Glacier National Park (Canada) in British Columbia, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Glacier National Park in British Columbia protects steep Columbia Mountain valleys, inland rainforest, and alpine terrain around Rogers Pass. Highway 1 runs through the park between Revelstoke and Golden. A short forest or railway-history stop is possible here, but higher trails and winter backcountry travel require much more preparation.

Rogers Pass and the Columbia Mountains

• Hemlock Grove: A short paved-and-boardwalk route passes through old forest, with a listed length of 350 m and slopes up to 8%.
• Rogers Pass: The railway corridor and surviving heritage features explain why this mountain crossing mattered to Canada's transport history.
• Illecillewaet area: A starting point for several mountain trails, with seasonal camping near the highway.
• Alpine hiking: Trails climb from forest into open mountain terrain. Their elevation and snow conditions matter as much as distance.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Snow, avalanches, and changing mountain conditions

Higher trails can hold snow into July, and bridges may be removed in late September or early October. A trail that was straightforward in summer may require different skills and equipment in autumn. Carry food, water, warm and waterproof clothing, a map, first-aid supplies, a headlamp, and bear spray. Choose the route for the least experienced person in your group.

Winter avalanche control uses explosives to protect the highway and railway. It does not make surrounding slopes safe for recreation. Read the Winter Permit System and daily access instructions. Backcountry travel requires avalanche training, suitable equipment, and compliance with the day's closures.

Protect forest and wildlife habitat

Keep food and scented items in a vehicle or provided food locker rather than a tent. Use designated trails and leave vegetation undisturbed. Dogs must be leashed where allowed, and are prohibited on Balu Pass Trail and in the Connaught Creek drainage. Check current restrictions before planning a route with a pet.

Camping and winter permits

Illecillewaet has both reservable and first-come sites. Loop Brook accepts reservations, with specific procedures for unreserved vacancies. Hermit Meadows backcountry camping also accepts reservations. The camping instructions distinguish booking arrangements and dates. Alpine Club of Canada huts use their operator's arrangements.

For 2026/27, Winter Permits are required for all backcountry access during the permit-system season, including Winter Unrestricted Areas. Permit holders must complete a quiz. A park pass and parking arrangements are separate requirements. The system starts November 15 and runs until the highway avalanche-control season ends.

Maps, location, and access

Use Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, for Rogers Pass. Summit Station is at 9520 Trans-Canada Highway beside the Rogers Pass Centre. Golden lies east and Revelstoke west, with accommodation in both towns. Download the hiking, camping, and winter touring guides before choosing a trailhead. A summer hiking map does not replace the winter restricted-area map.

Nearby parks

• Mount Revelstoke National Park: Continue west on Highway 1 toward Revelstoke. Its Meadows in the Sky Parkway has separate seasonal access.
• Yoho National Park: Continue east along Highway 1 through Golden toward Field for another park on the same main road corridor.

Choose between a short stop and a mountain day

In the snow-free season, Hemlock Grove provides a short forest visit, while Rogers Pass offers railway-history context. Longer trails rise steeply from the valley. Check route ratings, elevation gain, bridge status, and daylight before choosing an alpine outing through the official hiking guide.

Ski touring is a specialist winter activity here. An open highway, a Winter Permit, and an open restricted area each answer a different access question; none establishes safe snow conditions.

Facilities and accessibility

The Rogers Pass Centre is undergoing rehabilitation, with its exhibits and theater closed. Temporary Summit Station provides maps, information, pass and permit sales, accessible washroom options, picnic space, parking for cars and RVs, and an electric-vehicle charger.

During their operating season, Illecillewaet and Loop Brook have potable water, flush toilets, food lockers, and kitchen shelters. They do not provide showers, electricity, or sewage dumping. Confirm wheelchair access for your chosen Illecillewaet campsite before booking.

Summit Station has flat paved access without stairs. Hemlock Grove's boardwalk includes slopes, and snow changes which facilities are usable. Confirm the precise route and season with staff.

About the park

Railways, mountaineering, and park protection

Glacier National Park was established in 1886, alongside Yoho. Rogers Pass later received a national historic site designation for its role in the Canadian Pacific Railway corridor. Railway construction, mountain guiding, and the later highway shaped the area's visitor history.

Inland rainforest and alpine habitat

Old-growth rainforest in the valleys contrasts with high alpine habitat. Mountain goats, wolverines, and grizzly bears are among the animals associated with the park. Give wildlife room and remain alert on both short walks and longer trails.

Contact

Official Glacier visitor information
Telephone: 250-837-7500
Email: [email protected]
Visitor hub: 9520 Trans-Canada Highway, Rogers Pass, British Columbia.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 350, Revelstoke, British Columbia V0E 2S0.