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    Home » Great Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park, BC
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    Great Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park, BC

    ZEMS BLOGBy ZEMS BLOGOctober 6, 2025No Comments7 Mins Read
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    If you want a quick introduction to hiking in Glacier National Park, British Columbia, the Great Glacier Trail is a great choice. It’s one of the most accessible hikes in the park, so it’s an ideal stop between Golden and Revelstoke – about an hour away. Fast hikers can finish it in about 2.5 hours.

    A century ago, when visitors dined lavishly at a historic glacier house, The Great Glacier Trail led directly to the toe of the glacier, a 30-minute walk away. These days, you won’t see the glaciers unless you continue past the end of the official trail, but it’s still worth the great glacier hike for the waterfalls, lush scenery and a great view of Mount Sir Donald.

    This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

    A moody scene near the top of the Great Glacier Trail
    A moody scene near the top of the Great Glacier Trail

    Trail location map

    Great Glacier Trail Summary

    distance: Approximately 7.5 – 8 km return

    Height gain: 320 meters or 1050 feet

    Time needed: About 2.5 hours

    Difficulty level: Moderate, though one of the easier hikes in Glacier National Park. Most of them are more severe.

    Permits: You will need a valid one Parks Canada Trail. They can be purchased at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center or ordered online. If you plan several visits to Canada’s national parks over the course of 12 months, choose the Discovery Pass, good for a year.

    Dogs: Allowed on leash.

    Bears: There are resident bears. In the summer, Parks Canada often sets up a notice board recording bear sightings. He knows How to stay safe in bear country. Make sure you pack easy-access bear spray and know how to use it.

    Don’t forget: pack 10 hiking essentials And practice 7 Leave no trace Principles – including letting someone know you’re hiking the Great Glacier Trail and when you’re due.

    The miles on the Great Glacier Trail were exaggerated but at least there were plenty of signs
    The miles on the Great Glacier Trail were exaggerated but at least there were plenty of signs

    Description of the Glacier Galleon Trail hike

    We stopped just above Illecilleweet Campground to begin our hike on the Great Glacier Trail. Another option is to start from the parking lot immediately on your right after exiting the Trans-Canada Highway, although this adds roughly a kilometer each way to the walk.

    From the camp, follow the path past the outdoor chests and the bear. Within a minute, you’ll spot the signs marking the start of the Great Glacier Trail. Turn here on the 1885 trail to the ancient ruins Ice House Monument.

    The Great Glacier Trail starts above illecillewaet campground
    The Great Glacier Trail starts above illecillewaet campground
    You'll find excellent signage taking you to the Great Glacier Trail
    You’ll find excellent signage on this trail in Glacier National Park
    Glacier Monument Ruins
    Pass the Glacier Monument ruins on the way to the Great Glacier Trail

    Illecillewaet river to the end of the road

    Follow the signs as they continue alongside the Illecillewaet River through a beautiful moose forest with giant boulders and truly impressive trees – a mix of western hemlock, western red cedar, white cedar, and subalpine fir.

    Cross the river to end on the Great Glacier Trail. It continues to wind through the forests to reach a flat area alongside a wide section of the Illecillewaet River. From here, you’ll begin a steep, sometimes steep ascent on a side moorland all the way to the official end of the trail.

    We only had Peek-a-Boo views of Vaux Glacier and Mount Sir Donald. I would love to return next summer to hike the trail to Mt Sir Donald. Maybe then, I’ll get the view I missed on this hike.

    I feel one with the moss
    I feel one with the moss
    The illecillewaet river is a convincing color of blue
    We stopped to admire the illecilleweet River on a hike of the Great Glacier Trail
    Cross the Illecillewaet River in Glacier National Park
    Cross the illecillewaet River to reach the official start of the Great Glacier Trail
    A section of rock from the Illecillewaet River - can you imagine the road when it runs so hard?
    Section of rock from the river illecillewaet – can you imagine the river when it is running hard?
    Gorgeous textures along the trail with thick soft moss and smooth bark from ancient hemlock trees
    Gorgeous textures along the Great Glacier Trail with thick soft moss and smooth bark of ancient hemlock trees
    Hiking this section of the Great Glacier Trail
    Hiking this section of the Great Glacier Trail
    Listen to Pika's squeak as she passes this mass of rocks
    Listen to Pika’s squeak as she passes this mass of rocks
    The hiking is temperamental as we climb more steeply to the end point of the trail
    The hiking is temperamental as we climb more steeply to the end point of the trail
    Parks Canada calls this foundation around the glacier the end point of the Great Glacier Road
    Parks Canada calls this foundation around the glacier the end point of the Great Glacier Road

    Explore beyond the end of the Great Glacier Trail

    My friend Judy and I carefully continued on the wet rocks to get a better view before heading back. The surface was slick, but under dry conditions it would be much easier to keep going on an icy toe. You will be quite off track and some escaping is required. Only proceed if you have the necessary skills.

    We were the only ones walking the gorgeous glacier trail on a rather dreary day, but I’m glad we did it. It gives you a taste of what it’s like to hike in what I think is an underrated national park. I loved the colors in the rock, the waterfalls, and the clouds swirling around the mountains.

    Knowing that the toe of Ellecilleweet Glacier was once only a short distance from where we turned around really makes you pause and think about how much the environment has changed in the short period of 100 years.

    Continue to the rocks past the official end point
    Beautiful backdrop at the end of a great glacier path - although can you imagine the days when the toe of the glacier could be seen here?
    Can you imagine the days when an icy toe could be seen here?
    Colorful rocks lead the eye down the valley
    Colorful rocks lead the eye down the valley

    Where to stay near the Great Glacier Trail

    Camping

    You best camping option is to stay at the first comer that is not offered illecillewaet campground. There are 60 sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs, although if you have a large RV, there may not be room.

    In 2025, the camp is open from June 20 – October 13. It’s $24 per night. The camp comes with a bathroom building that only has toilets. There is potable water, kitchen shelters and food pantries. Shooting is permitted with a fire permit.

    Another option near the Great Glacier Pass is… Loop Brook Campground. It is located 2 km west of Illecilleweet Camp. Reservations can be made It was booked online Between June 27 and September 21. While not confined, it comes with flush toilets, drinking water, kitchen shelters, and food stocks.

    In Mount Revelstoke National Park, you can stay in Camporest Snowforest Near the beginning of the meadows on Sky Parkway. You have the option of tenting, RV camping, or staying in one of three microcubes that can accommodate two people each. The camp is open from May 16 to October 13, 2025. Book online Even though it’s only more than 48 hours before your arrival.

    For roofed accommodation, check nearby Heather Mountain Lodge. It’s a 23-minute drive east, outside the park.

    Hotel and B&B options are available in Golden and Revelstoke, about 60 minutes away.

    golden

    Moberly Lodge It is just outside Golden on the way to Glacier National Park. It is rated as great.

    the Holiday Inn Express It’s a solid choice. It is very well rated.

    Revelstoke

    the Courthouse Innan adults-only B&B, gets exceptional reviews. It is close to the city center.

    Boulder Mountain Resort It offers a variety of accommodations from campsites and Glamping tents to a variety of log cabins in different configurations.

    Our cabin is at Boulder Mountain Resort
    Our cabin is at Boulder Mountain Resort

    More hikes in Glacier National Park and nearby I recommend

    Click on the image to bookmark it to your Pinterest boards.

    Great Glacier Trail Hike in Glacier National Park, BC

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