Glacier National Park supports diverse wildlife populations adapted to mountain environments. Large mammals include grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, mountain caribou, and wolverines. The park serves as critical habitat for threatened mountain caribou populations. Bird species include golden eagles, white-tailed ptarmigan, and the endangered northern spotted owl. Small mammals such as hoary marmots, pikas, and Columbia ground squirrels are commonly seen in alpine areas. The park's rivers and streams support bull trout and other native fish species.
The park's vegetation exhibits distinct zonation patterns based on elevation, from valley-bottom cedar-hemlock forests to alpine tundra. Lower elevations feature ancient stands of western red cedar and western hemlock, some over 500 years old. The middle elevations host subalpine forests of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir, while higher zones display colorful alpine meadows filled with wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush, glacier lilies, and western anemones. The park also contains unique interior rainforest ecosystems, characterized by lush understory vegetation and abundant moss coverage.
The park showcases dramatic Columbia Mountains geology, featuring steep-sided valleys, sharp peaks, and extensive glacial systems. The Selkirk Mountains, part of the Columbia Mountain range, were formed through complex geological processes including mountain building, glaciation, and erosion over millions of years. The park contains numerous active glaciers, including the Illecillewaet Glacier, which has been studied since the late 1800s and serves as an important indicator of climate change. The region's rock formations primarily consist of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, including quartzites, schists, and limestone, dating back to the Precambrian era.
Glacier National Park was established in 1886, making it one of Canada's oldest national parks. The park's development is closely tied to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway through Rogers Pass, which was crucial for connecting British Columbia to the rest of Canada. The area has significant Indigenous history, with the traditional territories of the Secwepemc, Ktunaxa, and Syilx peoples overlapping in this region. The park gained prominence during the late 19th century as railway workers and early mountaineers explored its peaks and glaciers. Historic Rogers Pass and the abandoned railway snowsheds remain as testament to the challenging battle against winter avalanches that shaped the park's early history.
Rogers Pass National Historic Site stands as one of the park's most significant features, marking a crucial transportation corridor through the Selkirk Mountains. The Illecillewaet Glacier and its readily accessible toe provide visitors with a dramatic example of glacial retreat. The park contains over 400 glaciers and more than 130 recorded caves, including the Nakimu Caves system. The Glacier Circle Cabin, built in 1922, is North America's oldest alpine club hut. The park offers extensive hiking trails, including the famous Asulkan Valley Trail and the Abbott Ridge Trail, providing access to spectacular alpine scenery and historic sites.
Glacier National Park experiences a typical mountain climate with heavy precipitation and significant seasonal variations. Winters are long and cold with deep snowpack, often lasting from October to May, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Summers are relatively short and cool, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). The park receives substantial annual precipitation, much of it as snow, with annual snowfall often exceeding 10 meters in higher elevations. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for sudden weather shifts even in summer months.
Canada
51.3350°, -117.5280°
1886
1349
Glacier National Park is located in British Columbia's Selkirk Mountains. The park features active glaciers, dense temperate rainforest, and unique subalpine flora. It's renowned for its deep valleys, steep peaks, and extensive network of hiking trails.