BC’s Glacier National Park, located near Revelstoke, is an awesome mountain playground. Choose from interpretive trails to rugged multi-day treks, and gawk at glaciers.
When we stayed in BC’s Glacier National Park, just east of Revelstoke, it was love at first sight. We had passed through dozens of times on our way to the Okanagan, done some of the interpretive trails over the years, and popped in to the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, but had never stayed the night. Since the scenery is beautiful and our kids can’t handle more than a few hours in the car, we camped in Glacier on our way to and from Shuswap Lake Provincial Park and are so happy we did. Rich in beauty and history, Glacier offers amazing hiking and the rare opportunity to camp in a national historic site!
Loop Brook Campground
As you drive in to Loop Brook Campground (one of three campgrounds in Glacier with 20 reservable unserviced campsites), you are greeted by stone pillars that supported railway tracks in days gone by, and towering hemlocks and cedars. Take in the cool, moist air; the music of rushing water; and golden, dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. It is easy to find a perfect campsite at Loop Brook: all are shaded and level, and washrooms and firewood are close by. Although there are no showers at Loop Brook, there are flush toilets, a dish washing sink, beautiful cook shelter, and firewood (available with purchase of a Fire Permit). We expected a lot of road noise at night being close to the highway, but the creek drowned it out, so everyone had a pleasant sleep.
Loop Brook Trail
If you stay at Loop Brook, the self-guided Loop Brook Trail (1.7 km loop), departing from the campground, is a must! As you climb up and away from the brook, you pass by tall stone pillars – some of the oldest manmade structures in western Canada – and can read the interpretive signs. Where the trail flattens out, you tread on the old railway surface. The wooden ties are still there peeking through the dirt! Although Parks Canada describes the trail as having “short, steep sections”, our 3 year old and 5 year old had no trouble completing the hike on foot.
Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail
The next day we headed to Hemlock Grove Boardwalk Trail (350 metres) for a “hike”. I had been to Hemlock Grove before, but the huge trees – up to 350 years old – never fail to amaze me. This trail is barrier-free and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, but if your kids are like mine, they’ll run the whole way. Since they were done in minutes, we went through a second time to take some photos, then had a little snack near the parking lot and watched the ground squirrels.
More Trails to Try
Short Hikes: Bear Creek Falls (1 km round trip), Meeting of the Waters (3.3 km loop) and Rock Garden (430 m) are a few nice short hikes in the park. See Parks Canada – Glacier National Park – Short Hikes for more info.
Day Hikes: Visit Parks Canada – Glacier National Park – Day Hikes for longer hikes in the park. According to AllTrails users, the best day hikes are Great Glacier Trail, Hermit Trail, and Abbott Ridge Trail.
Illecillewaet Campground
Five days later, we returned to Glacier and stayed at Illecillewaet Campground. Illecillewaet is larger than Loop Brook with 60 first come, first served unserviced sites. If you have time to do some real hiking in Glacier, Illecillewaet is the best place to camp as several trails start from there. The amenities were identical to Loop Brook, with the addition of a staffed Welcome Station at the centre of the campground. Again, it was quiet considering the location, the sites were shaded, and there were hardly any mosquitoes.
Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
To learn more about local rail history, be sure to stop at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. Admission is free with your park pass. While you’re there, hike to Balu Pass (6.4 km one way)! Enjoy lush vegetation, tons of wildflowers, and mountain views. Be sure to bring lots of water as there isn’t much tree cover after the first 1.5 kilometres.
Conclusion
BC’s Glacier National Park offers beautiful scenery, well appointed campgrounds, and a variety of trails to suit different ages and abilities, but without the crowds of other areas in the Rockies. The glaciers against blue skies are stunning! It’s a great destination on its own, or good stopping spot on your way to the Okanagan or Vancouver.
Know Before You Go
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Glacier National Park.
- You are in bear country! Be bear aware, pack out all trash, and keep a bare site. Hiking in a group and making noise is the best way to avoid seeing a bear, but you should always carry bear spray just in case. See our Bear Safety Tips for Hikers & Backpackers for more info.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash. For your safety, Parks Canada and bear safety experts recommend leaving your dog at home.
Getting Here
Glacier National Park is located 3.5 hours west of Calgary on the TransCanada Highway / half an hour east of Revelstoke. Many sections of the winding highway are single lane, so be patient behind big rigs (we recommend waiting until you get a passing lane as visibility is limited around corners).
What to Bring
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Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
See our Ultimate Camping Pack List for everything you need for a great camping trip!
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