Glacier National Park Canada: Best Hikes for Kids & 1 Day Itinerary
Canada’s Glacier National Park is absolutely incredible and very underrated. This gem of a National Park has a beautiful drive, some of the best hikes, and lots of family friendly things to do. This post will tell you some of Glacier National Park Canada best hikes with kids, and how to spend one day here!
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This day is built around starting in Golden, BC but if you’re staying in Revelstoke, BC or inside the park you can start at the other side and work backwards. Let’s go!
Start in Golden, BC!
Get a breakfast to go at Golden Bakery and drive 1 hour to the start of Glacier National Park
Golden, British Columbia is a great little mountain town that you should spend time exploring if you haven’t yet. If you’re looking for a quick breakfast before you get going (you’ll want to start early in the day), you can get a grab and go breakfast sandwich at Golden Bakery and a coffee because it’ll be about an hour drive to get from Golden, BC to the start of Glacier National Park.
If you’re looking for more activities in Golden, BC – check out our post 13 Fun Things to do in Golden, BC with Kids! Another Canadian National Park to visit nearby is Yoho National Park. Here is our guide to spending One Beautiful Morning in Yoho National Park with Kids.
Hike to Bear Creek Falls
Distance: 0.8 miles (1 km) roundtrip
Elevation: 157 ft (95 m)
Stroller friendly? No
Bear Creek Falls is a wooded trail that leads through a thick forest and ends with an epic waterfall. This trail does have some steep drop offs, so keep your kids close by or in the pack. This was one of our favorite Glacier National Park BC hikes with kids. It’s also perfect for a hot day because you’re mostly covered. The waterfall at the end was well worth the effort for this hike.
Enjoy the Epic Mountain Views as you Drive the Trans-Canada HIghway
The Trans-Canada Highway runs through Glacier National Park and you’ll be treated to incredible views of the mountains and glaciers as you drive. Hopefully, you can take turns driving so you’ll have a turn to ogle the incredible mountains and not run yourself off the road staring!
Visit Rogers Pass Discovery Center
Roger’s Pass Discovery Center is a visitor center located at the top of the pass through the park. It’s the perfect place to stop and take a break from hiking. You can also head to the Summit of Rogers Pass Picnic Area (the second highest point on the Trans-Canada Highway!) if you’re ready for a lunch or snack break.
Get Your National Parks Passport Stamped
We love getting our National Parks Passport stamped! We personally just used the Rocky Mountain section of our US National Parks Passport to stamp, but you can use whatever you have. You also can get the stamp on a piece of paper and add it to whatever travel journal you use!
Pick up your Canada Glacier National Park Souvenirs
The souvenir shop here is pretty dang small, but you can probably find a trinket or two. We always try to get a magnet from the parks and new places we visit. Unfortunately, they were out of Glacier National Park magnets, but I guess that just means we’ll have to come visit again.
Enjoy the Animals at the Visitor Center
This visitor center has several real (stuffed) animals that the kids loved looking at. There are some cool things to look at around here, so take a few minutes to walk around. Then head outside and enjoy the mountain views outside!
Hike the Rock Garden Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km) roundtrip
Elevation: 68 feet (20m)
Stroller friendly? No
The Rockgarden Trail was one of the best hikes we’ve done for toddlers anywhere and definitely one of the best hikes for kids in Glacier National Park, BC. If your kids like to climb, this hike is for you! The trail takes you up and over several boulders and through the forest with beautiful mountain views and a rock climbing feel without being difficult.
We didn’t notice when we first hiked, but they usually have brochures at the start of the trail matches to symbols that you can find throughout the trail. Finding the symbols along the trail is another fun interactive thing for kids. This was one of our favorite kid friendly hikes of all time because we have a couple of little climbers.
Walk the Hemlock Grove Boardwalk
Distance: 0.2 miles (0.3 km)
Elevation: 65 feet (20 m
Stroller friendly? Yes!
The Hemlock Grove Boardwalk is the easiest hike in Glacier National Park, BC. It’s perfect if you want one extra stop to explore before heading home for the day. This trail is a boardwalk through the forest. There are a few interpretive signs throughout the trail as well. You’ll also find some red chairs here. Our kids had fun looking for the red chairs on our hikes through the Canadian National Parks!
