Hiking Glacier Crest Trail in Glacier National Park (Canada)
Trip Report: Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park
Steep climbs, glacier views, and one very chill toddler.
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Every time we hike in Glacier National Park, I find myself thinking—how is this place so underrated? Glacier Crest is no exception. This trail delivers big mountain energy from start to finish, and the panoramic views at the top? Unreal.
Matt and I hiked Glacier Crest with Aspen when she was about 1.5 years old, and it instantly became one of our all-time favourite trail days as a family. Aspen wasn’t walking yet, so Matt took on the full load carrying her in our Osprey Poco (major shoutout to him because the trail is no joke—it’s steep and sustained!). But even with the climb, we were grinning ear to ear the whole way. At the summit, Aspen flopped onto a rock, drank her bottle, and lounged like she owned the place—with hanging glaciers, mountain ridges, and the iconic Illecillewaet Glacier as her backdrop.
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Glacier Crest Trail Overview
Distance: ~11.4 km (out & back)
Elevation Gain: ~870 m
Time: 4–6 hours
Trailhead: Illecillewaet Campground
Difficulty: Hard
Best Time to Go: Late July to early October (once snow has melted)
This is a classic out-and-back trail that starts just beyond the Illecillewaet Campground in Glacier National Park, BC. It’s a steady uphill climb through lush forest, past wildflower meadows, and eventually opens up into a ridge that puts you eye-level with towering glaciers. The final push to the crest is exposed and dramatic—so bring layers, water, and your camera.
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
A Few Notes from Our Day
We got an early-ish start, hitting the trail around 9:30 AM. It was a bluebird day, which helped make the climb a little more cheerful, but also meant we appreciated the shady forest on the way up. Once we broke out of the trees, we took lots of breaks—mostly for snacks and to let Aspen stretch out a bit—but also because every few minutes we were like “WAIT, look at this view.”
There’s not much for water sources after the first third, so make sure you bring enough (especially if you’re carrying extra weight—aka your kiddo). Also worth noting: this trail shares the first portion with the Asulkan Valley Trail, so keep an eye out for the Glacier Crest junction at about 1.5 km in.
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Gear
If you’re hiking with a toddler or young kids, here’s what worked for us:
Carrier: Osprey Poco with sunshade
Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist (non-greasy and toddler-approved)
Clothing: Patagonia Capilene Cool for everyone—lightweight and UPF protective
Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Distance Z (lifesavers on the descent)
Snacks + Bottle: Always, always bring more than you think
Layers: A fleece, windbreaker, and toque—for summit chills
I’ve got a full breakdown of our day-hiking gear setup here:
How to Get There
• From Vancouver: 6.5–7.5 hours via Trans-Canada Hwy (Highway 1)
• From Calgary: 3.5–4 hours via Trans-Canada Hwy
The drive through Rogers Pass is stunning. Just be prepared for cell service to drop after Revelstoke. The Illecillewaet parking lot is well-marked and located right off Highway 1 inside the park.
Park Pass Info
Since Glacier is part of the national parks system, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required. You can buy a day pass at the trailhead or online in advance—or go with the annual pass if you plan to visit more than 7 days a year (we definitely get our money’s worth).
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Where to Stay
There are some great options depending on your travel style:
Camping:
Illecillewaet Campground (closest to the trailhead!)
Loop Brook Campground (another Parks Canada option nearby)
Hotels + Lodges:
Basecamp Resorts Golden – modern suites with kitchens
Cathedral Mountain Lodge in Yoho – rustic luxury surrounded by wilderness
Glacier Mountaineer Lodge at Kicking Horse for a cozy base with views
We always talk about how lucky we are to live near places like Glacier National Park. But this trail felt like something extra special. The combination of epic scenery, quality time together, and seeing Aspen so relaxed and content in the alpine? That’s the kind of memory that sticks with you.
If you’re looking for a challenge with massive rewards (and don’t mind some burning quads), Glacier Crest is one to put on your list.
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
Views from Glacier Crest Trail, Glacier National Park (Canada)
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