the valley floor. The park preserves the cradle of Canadian mountaineering around the former Glacier House near Illecillewaet, and today is renowned for summer ridge walks and world-class backcountry ski touring at Rogers Pass.

Lands and relationships

The park lies within the traditional territories and travel corridors of Indigenous peoples including the Secwépemc (Shuswap), Ktunaxa, and Sinixt. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on stewardship, research, and cultural interpretation.

Landscapes and ecosystems

  • Glaciers & high peaks: Active valley glaciers (e.g., Illecillewaet, Asulkan) descend from the Selkirk crest below summits like Mount Dawson and Mount Sir Donald.
  • Avalanche valleys & passes: Rogers Pass concentrates heavy snowfall and one of the world’s most sophisticated avalanche control programs (snowsheds, artillery-assisted control, winter permit areas).
  • Interior rainforest & subalpine meadows: Old-growth western redcedar and hemlock in low valleys give way to subalpine fir, larch meadows, and rugged alpine.
  • Rivers & canyons: Headwaters drain west to the Columbia and east to the Kicking Horse/Columbia system.
  • Wildlife (highlights): Mountain goat, grizzly and black bear, wolverine, hoary marmot, pika, ptarmigan, and varied songbirds—observe only and give space.

Things to do

  • Hiking & classic objectives: Abbott Ridge, Asulkan Valley, Hermit Trail (steep), Balu Pass, Glacier Crest, and Lookout routes near Rogers Pass.
  • Mountaineering & scrambling: Historic alpine climbs on Mount Sir Donald and neighbouring peaks; technical skills and glacier travel experience required.
  • Ski touring & splitboarding (winter): Rogers Pass offers renowned backcountry touring under a strict Winter Permit System with daily area openings/closures linked to avalanche control.
  • Discovery & history: Rogers Pass Discovery Centre (National Historic Site) interprets the CPR, early mountaineering, snowsheds, and wildlife corridors.
  • Camping & huts: Frontcountry campgrounds at Illecillewaet and Loop Brook (seasonal). Nearby ACC A.O. Wheeler Hut and backcountry sites serve classic routes (reserve where required).

Access and visitor services

  • The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) crosses the park at Rogers Pass. Expect construction zones, steep grades, and weather-related travel advisories.
  • The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre provides trip planning, exhibits, and winter permit issuance; trailheads cluster around pass pullouts and Illecillewaet.
  • Reservations are recommended for campgrounds and any permitted backcountry use; services are in Revelstoke or Golden (nothing like a townsite inside the park).

Safety and low-impact travel

  • Avalanche hazard is severe. In winter, many areas are closed during artillery control; travel only in open sub-areas with a valid permit and daily map. Carry transceiver, shovel, probe, and have AST training.
  • Glaciers & steep terrain: Crevasses, cornices, and rockfall are common; travel with proper skills/gear or guides.
  • Weather & visibility: Heavy snow, rain, and rapid changes are typical—check forecasts and carry layers/navigation.
  • Bears & other wildlife: Make noise on trails, carry bear spray where advised, and keep mandated distances (100 m from bears/wolves; 30 m from elk/deer).
  • Follow trail/area closures, fire bans, and Leave No Trace to protect fragile alpine and rainforest soils.

See also

External links (official)

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