Glacier

Glacier National Park, established in 1886, protects 1,349 square kilometers of rugged mountain landscape in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. The park is renowned for its massive glaciers, deep valleys, and pristine alpine environments. Located along the Trans-Canada Highway, it sits within one of the snowiest places in Canada, receiving over 10 meters of snowfall annually in some areas. The park's dramatic terrain features over 400 glaciers, including the famous Illecillewaet Glacier, which flows down from the névé fields above. Glacier National Park is part of a larger protected area that includes Mount Revelstoke National Park to the west. The park serves as a critical corridor for wildlife movement and protects vital watersheds feeding into the Columbia River system. Its challenging terrain and harsh winters have preserved much of the landscape in a near-pristine state.

Glacier National Park supports diverse wildlife adapted to its steep, forested valleys and alpine environments. Mountain caribou, one of Canada's most endangered mammals, inhabit the park's high-elevation forests, relying on old-growth lichens for winter survival. Grizzly bears and black bears roam the valley bottoms and subalpine meadows, feeding on berries, roots, and occasional carrion. Mountain goats are frequently spotted on rocky cliffs and talus slopes, their white coats visible against dark rock faces. Other mammals include wolverines, hoary marmots, pikas, and various small rodents. The park's forests provide habitat for Canada lynx, marten, and fisher. Bird species include gray jays, Clark's nutcrackers, golden eagles, and several woodpecker species. The cold, fast-flowing streams support few fish species, but those present include bull trout and mountain whitefish in lower elevations.

The park's vegetation zones reflect dramatic elevation changes, from lush interior rainforest in valley bottoms to sparse alpine tundra above treeline. Dense western red cedar and western hemlock forests dominate lower elevations, creating dark, moist understories rich with ferns and mosses. Mid-elevation slopes feature Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir forests, transitioning to krummholz (stunted, wind-shaped trees) near treeline. Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers during the brief summer, including Indian paintbrush, lupines, heather, and glacier lilies. The park's flora must adapt to short growing seasons, heavy snow loads, and frequent avalanches. Devil's club, a spiny shrub, thrives in moist avalanche zones. Old-growth forests with trees over 500 years old persist in areas protected from avalanches and fire. Lichens, particularly arboreal species, are crucial for mountain caribou survival during winter months.

Glacier National Park showcases exceptional geological diversity formed over 1.5 billion years. The Selkirk Mountains consist primarily of metamorphic rocks, including gneiss, schist, and quartzite, formed from ancient sedimentary deposits subjected to intense heat and pressure. These rocks were thrust upward during mountain-building episodes, creating the dramatic peaks visible today. The park's glaciers have carved deep U-shaped valleys, amphitheater-like cirques, and sharp arêtes through relentless erosion. Rogers Pass, the park's most famous feature, represents a relatively low-elevation route through the formidable Selkirk barrier. Glacial retreat since the last ice age has exposed massive amounts of bedrock, moraines, and glacial till. The park experiences ongoing geological activity, including frequent avalanches, rockfalls, and glacial movement. Evidence of past glaciation is visible everywhere, from polished bedrock surfaces to perched glacial erratics weighing thousands of tonnes.

Glacier National Park experiences one of the harshest and wettest climates in Canada's mountain parks. The Selkirk Mountains intercept moisture-laden Pacific air masses, resulting in extraordinary precipitation totals exceeding 1,400mm annually at higher elevations. Winter snowfall is legendary, with some areas receiving over 15 meters of snow, creating extreme avalanche hazards. Temperatures in valley bottoms range from -20°C in winter to 25°C in summer, while alpine areas remain much colder year-round. The park experiences a modified maritime climate with cool, wet conditions prevailing throughout the year. Summer weather is notoriously unpredictable, with sudden storms possible even during July and August. Heavy cloud cover and precipitation occur on approximately 200 days per year. The immense snowpack feeds over 400 glaciers and creates spectacular waterfalls during spring and summer melt.

