Glacier National Park has a rich natural and cultural history. The park protects unique stands of old-growth cedar and hemlock, and a great diversity of wildlife. Created in 1886 following the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s transcontinental line, the park enticed travellers to its uncharted wilderness and the area became the birthplace of mountaineering in North America. Today’s explorers will find
Photo: Joey Vosburgh
Photo: Danyelle Magnan
Photo: Danyelle Magnan
HIKING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
heritage resources of national significance, both historical and natural. The abandoned rail-grade, stone bridges and trestle supports, snow sheds and other structures associated with the railway may all be visited on self-guiding trails. Trails leading to spectacular glacier viewpoints were laid out by the Swiss guides for their clients a century ago – and are still waiting for you to discover the magic of the Selkirks for yourself.
The hiking trails in Glacier National Park will lead you to stunning ridges and viewpoints that will make the climbs worthwhile. The Columbia Mountains are steep and the valleys narrow, allowing for only a few easy hikes and a good number of difficult ones. Use the trail chart below to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party. For more detailed route finding and trail descriptions, consult the “Footloose in the Columbias” or “Glacier Country” available for purchase from the Friends of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier.
Photos left to right: Hiking Balu Pass; dwarf dogwood and foam flower; mountain goats
Our trails are managed to protect the safety of both bears and people.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Safety
Remember, you are responsible for your own safety.
Emergency
• Get advice from a Parks Canada Information Centre.
Emergency Dispatch Number: Call 1-877-852-3100. Tell dispatchers you have a backcountry emergency in Glacier National Park and require assistance. Cell phone reception is unreliable.
• Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group.
Keep Wildlife Wild, and Yourself Safer
• Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear.
• Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.
• Carry a first aid kit and bear spray.
• Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 metres away from bears.
• Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll be back and who to call if you don’t return. • Travel with a friend or group. • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather.
Stay on Maintained Trails • To prevent trail damage stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts.
Leave What You Find, and Take What You Bring • Pack out all garbage, including diapers and food waste. • Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any water source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep. Pack out your toilet paper. • Natural and cultural resources such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers, wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
Backcountry
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. • Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Avalanches The right combination of snow cover and slope angle can produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing snow slopes or when exposed to avalanche paths. Avalanche control explosive artillery projectiles are fired at the slopes near the Trans-Canada highway. Unexploded projectiles might exist. If you see one, do not touch or move it! Note its location and call 1-877-852-3100 or 911.
(Return)
Distance Elevation (Return) Gain
1 Hemlock Grove
15 minutes
350 m loop Minimal
2 Rock Garden 3 Loop Brook Trail
30 minutes
428 m loop Minimal
4 Meeting of the Waters
30 minutes
45 minutes
1.7 km
42 m
1.3 km loop Minimal
Trail Description Interpretive boardwalk through old-growth cedar-hemlock forest. Interpretive trail with rock staircases and stepping stones. Slippery and steep sections. Interpretive trail on old rail grade highlights railway history. Short steep sections. Forest walk past the confluence of Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River.
Interpretive trail along the original Canadian Pacific rail-grade. Prone to early season flooding
5 1885
2 hours
7.2 km
Minimal
6 Abandoned Rails 7 Bear Creek Falls
1 hour
2.8 km
Minimal
1 hour
1 km
62 m
Short, steep trail down to Bear Creek Falls.
8 Marion Lake
2.5 hours
4.4 km
425 m
Steep forested hike along the first leg of the Abbott Ridge Trail to Marion Lake.
9 Great Glacier
3.5 hours
6.4 km
321 m
Trail up to the sloping bedrock below the Illecillewaet Glacier.
10 Bostock Creek
7 hours
15.6 km
740 m
Moderate hike through the interior rainforest and into the subalpine forest.
Interpretive trail along the original Canadian Pacific rail grade.
5 hours
8.2 km
795 m
Steep trail into an alpine basin. The nearby left ridge overlooks the highway/railway corridor.
