Glacier National Park in BC is located in the Selkirk Mountains and offers mountains, glaciers, and lush forests. If you're planning an adventure here, you're in for a real treat. Whether driving through or tackling one of the park's famous hiking trails, this drive-through will take you through must-see stops, scenic drives, and hidden gems along the Trans-Canada Highway.
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Starting from the east, near Golden, BC, and heading west along the Trans-Canada Highway, your journey through Glacier National Park offers breathtaking views of the Selkirk Mountains and the park's 400+ glaciers. Be sure to use the numerous scenic pull-offs to capture the beauty of this spectacular landscape.
Driving through Glacier National Park in British Columbia, you'll notice several snowsheds along the highway. These sheds protect the highway from avalanches during the park's intense winters. Throughout the drive, you'll also pass by marked avalanche paths, where frequent snow slides clear large swaths of trees and brush. These sights are reminders of the park's extreme winter weather and the engineering marvels needed to keep roads and railways safe.
Must-see stops along the route
Beaver Valley Picnic Area: A perfect spot to rest and enjoy the mountain views. Take time to stretch your legs and enjoy a packed lunch while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. You can also check out the Beaver Valley Trail, a 5-kilometer one-way hike through lush forests with scenic views.
Hermit Trailhead and Campground: It is known for its challenging 6.4-kilometer trail with a steep 820-meter elevation change. This trail is not for the faint of heart, as it involves switchbacks, rock stairs, and a rope-assisted scramble to reach a stunning alpine meadow and backcountry campsite. If you're an experienced hiker, this one is worth the effort.
Balu Pass Trail: One of the park's most stunning hikes, the Balu Pass Trail, starts at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. This 12.8-kilometer round-trip hike takes you through subalpine meadows and avalanche paths, with grizzly bear sightings common in the area. Note that groups of four or more adults are required for hiking this trail between July 15 and September 30, and dogs are not allowed.
Rogers Pass Discovery Centre: This visitor center is a highlight for anyone interested in the history of Glacier National Park, BC. It features exhibits on the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through Rogers Pass and the challenges of avalanche control. Don't miss the fun outdoor exhibit featuring the iconic climbing pants of Georgia Engelhard, an early mountaineer who made 32 first ascents in the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains.
Illecillewaet Campground: A popular camping spot in the park, Illecillewaet Campground offers easy access to many of Glacier's most famous trails. It's a perfect base camp for hikers exploring the surrounding mountains.
A.O. Wheeler Hut: Located near the Illecillewaet Campground, the A.O. Wheeler Hut is a cozy backcountry retreat managed by the Alpine Club of Canada. This hut, which can accommodate up to 24 people, is accessible by vehicle in the summer and hiking or skiing in the winter. The hut provides a comfortable base for hikers, climbers, and skiers exploring Mount Sir Donald and the surrounding area.
Meeting of the Waters: The hike begins at the Illecillewaet Campground and leads to the Meeting of the Waters—the confluence of the Asulkan Brook and the Illecillewaet River. This easy 3.3-kilometer loop trail is mostly flat, making it ideal for families and anyone looking for a relaxed stroll through nature.
Glacier House Ruins: One of the most interesting historical sites in the park is the Glacier House Ruins, located just a short walk from the Illecillewaet Campground. Once a grand hotel built in 1886, Glacier House was a hub for early tourists exploring the region. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of Canadian mountaineering and early tourism in Glacier National Park.
Illecillewaet Glacier Trail (Great Glacier Trail): Starting near the Illecillewaet Campground, the Great Glacier Trail is an 8.4-kilometer round-trip hike that offers views of the Illecillewaet Glacier, which has receded significantly over the years.
Loop Brook Trail: A short, 1.6-kilometer loop that takes you through a historic railway site. Here, you'll find the stone pillars of the old Canadian Pacific Railway snow sheds, a testament to the enormous effort it took to build the railway through these rugged mountains.
Loop Brook Campground: If you're looking for a quieter camping spot, the Loop Brook Campground offers a rustic, peaceful setting. It's an excellent option for those wanting a more secluded experience while close to several trailheads.
Mount Sir Donald Campground: This small, remote campground is perfect for adventurers wanting to explore the Mount Sir Donald area.
