Great Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park, BC

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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 park’s more accessible hikes, so it’s an ideal stop between Golden and Revelstoke – both about an hour away. Quick hikers can finish it in around 2.5 hours.

A century ago, when visitors dined lavishly at the historic Glacier House, the Great Glacier Trail led right to the toe of the Illecillewaet Glacier, just a 30-minute walk away. These days, you won’t see the glacier unless you continue well beyond the official trail’s end, but it’s still well worth hiking the Great Glacier Trail for the waterfalls, lush scenery, and the spectacular view of Mount Sir Donald.

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A moody scene near the top of the Great Glacier Trail

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Location map of the trail

Great Glacier Trail summary

Distance: Approximately 7.5 – 8 km return

Elevation gain: 320 metres or 1,050 feet

Time needed: About 2.5 hours

Level of difficulty: Moderate, though one of the easier hikes in Glacier National Park. Most are much steeper.

Permits: You will need a valid Parks Canada pass. They can be bought at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre or ordered online. If you’re planning a lot of visits to Canadian National Parks over a 12-month period, opt for the Discovery Pass, good for a year.

Dogs: Allowed on a leash.

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

Don’t forget: Pack the 10 hiking essentials and practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles – including letting someone know that you’re hiking the Great Glacier Trail and when you’re due out.

The mileage is overstated for the Great Glacier Trail but at least there was lots of signage

Great Glacier Trail hike description

We parked just above the Illecillewaet 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, though that adds roughly a kilometre each way to the walk.

From the campground, follow the road past the outhouse and bear boxes. Within a minute you’ll spot signs marking the start of the Great Glacier Trail. Turn right here on the 1885 Trail to the ruins of the old Glacier House Monument.

The Great Glacier Trail starts above the Illecillewaet Campground

You'll find excellent signage taking you to the Great Glacier Trail — You’ll find excellent signage at this trailhead in Glacier National Park

Ruins of the Glacier House Monument — Pass the ruins of the Glacier House Monument on the way to the Great Glacier Trail

Illecillewaet River to the end of the trail

Follow the signs continuing up alongside Illecillewaet River through beautiful mossy forest with giant boulders and truly impressive trees – a mix of western hemlock, western red cedar, white spruce, and subalpine fir.

Cross the river to end up on the Great Glacier Trail. It continues to wind through forest to reach a flat area beside a wide, rocky section of the Illecillewaet River. From here you’ll be starting to climb steeply at times on a lateral moraine all the way to the official end of the trail.

We had peek-a-boo views only of the Vaux Glacier and Mount Sir Donald. I’d love to return next summer to hike the trail to Mount Sir Donald. Perhaps then, I’ll get the view I missed on this hike.

The Illecillewaet River is a compelling colour of blue — We stopped to admire the Illecillewaet River on the hike back from the Great Glacier Trail

Crossing the Illecillewaet River in Glacier National Park — Crossing the Illecillewaet River to reach the official start of the Great Glacier Trail

A boulder strewn section of the Illecillewaet River - can you imagine the road when it's running hard? — A boulder strewn section of the Illecillewaet River – can you imagine the river when it’s running hard?

Wonderful textures along the trail with thick soft moss and gnarled bark of old hemlock trees — Wonderful textures along the Great Glacier Trail with thick soft moss and gnarled bark of old hemlock trees

Delightful hiking on this section of the Great Glacier Trail

Listen for the squeak of a pika when you pass this mass of boulders

Moody hiking as we climb more steeply to the end point of the trail

Parks Canada calls this glacier-scoured bedrock the end point of the Great Glacier Trail

Exploring beyond the end of the Great Glacier Trail

My friend Judy and I carefully continued over the wet rocks for a better view before turning back. The surface was slick, but under dry conditions, it would be much easier to continue to the toe of the glacier. You’ll be entirely off trail and some scrambling is required. Continue only if you have the necessary skills.

We were the only ones hiking the Great Glacier Trail on a rather dreary day but I’m glad we did it. It gives you a taste of what the hiking is like in what I think is an underappreciated national park. I loved the colours in the rock, the waterfalls, and the clouds swirling every which way round the mountains.

Knowing that the toe of the Illecillewaet Glacier once lay just a short distance from where we turned around really makes you pause and reflect on how much the environment has changed in short span of 100 years.

Continuing on rock past the official end point

A pretty backdrop at the end of the Great Glacier Trail - though can you imagine the days when the toe of the glacier could be seen here? — Can you imagine the days when the toe of the glacier could be seen here?

Colourful rocks lead the eye down the valley

Where to stay near the Great Glacier Trail

Camping

You’re best camping option is to stay at the first come-first served unserviced 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 campground is open from June 20 – October 13th. It’s $24 a night. The campground comes with a washroom building containing toilets only. There is potable water, kitchen shelters and food lockers. Campfires are allowed with a fire permit.

Another option close to the Great Glacier Trail is the Loop Brook Campground. It’s located 2 km west of the Illecillewaet Campground. Reservations can be booked online between June 27 and September 21st. Whilst unserviced, it does come with flush toilets, potable water, kitchen shelters, and food lockers.

In Mount Revelstoke National Park you can stay in the Snowforest Campground near the start of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. You have the option of tent, RV camping or staying in one of three MicrOcubes that can accommodate two people each. The campground is open from May 16 – October 13, 2025. Book online though only if its more than 48 hours prior to your arrival.

For roofed accommodation check out nearby Heather Mountain Lodge. It’s a 23-minute drive away to the east, just out of the park.

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

Golden

Moberly Lodge is just outside of Golden on the way to Glacier National Park. It’s rated as superb.

The Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice. It’s rated very good.

Revelstoke

The Courthouse Inn, an adults only B&B, gets exceptional reviews. It’s close to downtown.

Boulder Mountain Resort offers a variety of lodging from campsites and glamping tents to a variety of log cabins in different configurations.

The Abbott Ridge Trail in Glacier National Park – a full day hike that climbs 1,029 m but gets you up into world of phenomenal glacier and mountain views
Glacier Crest Trail in Glacier National Park – a climb of 958 m rewards with in-your-face glacier views
Hermit Trail Hike in Glacier National Park – the steepest hike in the park but big impact scenery and a backcountry campground
Eva Lake Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park – a full day’s hike to a beautiful lake with backcountry campsites and a stupendous summer wildflower display

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