4 hours
12.8 km
788 m
Trail through avalanche paths into alpine meadows offering amazing views.
13 Asulkan Valley
6 hours
13.8 km
869 m
Glacier views, mountain scenery and waterfalls. Trail steepens after 4 km.
14 Hermit
4 hours
6.4 km
819 m
Steep trail into alpine meadows. A designated campsite is located in the Hermit Meadows.
15 Sir Donald
5 hours
10.2 km
1008 m
Built as a mountaineering route, this rigorous hike accesses an alpine basin below the peak.
16 Glacier Crest
6 hours
11.4 km
958 m
Steep trail up onto a ridge providing a panoramic view of rock and glacial ice.
• Parks Canada Revelstoke Office: 250-837-7500
17 Perley Rock
6 hours
10.8 km
1143 m
Steep, ambitious hike ending at a high viewpoint overlooking the Illecillewaet Icefield.
• Website: www.pc.gc.ca/glacier
18 Abbott Ridge
6.5 hours
13.6 km
1029 m
Trail up to alpine tundra that ends on a narrow ridge. During early season take the marked short cut to avoid a steep snow slope.
19 Beaver Valley
3 days one way
42 km one way
449 m Trail passes through large stretches of old growth forest. Trail can be connected to one way the Bald Hills via Caribou Pass. Random camping available beyond 5 km. There is
More Information
• Glacier Trail Conditions Report: www.pc.gc.ca/glaciertrails • Weather: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Random Camping
• Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier at 250-837-2010 or www.friendsrevglacier.com
• Avalanche Reports, Information and Training: www.avalanche.ca
Done with this Brochure?
Fishing
Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others.
A National Park fishing licence is required.
How was your trip? Please send us your comments at revglacier.reception@pc.gc.ca and report trail problems to park staff.
Également offert en français
Estimated mated Time
12 Balu Pass
A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight trip.
Non-designated or random camping may be permitted. Ask Parks Canada Information Centre staff for details.
Hiking Trail
11 Avalanche Crest
DAY HIKES
• Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions.
MULTI-DAY
• Study trail descriptions and maps before starting.
SHORT HIKES
Type
20 Bald Hills via
Up to 4 days
Copperstain
Easy
16 – 40 km 1130 m varies with route selection
Moderate
designated camping at the “20 Mile” campsite. Beyond 20 Mile, trail difficulty increases as sections are obscured by vegetation and/or wash-outs.
Difficult
varies with route selection
The trail accesses the extensive alpine meadows of the Bald Hills. Designated campsites are located at Copperstain Pass, 20 Mile and at Caribou Pass. The trail is not marked between the Copperstain Pass and Caribou Pass campsites. Hikers must be experienced in route finding and carry a map and compass in case visibility is poor in the Bald Hills.