Rock Garden Trail: The Rock Garden Trail is a family-friendly 0.6-kilometer loop perfect for a quick nature walk. The trail winds through a lush rainforest with large, moss-covered boulders that have tumbled down from the surrounding cliffs. It's a peaceful and leisurely stroll with a magical atmosphere.
Hemlock Grove Boardwalk: This quick and easy walk takes you through an ancient forest of towering western hemlocks. The 350-meter loop is flat and accessible, perfect for families or anyone looking for a short but beautiful walk.
Bostock Creek Trailhead: A 15.6-kilometer round-trip hike with a 740-meter elevation change for advanced hikers looking for a challenge. This trail offers a more strenuous hike and is perfect for those seeking a more remote and rugged adventure.
Wrapping up your adventure
That ends our walk-through of Glacier National Park in British Columbia. From breathtaking mountain views to challenging hikes and historic sites, this park offers something for every kind of traveler.
Whether planning a family-friendly vacation or pushing your limits on some of the park's more challenging trails, Glacier National Park BC, is a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Glacier National Park in BC, Canada, experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the country. This extreme weather has carved out the park's landscapes and played a role in its history. The massive amount of snow made the engineering of Rogers Pass necessary—a critical route for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Located in British Columbia's Selkirk Mountains, Glacier National Park was the third park we explored in Canada. Similar to its more famous namesake in Montana, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views we've ever seen. Its impressive mountain ranges and ancient glaciers make it a must-see on any Canadian national park tour.
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Located in southeastern British Columbia, Glacier National Park is a year-round paradise established on October 10, 1886—the same day as Yoho National Park. Glacier NP covers about 1,349 square kilometers (520 sq mi).
Although our trip to Canada was mainly to explore the Rocky Mountains, we couldn't resist making a detour to Glacier and Revelstoke. Despite being part of the Columbia Mountains, specifically the Selkirk Range, their gorgeous landscapes were too close to pass up. The park straddles the Trans-Canada Highway, making it an accessible adventure for RVers and road-trippers.
Glaciers
The park is home to over 400 glaciers, making it one of the most glacier-rich areas in the world. The Illecillewaet Glacier is the most famous and historically significant.
Another notable glacier is the Asulkan Glacier, which is viewable from the Asulkan Valley Trail. The heavy snowfall and steep terrain create ideal conditions for glaciers and avalanches, shaping the park's landscape. The glaciers here are part of the Columbia Icefield system, acting as natural reservoirs that feed several significant rivers in British Columbia.
Understanding the Mountain Ranges
If you're like me and love to geek out over how everything fits together, let's take a quick detour to explore the surrounding mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains are the most famous, stretching from New Mexico in the U.S. through Canada into British Columbia and Alberta. The Rockies form the eastern boundary of British Columbia, and the Rocky Mountain Trench separates the Rockies and Columbia Mountains.
Glacier National Park in BC is part of the Columbia Mountains, which run parallel to the Rockies.
The Columbia Mountains:
Purcell Mountains: These form the southernmost subrange of the Columbia Mountains. They lie west of the Rockies, with the Kootenay River as a natural boundary. The Dogtooth Range is a subrange here, visible from the Trans-Canada Highway near Golden.
Selkirk Mountains: Home to Glacier National Park (BC) and Mount Revelstoke National Park, the Selkirks are known for their rugged terrain and numerous glaciers, particularly around Rogers Pass.
Monashee Mountains: To the west of the Selkirks, separated by the Columbia River, these mountains are another striking subrange of the Columbia system.
Cariboo Mountains: North of the Monashees and Selkirks, the Cariboos are the northernmost subrange of the Columbia Mountains.
Rogers Pass National Historic Site
One of the most significant landmarks inside Glacier National Park is Rogers Pass National Historic Site. The pass, completed in 1885, was crucial in building the Canadian Pacific Railway. The railway helped settle Western Canada by providing essential transportation and trade routes.
The area is known for its extreme snowfall, averaging 10-14 meters (33-46 feet) each winter. Therefore, snow sheds were constructed to protect the railway from avalanches. Despite these precautions, avalanches continued to pose a threat. In 1910, a devastating avalanche claimed the lives of 58 railway workers.
