6 Epic Things You Can’t Miss In Glacier National Park, BC

Glacier National Park took us by surprise on our Canadian Rockies road trip—so much so that we couldn’t resist a return visit later that same summer, before the hiking season vanished faster than a lost tourist’s sense of direction.

Wait, what? Glacier National Park… in British Columbia? Yep, you read that right. Turns out, there are two Glacier National Parks. The famous one is in Montana, but its lesser-known sibling is hiding in BC, quietly minding its own business and avoiding the crowds. Say hello to Glacier National Park of Canada.

We got hooked on this place pretty quickly—think dramatic peaks, rushing creeks, enormous caves, and actual up-close glacier views. Unlike its more famous Rocky Mountain cousins, this park isn’t overrun with selfie sticks and motorhome convoys. It’s far enough from the Icefields Parkway to escape the madness, which is honestly a miracle considering that summer hiking season in Canada is about as short as a polite conversation about the weather.

Most people discover Glacier National Park as a pit stop on the drive from Vancouver to Banff (guilty as charged). But do yourself a favor—don’t just breeze through. Take your time, soak in those epic mountain landscapes, and enjoy the rare gift of solitude. Because let’s be honest: you won’t find much of that in Banff or Jasper.

So where exactly is Glacier National Park… of Canada?

Glacier National Park is tucked away in southeastern British Columbia. It’s one of seven national parks in the province and is home to a chunk of the Selkirk Mountains, which are part of the larger Columbia Mountain range. 

This park has been around for a while—established in 1886 alongside Yoho National Park, making them Canada’s second and third national parks after Banff.

If you’re road-tripping, you won’t miss it. The park is literally split in two by the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, making it one of the easiest national parks to stumble upon while cruising through BC.

What to do in Glacier National Park?

At 3,377 meters, Mount Dawson takes the crown as the tallest peak in the park—but 3,284-meter Mount Sir Donald is the real show-off when it comes to jaw-dropping photos. The park is sprinkled with over 130 glaciers, and thanks to its legendary snowfalls, hikers spend most of the year impatiently waiting for summer to finally roll around so they can tackle those epic high-altitude trails.

As if the mountains weren’t dramatic enough, the park also hides some of Canada’s largest cave systems and is absolutely teeming with wildlife. Depending on your luck (or lack thereof, depending on how close you actually want to get), you might cross paths with cougars, coyotes, lynxes, timber wolves, wolverines, black bears, grizzlies, caribou, elk, moose, mule deer, mountain goats, or white-tailed deer. Basically, it’s a real-life wilderness documentary—just without the soothing voiceover.

But enough about that—you’re probably here for some actual recommendations on what to do. So, let’s get to the good stuff: my favorite things to do in Glacier National Park.

Simply drive though on the Trans-Canada Highway… or, you know, actually stop

Highway 1, better known as the Trans-Canada Highway, slices right through the heart of Glacier National Park, offering a front-row seat to some seriously impressive mountain scenery. It’s one of those drives where you’ll constantly be tempted to pull over just to take it all in (and trust us, you should).

Sure, you could just admire the views from your car and call it a day, but that would be like going to a bakery and only smelling the pastries. If you have even a little bit of time, do yourself a favor and stop for at least a short hike—there are plenty of trails that don’t require a full-day commitment but still deliver epic scenery. And if you can squeeze in more than just a quick stretch of the legs? Even better.

Visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre

If you want to kick off your Glacier National Park adventure the right way, make the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre your first stop. Designed to look like a historic railway snowshed (because, you know, Canadian winters are no joke), this visitor center is the best place to get up-to-date park info straight from the rangers.

It’s open year-round and has some great interpretive exhibits about the park’s history—perfect for brushing up on your knowledge before hitting the trails. You’ll also find plenty of free brochures and resources here, or if you prefer to plan ahead, you can check out the Parks Canada website before your visit.

Walk the Meeting of the Waters Nature Trail

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic stroll, this is it. The Meeting of the Waters trail takes you across the confluence of Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River, winding through a gorgeous forest of hemlock, spruce, and subalpine fir. In spring, the water roars thanks to the snowmelt, and by August, the summer heat has the glaciers working overtime, keeping the flow strong.

It’s a short, mostly flat trail—perfect for when you want to stretch your legs without committing to a serious hike. But if you have the time (and the energy), this spot also serves as a great jumping-off point for some of the park’s most spectacular trails, like the Great Glacier Trail, Asulkan Valley Trail, or Abbott Ridge Trail. Those hikes are where the real jaw-dropping views kick in, but if you’re after something quick and accessible, Meeting of the Waters is a solid choice for everyone.

Visit Bear Creek Falls

This short but steep trail leads down to a secluded, thundering glacial waterfall. Once you reach the bottom, follow the water’s edge to get closer to the falls, but be warned: the mist is no joke. If you don’t want to end up drenched, bring a waterproof jacket (or just embrace the full nature shower experience).

Bear Creek Falls is classic British Columbia: not Insta-famous, not towering at some ridiculous height (the lower section drops 20 meters, with a total 55-meter drop—not exactly record-breaking for BC), but still seriously impressive thanks to the sheer volume of water rushing through. It’s got that raw, untamed power that makes you stop and stare.

The return trip is the same way you came, which means a bit of a climb—about 95 meters of elevation gain—but hey, consider it your mini leg day. Totally worth it, though!