T Go o lde n
Tupper Tupper Glacier
Rogers Glacier
Legend Hiking Trail
Sorcerer Glacier
Mount Sifton 2897 m
Mount u Tupper 272 m 2727
Trans Canada Highway
Heather Mountain
Mount McNic II
Railroad Park Boundary
P
Campsite
R A IR
Hut H IL S
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Mount ier Shaugnessy it Glac 2754 m Herm rs Hermit oge Mountain tR m n u 3044 m Mo 3086 Swiss Glacier Tupper Rogers Glacier Glacier Mount Mount Tupper Sifton 2897 m 2727 m
12 A v a la n c
6
Mount Carson
14
Wolver
Avala
Avalanche Glacier
Mount Fox 3157 m Dawson Fox Glacier Deville Donkin Glacier Glacier Mount Topham Glacier Mount Mount Mount 2863 m Dawson Selwyn Michel Donkin 3215 m 3304 m Peak 2918 m kin er n ops Glaci Doass The Bish P
Great Glacier
10 Bostock Creek
Slick Mount Flat Creek Pass Mountain Oliver 2498 m 2526 m Fortitude Mountain
12 Balu Pass 13 Asulkan Valley
THE BISHOPS RANGE
14 Hermit
Patience Mountain
Pur
ity
ka Mount Jupiter 2734 m
ier
lac
nG
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Catalogue No: R64-381/1-2010E ISBN: 978-1-100-15261-5
Sapphire Col Hut
Moderate
Difficult
Hope Peak 2877 m
Faith Peak 2850 m
20 Bald Hills via Copperstain
Easy
Tomatin Peak 2864 m
Virtu Virtue Moun Mountain
19 Beaver Valley
Odin Pas Glacier s Purity Mountain
Mount McBean
Findhorn Peak 2733 m
Mount Kilpatrick
V
0
5
10
er
Grand Mountain Grand Glacier
Van Horne Glacier é év eN n r Ho an
Charity Peak 2926 m
Beaver Overlook
laci
rG
Tho
Mount Wheeler 3322 m
Névé
Black Glacier Purity Glacier
18 Abbott Ridge
ul
C
Mount Swanzy 2889 m
Deville
As
Mount Bonney 3080 m
Mount Macoun 3013 m
The Witch Tower
17 Perley Rock Asulkan Hut
20
Geikie Glacier
8 Marion Lake
16 Glacier Crest
Lily Glacier
S
Illecillewaet Névé Youngs Peak 2802 m
15 Sir Donald
Bonney Glacier
HILL
vé Né
Lookout Mountain 2479 m
19
aet
7 Bear Creek Falls
9
lew
13
cil
Mount Mount Abbott Afton 2463 m 2540 m
Mount Smart 2854 m
11 Avalanche Crest Illecillewaet Glacier
Ille
t es
16
t
Cr
Ross Peak 2319 m
es
Perley Rock 2612 m
vé Né
ier
ac
Gl
17
5 1885
Terminal Peak
Bonney Glacier Lily Glacier Mount M Mount Swanzy ount J Bonney 2889 m 2734 upiter Bo nne 3080 m m yN Swanzy Glacier évé Clark Glacier
n lka Asu ss Pa cier a Gl
18
Re
6 Abandoned Rails
Vaux Glacier
9
To
n
15
3
Mount Green 2683 m
ke
to
ls ve
4 Meeting of the Waters
Mount Sir Donald 3247 m
4
3 Loop
Cr
Uto Glacier
t ae ew ill ec Ill
Sir Donald Campground Loop Brook Campground
2 Rock Garden
ka
8
Ross Peak 2319 m
ul
5
3
2 1
10
Copperstain Mountain 2595 m
As
A.O.Wheeler Hut
1 Hemlock Grove
ier
Uto Peak 2871 m
Illecillewaet Campground
aR
ian rist Ch
ac
Eagle Glacier
Cougar Mountain 2358 m
e idg
Gl
Hiking Trails Eagle Peak 2838 m
t
11
Cres
Napoleon Spur
Moonraker Peak 2830 m
Avalanche Mountain 6 2831 m Avalanche Glacier Uto Eagle Peak Peak Eagle Glacier 11 2838 m 2871 m Uto Glacier Mount 5 Sir DonaldSir Donald 4 3247 m Glacier 8 15 Terminal Perley 9 Peak 17 Rock 18 2612 m Mount Mount 16 Illecillewaet Afton Abbott 13 Lookout Glacier 2540 m 2463 Mountain 2479 m
D
nche
Cheops Mountain 2555 m
Avalanche Mountain 2831 m
Mount MacDonald 2869 m nche Avalat Cres
6
7
BAL
Grizzly Mountain 2734 m Ursus Minor Mountain 2738 m Ursus Major 12 Mountain ss Pa 2676 m u l Bagheera ss Ba Mountain Cheops Pa m s r 2755 m Mountain as Fa Bos P l tock 2555 m l Gi Mount McGill Pas s Mc 2656 m ine
Cheops Mountain 2 2555 m Napoleon Spur
Ridge
est h e C rre
Balu Pass
Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
L
Grizzly Mountain 2734 m
Ursus Major Mountain 2676 m
Backcountry Campsite
IE
14
Ursus Minor U Mountain 2738 m
Nordic Mountain
Mystic Mountain 2643 m
20
Kilometres
Sugarloaf Mountain 3207 m n Névé ca Dun
Caribou Peak 2582 m
Glacier National Park has a rich natural and cultural history. The park protects unique stands of old-growth cedar and hemlock, and a great diversity of wildlife. Created in 1886 following the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s transcontinental line, the park enticed travellers to its uncharted wilderness and the area became the birthplace of mountaineering in North America. Today’s explorers will find