The Connaught Tunnel, built in 1916 to mitigate this risk further, runs 5 miles (8 kilometers) deep beneath Mount Macdonald. This tunnel allows trains to safely bypass the avalanche-prone sections of Rogers Pass. Later, in 1988, the Mount Macdonald Tunnel was constructed alongside the Connaught Tunnel to accommodate modern trains. The Trans-Canada Highway still uses snow sheds to protect travelers from avalanches, while the railway now safely runs underground.
Rogers Pass Discovery Centre / Visitor Center
The Rogers Pass Discovery Centre is open year-round and offers interactive exhibits about the history of Rogers Pass, the region's wildlife, and the ongoing battle against avalanches. A fun exhibit outside the front of the center is Georgia Engelhard's iconic climbing pants. They are fun because you can stand in them and snap a photo with the giant mountains behind you. Engelhard was a trailblazing mountaineer who completed 32 first ascents in the Rockies and Selkirks.
Wildlife in Glacier National Park in BC
Glacier National Park was the first park we visited with a caribou in the visitor center! The southern mountain caribou rely on old-growth forests and deep snow to access their food sources, such as lichens.
Unfortunately, caribou sightings have become increasingly rare due to habitat loss and declining populations.
Here are some of the notable wildlife species you might encounter:
Grizzly Bears and Black Bears
Mountain Goats and Hoary Marmots in the alpine areas
Lynx, Wolverines, and Cougars
Birds like Golden Eagles and Clark's Nutcrackers
Dogs in Glacier National Park
One of the great things about Canadian national parks is their dog-friendly policy. In Glacier NP, dogs are allowed in most areas, with few exceptions, like the Balu Pass Trail and the Connaught Creek drainage, to protect the watershed.
Camping in Glacier National Park
During our visit, we boondocked at O.B. Campground and stayed there for 14 days. The Blaeberry River flows by the campground, and the girls had fun splashing around on a few hot days. O.B. Campground also has pit toilets and nearby hiking and off-road trails.
Wrapping Up
Thanks so much for joining us on this first part of our journey through Glacier National Park in British Columbia! We've covered the park's history, mountain ranges, wildlife, glaciers, and a visit to Rogers Pass. In our next episode, we will take you on a park walk-through (or drive-through).
Yoho National Park in Canada, in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, perfectly captures its Cree name, which means “awe and wonder.” This park offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all ages—and those views! With waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and geological features, there's something here for every nature lover. Yoho promises endless opportunities for adventure and discovery, and we walk you through the park, sharing the things to do and see.
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Before you set out on your adventure to Yoho National Park in Canada, consider getting the Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This pass grants access to over 80 parks across Canada, including Yoho. Here's a quick breakdown of the cost:
Family: $151.25
Adult: $75.25
Senior: $64.50
Daily Admission: Adult – $11.00, Family – $22.00
The pass is an excellent value if you're planning to explore multiple parks, including Yoho National Park in Canada. For the little ones, the Xplorers program is Canada's equivalent of the Junior Ranger program, offering activities and challenges that make the trip even more exciting.
A Glimpse into Yoho's Past
Yoho National Park in Canada was established in 1886 after a visit by Prime Minister John A. Macdonald and his wife. They went through the Rockies on the newly completed Canadian Pacific Railway, and when they returned, he established both Yoho and Glacier. Yoho is now one of Canada's oldest national parks, second only to Banff National Park. The park is well known for the Spiral Tunnels—an engineering marvel designed to safely navigate the steep grades of the Kicking Horse Pass.
The Spiral Tunnels, constructed between 1907 and 1909, reduced the original track's dangerous 4.5% grade to a more manageable 2.2%, making the railway safer for trains. Today, visitors can view these tunnels and marvel at this engineering feat. Imagine being a train engineer 100 years ago, hauling heavy freight through the Rockies of Yoho National Park in Canada and getting to the Big Hill.
Camping in Yoho: Where We Stayed
During our visit, we boondocked near Yoho National Park at O.B. Campground. We stayed here for 14 days. The Blaeberry River flows by the campground, and the girls had fun splashing around on a few hot days. O.B. Campground also has pit toilets and nearby hiking and offroad trails.
Hoodoo Creek Campground: Primitive camping with pit privies – $17.50
Reservations can be made online 24/7, and campsites fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Waitabit Creek Recreation Site is another boondocking that would be cool to stay but was super busy when we were in town.