It’s one of the easiest hikes you can find in Glacier National Park.

Hike the Asulkan Valley Trail

The Asulkan Valley Trail isn’t just one of the most beautiful hikes in Glacier National Park—it’s one of our absolute favorites in all of Canada! This trail is pure mountain magic, serving up jaw-dropping glacier-carved landscapes with hardly any crowds. Why? Because it’s a leg-burner and most people would rather admire the mountains from their car windows.

At around 7 km one-way, it’s not the longest hike out there, but don’t let that fool you. The elevation gain is real, especially in the final stretch before Asulkan Cabin, where your legs will be questioning your life choices. But if you’re even moderately fit and love high alpine trails (and all the glorious scenery that comes with them), this hike is waiting to blow your mind.

Now, don’t let the name “valley trail” fool you either. Sure, you start in a fairy-tale valley—complete with adorable, camera-ready marmots in summer—but soon enough, you’ll be huffing your way up a steep moraine ridge. The reward? An absolutely insane panorama of snow-capped peaks that makes every uphill step worth it.

This is one of those hikes that makes you work for the views, but oh man, does it deliver— lush forests, rushing creeks, waterfalls, and high-alpine grandeur. It’s everything you could want in a mountain adventure. A true classic. Check out our full guide here!

Pick another hike… or two

Now, before I bombard you with a list of all the hikes in Glacier National Park, let’s be realistic—you probably don’t have weeks to spend here (though, trust me, you’ll wish you did). If you’re short on time, I’ve already covered the essentials: the easiest walk (Meeting of the Waters), the quickest proper hike (Bear Creek Falls), and the most jaw-dropping day hike (Asulkan Valley Trail).

Of course, we didn’t stop there—well, we had to eventually. But we’re already dreaming of coming back for more, once our son can tackle 800+ meter elevation gains on his own (because, let’s be real, our days of carrying him are over).

If you’ve got extra time, do yourself a favor and tackle another hike… and then another. We especially loved the Marion Lake Lookout—a great, easier option. And on our last day, we took on the Great Glacier Trail, which treated us to stormy weather and a good soaking. Was it worth getting drenched? Absolutely.

So, if you’re up for more adventure, here are some easy-to-moderate trails to add to your list:

• Hemlock Grove Boardwalk: 350 m loop walk from the Hemlock Grove Day Use Area
• Rockgarden: 430 m loop, starts 1.5 km east of Hemlock Grove Day Use Area
• Loop Brook Trail: 1.7 km loop, trailhead is at Loop Brook Viewpoint (just east of Loop Brook Campground)
• Marion Lake Lookout: 6.4 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground

And more of those fabulous day hikes:

• Great Glacier Trail: 7.9 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground
• Avalanche Crest: 10.2 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground
• Abbott Ridge Trail: 15.6 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground
• Perley Rock Trail: 12.8 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground
• Sir Donald: 12.2 km return, trailhead is at Illecillewaet Campground
• Hermit Trail: 6.4 km return (very steep!), trailhead is 1.5 km east of Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
• Balu Pass: 12.8 km return, trailhead is at Rogers Pass Discovery Centre

Where to stay in Glacier National Park?

You can either camp at one of the three campgrounds (or the four backcountry huts and cabins) in Glacier National Park, or book a room or hotel in Revelstoke or Golden, the two nearest towns.

Revelstoke

Revelstoke is approximately 65 km east of Illecillewaet Campground and is home to the renowned Revelstoke Mountain Resort. A top accommodation choice is Sutton Place Hotel Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a 4-star hotel offering both studios and apartments. Its prime location makes it ideal for visiting Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, and guests can enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the outdoor hot tub.

For a more budget-friendly stay, the Swiss Chalet Motel offers a variety of rooms and suites, making it a great option for families. Another affordable choice is Alpine Inn & Suites, where some rooms feature balconies with stunning mountain views.

Golden

Golden is approximately 85 km west of Illecillewaet Campground, making it a convenient stop if you’re heading toward Yoho National Park.

For a charming mountain retreat, Golden Acres Mountain Lodge offers a fairy-tale-like setting with beautifully crafted wooden interiors. The lodge features modern, well-equipped rooms, some of which include a private kitchen for added convenience.

A great mid-range option is the Holiday Inn Express Golden-Kicking Horse, a 3-star hotel with an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a variety of rooms and suites to choose from.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Travelodge by Wyndham Golden Sportsman Lodge provides affordable accommodations with excellent amenities, including an indoor swimming pool with a slide, a hot tub, a sauna, and complimentary breakfast.

Useful tips before your visit

Save on park fees. Canada’s national parks require an entrance fee, and if you’re visiting multiple parks, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is the best deal. It grants unlimited access to over 80 destinations for an entire year—perfect for road trips!

Stay bear aware. The Rockies are bear country, so always carry bear spray (and keep it easily accessible, not buried in your backpack). Stay alert for both black bears and grizzlies, make noise while hiking, and familiarize yourself with bear safety guidelines.

Dress in layers. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, with sudden temperature drops, especially at higher elevations. Pack a windproof, waterproof jacket to stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings.

Bring enough water. At higher altitudes, you’ll need more water than usual—at least 3 liters per person on a warm day. If you want to pack light, bring a water filter. A LifeStraw bottle has a built-in filter so that you can safely drink from streams and lakes.