Photo: Joey Vosburgh
Photo: Danyelle Magnan
Photo: Danyelle Magnan
HIKING IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
heritage resources of national significance, both historical and natural. The abandoned rail-grade, stone bridges and trestle supports, snow sheds and other structures associated with the railway may all be visited on self-guiding trails. Trails leading to spectacular glacier viewpoints were laid out by the Swiss guides for their clients a century ago – and are still waiting for you to discover the magic of the Selkirks for yourself.
The hiking trails in Glacier National Park will lead you to stunning ridges and viewpoints that will make the climbs worthwhile. The Columbia Mountains are steep and the valleys narrow, allowing for only a few easy hikes and a good number of difficult ones. Use the trail chart below to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party. For more detailed route finding and trail descriptions, consult the “Footloose in the Columbias” or “Glacier Country” available for purchase from the Friends of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier.
Photos left to right: Hiking Balu Pass; dwarf dogwood and foam flower; mountain goats
Our trails are managed to protect the safety of both bears and people.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Safety
Remember, you are responsible for your own safety.
Emergency
• Get advice from a Parks Canada Information Centre.
Emergency Dispatch Number: Call 1-877-852-3100. Tell dispatchers you have a backcountry emergency in Glacier National Park and require assistance. Cell phone reception is unreliable.
• Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member in your group.
Keep Wildlife Wild, and Yourself Safer
• Pack adequate food, water, clothing, maps and gear.
• Travel in groups and make noise to avoid surprise encounters.
• Carry a first aid kit and bear spray.
• Do not feed, touch, or approach wildlife. Stay at least 30 to 50 metres away from most animals, and 100 metres away from bears.
• Tell somebody where you’re going, when you’ll be back and who to call if you don’t return. • Travel with a friend or group. • Be prepared for emergencies and changes in weather.
Stay on Maintained Trails • To prevent trail damage stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts.
Leave What You Find, and Take What You Bring • Pack out all garbage, including diapers and food waste. • Dispose of human waste at least 100 m from any water source. Bury solid human waste in a hole 15 cm deep. Pack out your toilet paper. • Natural and cultural resources such as rocks, fossils, artifacts, horns, antlers, wildflowers and nests are protected by law and must be left undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
Backcountry
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. • Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Avalanches The right combination of snow cover and slope angle can produce avalanches. Be careful when crossing snow slopes or when exposed to avalanche paths. Avalanche control explosive artillery projectiles are fired at the slopes near the Trans-Canada highway. Unexploded projectiles might exist. If you see one, do not touch or move it! Note its location and call 1-877-852-3100 or 911.
(Return)
Distance Elevation (Return) Gain
1 Hemlock Grove
15 minutes
350 m loop Minimal
2 Rock Garden 3 Loop Brook Trail
30 minutes
428 m loop Minimal
4 Meeting of the Waters
30 minutes
45 minutes
1.7 km
42 m
1.3 km loop Minimal
Trail Description Interpretive boardwalk through old-growth cedar-hemlock forest. Interpretive trail with rock staircases and stepping stones. Slippery and steep sections. Interpretive trail on old rail grade highlights railway history. Short steep sections. Forest walk past the confluence of Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River.