Visitor Center
The Yoho National Park Visitor Centre is on the Trans-Canada Highway near Field, B.C. Here, you can gather information, pick up your Xplorers booklet, and learn about the park's rich history. The visitor center also has some samples of the famous Burgess Shale fossils. It's cool to see and feel the fossils.
Must-See Natural Wonders
Yoho National Park in Canada has waterfalls, lakes, and rock formations, but it's those mountains that always draw the most attention in our Jeep.
Here are a few highlights:
Wapta Falls is a waterfall that's easily accessible with a short hike. It's an excellent spot for a picnic or to soak in the views.
The Natural Bridge is a rock formation shaped by the Kicking Horse River. You can walk down to the water's edge (but swimming is not advised due to strong currents).
Known for its striking emerald color, Emerald Lake is a must-see. The lake's color comes from sunlight reflecting off rock flour suspended in the water, creating a magical turquoise hue. Be sure to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Yoho Valley Road is a scenic road that leads to Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. The road has sharp hairpin turns, so take it slow. Nothing over 23 ft / 7m is recommended. Parking can be challenging, so plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
Don't miss the Meeting of the Waters Viewpoint on Yoho Valley Road. Two rivers merge, creating a mesmerizing display of watercolors.
Along the Trans-Canada Highway, you can find viewpoints to watch trains navigate the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoints. You get a fascinating glimpse into Canada's railway history. If you're lucky, you might see a train “loop” over itself as it passes through the tunnels.
Tour Tip: Consider using the Guide Along app for an informative audio tour as you drive through Yoho National Park in Canada. It's like having a personal tour guide in your car!
The Wildlife
Yoho National Park in Canada is home to a diverse group of wildlife. Keep an eye out for these creatures:
Moose: Not common, but can be found in the park's wetlands and river areas.
Grizzly Bears and Black Bears: Be sure to practice bear safety and keep your distance.
Elk, Cougars, and Wolves: These are rare to see but are found in the park.
Hoary Marmots: Listen for their distinctive whistle sound in rocky areas and alpine meadows.
Birdwatchers will also be delighted with the park's avian residents, including the olive-sided flycatcher. Remember to keep your camera ready and always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
The Community of Field
The community of Field started in the 1880s as a settlement for the Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers. With a population of around 200 people, Field is fun to explore. Lexie had a blast exploring the historic buildings as part of her Xplorers book challenge. You can follow in her footsteps with this map of historical sites.
Final Thoughts
Yoho National Park in Canada is a natural beauty, history, and adventure treasure trove. Visitors can view mountains, hear rushing waterfalls, witness engineering marvels like the Spiral Tunnels, and explore historic towns.
Have you visited Yoho National Park in Canada? We'd love to hear about your experiences! Please share your favorite memories or tips in our voicemail. And if you haven't been yet, what part of Yoho National Park in Canada are you most excited to explore?
In Kootenay National Park, waterfalls cascade down rugged cliffs, wildflowers bloom across valleys, and towering mountains create a dramatic backdrop at every turn. This landscape in the Canadian Rockies is beautiful but also a wildlife sanctuary. The park has gone to great lengths to protect the animals, allowing animals like bears, elk, wolves, and deer to cross the busy roads safely.
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If you're considering exploring multiple parks in Canada, the Parks Canada Discovery Pass is a great option. It covers admission to over 80 national parks and historic sites nationwide. Here's the breakdown of the cost:
Family Pass: $151.25
Adult Pass: $75.25
Here's Pass: $64.50
Daily Admission: Adult – $11.00, Family – $22.00
If you're traveling with kids, don't miss the Xplorers Book—a fun and educational book that's the Canadian equivalent of the Junior Ranger program in the United States. Our daughter Lexie enjoyed the detailed map at the front, which helped her navigate and point out the spots we needed to visit to complete the activities. And the reward? A dog tag necklace! We loved that these dog tags can be strung together on one chain, making them a unique keepsake of our adventures.
A Bit About Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park is located on the western slope of the Continental Divide and stretches 104 kilometers (65 miles) from east to west. The park is bordered by Banff National Park on the east side and the village of Radium Hot Springs on the west. The Banff-Windermere Highway (Hwy 93) cuts through Kootenay, connecting the Columbia Valley to the Bow Valley, making it a scenic drive.
The park covers approximately 1,406 kilometers (543 square miles), featuring rugged mountains, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and a hot spring. Notable natural features include Marble Canyon, the Vermilion River, and Stanley Glacier.