Indigenous peoples, including Secwepemc (Shuswap) and Ktunaxa nations, traveled through the area for thousands of years but did not permanently settle in the harsh mountain environment. They used mountain passes for trade routes and seasonal hunting. European exploration began in the 1800s when Canadian Pacific Railway surveyors sought viable routes through the Selkirks. The discovery of Rogers Pass in 1881 by Major A.B. Rogers proved crucial for railway construction. The completion of the transcontinental railway in 1885 made the area accessible, leading to the park's establishment in 1886. Early visitors came primarily via train, staying at the magnificent Glacier House hotel built in 1887. Swiss mountain guides were imported to lead early mountaineering expeditions. The hotel operated until 1925 when it was demolished. Highway construction through Rogers Pass in 1962 renewed accessibility and tourism.

Glacier National Park was established on October 10, 1886, making it one of Canada's oldest national parks, created the same year as Yoho. Initial protection focused on preserving scenic beauty along the Canadian Pacific Railway route and preventing forest fires that could threaten railway infrastructure. Early park management emphasized tourism promotion, with Glacier House becoming a world-famous alpine resort attracting mountaineers, naturalists, and adventurers. The park's golden age of mountaineering occurred between 1890 and 1925, with numerous first ascents of surrounding peaks. Glacier House closed in 1925 following railway rerouting through the Connaught Tunnel, causing visitor numbers to plummet. The park entered a quiet period until the Trans-Canada Highway opened through Rogers Pass in 1962, reviving accessibility. Modern management emphasizes ecological integrity, avalanche safety, and sustainable tourism. The park achieved UNESCO recognition as part of a broader mountain parks nomination.

Rogers Pass summit area serves as the park's tourism hub, offering interpretive programs and access to several trails. The Abandoned Rails Trail (1.2 km) provides easy walking through old-growth forest past railway remnants. Hermit Trail (2.8 km) leads through mature forest to meadows with excellent glacier views. The Loop Brook Trail offers access to historic railway sites and impressive cedar groves. For experienced hikers, the Abbott Ridge Trail climbs steeply to alpine meadows with spectacular views of surrounding glaciers and peaks. The Asulkan Valley Trail provides access to one of the park's most accessible glaciers, though visitors should not approach glacier termini due to hazards. Backcountry routes include the challenging Balu Pass and Copperhead routes for experienced wilderness travelers. Winter visitors can access cross-country ski trails, though avalanche hazards limit most recreational activity. The park's numerous glaciers, including Illecillewaet and Asulkan, are visible from highway pullouts.

Glacier National Park's main visitor services are located at Rogers Pass summit, including the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre, which provides interpretive exhibits about railway history, avalanche control, and mountain ecology. The park has no lodging facilities within its boundaries, with the nearest accommodations in Revelstoke (80 km west) and Golden (80 km east). Several campgrounds operate seasonally, including Illecillewaet and Loop Brook campgrounds offering basic facilities. The Trans-Canada Highway provides year-round access, though conditions can be challenging during winter storms. Parks Canada operates an extensive avalanche control program using artillery and helicopter bombing to keep the highway open. No gas stations or restaurants exist within the park. Cell phone coverage is limited to the Rogers Pass area. The park is accessible by vehicle only; no public transportation serves the area. Winter visitors should carry emergency supplies and check highway conditions before traveling.

Glacier National Park faces significant conservation challenges, primarily related to mountain caribou recovery, climate change impacts on glaciers, and maintaining ecological connectivity. Mountain caribou populations have declined drastically, with the park supporting critical but vulnerable herds. Parks Canada implements access restrictions in caribou habitat and monitors population health closely. Glacier recession represents the park's most visible climate change impact, with many glaciers retreating rapidly and some smaller ones disappearing entirely. The park participates in long-term glacier monitoring programs to document changes. Highway operations present ongoing challenges, requiring avalanche control that can disturb wildlife while protecting public safety. The park works to maintain habitat connectivity with adjacent protected areas, ensuring wildlife can move freely across the landscape. Old-growth forest protection remains a priority, particularly for species dependent on these ecosystems. Parks Canada conducts prescribed burns in limited areas to restore natural fire regimes where safe and appropriate.