table of contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More hikes in Glacier National Park and nearby I recommend
Click on the image to bookmark it to your Pinterest boards.