Camping around Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences and needs. Redstreak Campground is ideal for those seeking a more comfortable camping experience, providing full electricity, water, and sewage hookups. This campground can accommodate larger rigs up to 35 feet long, making it perfect for RV travelers who want easy access to all amenities.
For those seeking a more rustic experience, McCloud Meadows Campground offers primitive camping without the frills. This campground is suitable for smaller vehicles, with sites accommodating setups up to 30 feet. Lastly, Marble Canyon Campground provides a similar primitive camping experience for cars up to 15 feet. This campground offers a quieter, more intimate setting.
For those who prefer boondocking, we discovered a fantastic spot near Canal Flats at Johnson Lake Rec Site, about 55 minutes from Kootenay National Park. It's tucked away off the beaten path, how we like it! The area has two sections, the north and south shores of Johnson Lake. It's easily accessible by 2WD vehicles with trailers, making it a perfect spot for a more rugged camping experience.
Relax and Unwind at Radium Hot Springs
One of the highlights of Kootenay National Park is Radium Hot Springs. This naturally occurring mineral spring is a popular spot for visitors. You can't buy tickets online, but they're reasonably priced, with family passes for $57. Lockers are included with entry, and you can rent swimsuits and towels if needed.
Exploring the Continental Divide
Kootenay National Park is positioned on the Continental Divide, where water flows to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The divide also marks the boundary between British Columbia and Alberta. We've been on multiple spots of the Continental Divide – Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, and Glacier National Park in Montana is a triple divide.
The Fascinating Burgess Shale
The Burgess Shale is a must-see for those interested in geology and paleontology. These fossils, dating back 508 million years—long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth—offer a glimpse into a diverse marine ecosystem from the distant past. The fossils are high in the mountains, pressed into the shale rock beds. Parks Canada offers guided hikes to explore these remarkable fossil beds. You can see this in Kootenay National Park and also in Yoho National Park.
Wildlife Encounters
The wildlife in the park includes black bears, grizzly bears, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and numerous bird species. The park has made considerable efforts to protect wildlife, including tall fences along the road to prevent animals from wandering onto the highway.
Every so often, you'll see sections cut away to allow animals on the roadside a way to cross back into the forest safely. They've also built numerous tunnels under the road specifically for wildlife.
Scenic Stops and Short Hikes
Driving through Kootenay National Park, you will see gorgeous canyon walls, towering mountains, and dense forests. Kootenay National Park offers a range of scenic spots and trails that cater to all levels of explorers. Olive Lake is perfect for a leisurely stop, featuring a short 0.3 km walk that leads to a tranquil lake with an interpretive loop and boardwalk, ideal for a picnic. The Kootenay Valley Viewpoint is a must-see for those who love panoramic views. This fantastic pull-over spot offers breathtaking views of the Mitchell and Vermillion Mountain ranges. Not far away, the Kootenay River Day Use Area provides a beautiful setting by the river for a spot to stretch your legs.
If you're up for a bit more of a hike, the Dog Lake Day Use Area features a trailhead that takes you through old-growth forests and ends at the lake surrounded by mountains. The Dolly Varden Day Use Area is a fun, informative stop, especially for kids. Enjoy learning about local wildlife, animal crossings, and park history. They also have picnic spots and small playgrounds. For those interested in history and ecology, the Simpson River Interpretive Trail offers an easy 1.5 km out-and-back hike and extends to the park boundary of 7.5 km.
The Numa Falls Day Use Area offers a picturesque bridge over the falls, where fast-rushing waters have carved out unique rock formations. The Paint Pots Trail is another easy walk, leading you along a boardwalk to mineral springs with vibrant, colorful deposits.
Finally, the Marble Canyon Campground is a short 0.9 km hike featuring seven bridges that crisscross a dramatic canyon, providing views and insight into the natural forces that have shaped the landscape over thousands of years.
Wrapping Up at Kootenay
When planning a journey through the Canadian Rockies, set aside time for Kootenay National Park. Whether you’re traveling from British Columbia or approaching from the Alberta side, Kootenay National Park is easily accessible and worth the visit. The park offers an unforgettable experience with its diverse scenery, wildlife, and geological wonders. Whether you're soaking in the soothing waters at Radium Hot Springs or exploring the trails, the park is a great National Park.