Glacier National Park

Introducing Glacier National Park

To be really accurate, this 1350-sq-km park should be called 430 Glaciers National Park; the annual snowfall here can be as much as 23m. Because of the sheer mountain slopes, this is one of the world’s most active avalanche areas. For this reason, skiing, caving and mountaineering are regulated; you must register with park wardens before venturing into the backcountry. Call for a daily avalanche report (250-837-6867) in season. Admission to this and Mt Revelstoke National Park (the two are administered jointly) is adult/child $7/3.50 per day.

Whether you travel by car, bus, trail or bicycle (more power to you), Rogers will likely rank as one of the most beautiful mountain passes you’ll ever traverse. Be sure to pause at the Hemlock Grove Trail, 54km west of Revelstoke, where a 400m boardwalk winds through an ancient hemlock rain forest.

Spend some time at the informative Rogers Pass Centre (250-814-5233; 8am-7pm summer, 9am-5pm spring & fall, 9am-7pm winter), 72km east of Revelstoke. The center shows films about the park and organizes guided walks in summer. As a bonus, there’s an excellent bookstore.

Across from the center, the 50-room Best Western Glacier Park Lodge (250-837-2126; www.glacierparklodge.ca; r $120-150; ) has a 24-hour coffee shop.

Not far from here are the park’s two campgrounds: Illecillewaet & Loop Brook ($21 per campsite; Jul-Sep). Both have running water and flush toilets.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009