Interpretive trail along the original Canadian Pacific rail-grade. Prone to early season flooding
5 1885
2 hours
7.2 km
Minimal
6 Abandoned Rails 7 Bear Creek Falls
1 hour
2.8 km
Minimal
1 hour
1 km
62 m
Short, steep trail down to Bear Creek Falls.
8 Marion Lake
2.5 hours
4.4 km
425 m
Steep forested hike along the first leg of the Abbott Ridge Trail to Marion Lake.
9 Great Glacier
3.5 hours
6.4 km
321 m
Trail up to the sloping bedrock below the Illecillewaet Glacier.
10 Bostock Creek
7 hours
15.6 km
740 m
Moderate hike through the interior rainforest and into the subalpine forest.
Interpretive trail along the original Canadian Pacific rail grade.
5 hours
8.2 km
795 m
Steep trail into an alpine basin. The nearby left ridge overlooks the highway/railway corridor.
4 hours
12.8 km
788 m
Trail through avalanche paths into alpine meadows offering amazing views.
13 Asulkan Valley
6 hours
13.8 km
869 m
Glacier views, mountain scenery and waterfalls. Trail steepens after 4 km.
14 Hermit
4 hours
6.4 km
819 m
Steep trail into alpine meadows. A designated campsite is located in the Hermit Meadows.
15 Sir Donald
5 hours
10.2 km
1008 m
Built as a mountaineering route, this rigorous hike accesses an alpine basin below the peak.
16 Glacier Crest
6 hours
11.4 km
958 m
Steep trail up onto a ridge providing a panoramic view of rock and glacial ice.
• Parks Canada Revelstoke Office: 250-837-7500
17 Perley Rock
6 hours
10.8 km
1143 m
Steep, ambitious hike ending at a high viewpoint overlooking the Illecillewaet Icefield.
• Website: www.pc.gc.ca/glacier
18 Abbott Ridge
6.5 hours
13.6 km
1029 m
Trail up to alpine tundra that ends on a narrow ridge. During early season take the marked short cut to avoid a steep snow slope.
19 Beaver Valley
3 days one way
42 km one way
449 m Trail passes through large stretches of old growth forest. Trail can be connected to one way the Bald Hills via Caribou Pass. Random camping available beyond 5 km. There is
More Information
• Glacier Trail Conditions Report: www.pc.gc.ca/glaciertrails • Weather: www.weatheroffice.gc.ca
Random Camping
• Maps and Guide Books: Friends of Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier at 250-837-2010 or www.friendsrevglacier.com
• Avalanche Reports, Information and Training: www.avalanche.ca
Done with this Brochure?
Fishing
Please return for re-use to a park facility or share it with others.
A National Park fishing licence is required.
How was your trip? Please send us your comments at revglacier.reception@pc.gc.ca and report trail problems to park staff.
Également offert en français
Estimated mated Time
12 Balu Pass
A backcountry camping permit is required for any overnight trip.
Non-designated or random camping may be permitted. Ask Parks Canada Information Centre staff for details.
Hiking Trail
11 Avalanche Crest
DAY HIKES
• Check the weather forecast and current trail conditions.
MULTI-DAY
• Study trail descriptions and maps before starting.
SHORT HIKES
Type
20 Bald Hills via
Up to 4 days
Copperstain
Easy
16 – 40 km 1130 m varies with route selection
Moderate
designated camping at the “20 Mile” campsite. Beyond 20 Mile, trail difficulty increases as sections are obscured by vegetation and/or wash-outs.
Difficult
varies with route selection
The trail accesses the extensive alpine meadows of the Bald Hills. Designated campsites are located at Copperstain Pass, 20 Mile and at Caribou Pass. The trail is not marked between the Copperstain Pass and Caribou Pass campsites. Hikers must be experienced in route finding and carry a map and compass in case visibility is poor in the Bald Hills.