What are the red chairs? These red chairs were originally placed in 18 locations throughout Canadian National Parks to highlight lesser known locations through the parks. Now there are over 400 red Adirondack chairs (made from 100% recycled plastic saved from Canadian landfills). The red chairs are now a symbol of Canada’s National Parks and makes for a fun break when you’re on a hike.
Turn Around or Continue to Revelstoke
At this point you can choose to drive a little further (about 40 minutes) to the town of Revelstoke for dinner and to explore more. Or you can turn around and head back to Golden depending on where you’re staying. We absolutely loved this park and can’t wait to visit again when our kids can do some longer hikes.
If you’re also planning to visit Mount Revelstoke National Park check out our guide to Mount Revelstoke National Park with Kids!
Other Kid friendly HIkes in Glacier National Park, BC
If you’re up for more hikes in Glacier National Park Canada with your kids, I’ve listed a couple other hikes below!
Loop Brook Trail
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Elevation: 334 feet (102 m)
Stroller friendly? No
This trail is an interpretive trail where you’ll learn about the history of the railway. The trail goes alongside giant stones from where the railroad used to be. On this short trail, you’ll get to hike through the forest and see some beautiful mountain views.
Meeting of the Waters Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Elevation: 173 feet (53 m)
Stroller friendly? No
The meeting of the waters trail will highlight where the waters from the Illecillewaet River and the Asulkan Brook meet. Along the way, you’ll see the remains of the Glacier House Hotel and a beautiful bridge.
Things to Know Before Visiting Glacier National Park, British Columbia
1. Glacier National Park, BC is not the same as Glacier National Park, USA or Waterton National Park
It’s easy to get confused here, but Glacier National Park, BC is located near Revelstoke, British Columbia. Glacier National Park, USA is located in Montana. And the Canadian National Park that’s attached to Glacier National Park USA is called Waterton National Park.
2. There are no Gas Stations in Glacier National Park Canada
The closest gas stations are in Revelstoke, BC and Golden, BC. We very nearly ran out of gas because we didn’t plan ahead and it was very stressful! Plan accordingly and head into the park with a full tank.
3. You May Not Have Cell Service
We had very spotty cell service while in the park. Make sure you get a park map and pay attention to signs as you drive so you don’t miss any of your stops!
4. Bring Bear Spray
Glacier National Park is definitely home to bears so make sure to pack your bear spray when you hike and have it accessible. Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but it’s important to be prepared if you do encounter a bear. Also, remember to respect wildlife to protect them and yourself. You must stay 100m (330 feet) away from larger animals like bears and wolves, and 30m (100 feet) away from animals like deer.
5. You Need a Park Pass
In order to explore Canada’s National Parks, you do need a park pass. You can buy a day pass at Rogers Pass Discovery Center or stop by the Parks Canada office in Revelstoke (if you’re staying there)
If you’re planning to visit multiple Canadian National Parks on your trip, it’ll be worth it for you to get a Discovery Pass. This pass will get you entrance to over 80 National Parks for a full year. You can buy a Discovery Pass anywhere that you buy a parks pass for the Canadian National Parks.
7. Which Seasons Can I visit Glacier National Park, BC
Glacier National Park is open year round. However, you will be very limited in the Winter to what you can do. In the summer, trails open depending on when the snow melts. Frontcountry trails are usually open by mid June and backcountry trails usually mid July. The trails remain open until usually mid-October. This park will be best visited in summer, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
8. Are Dogs Allowed in Glacier National Park, BC?
Dogs are allowed in certain areas of Glacier National Park. However, dogs do cause stress for wildlife and can be seen as threats to bears. Dogs need to be on a leash 100% of the time while in the park. Plan to check with a ranger before bringing your dog on the trail, certain trails never allow dogs and some trails may not allow dogs if there have been lots of bear activity.
We hope you have the best time on your trip to Glacier. After your trip, let us know in the comments what you think are Glacier National Park Canadas Best Hikes!
AND if you’re looking to plan an epic 7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary with your kids – we’ve got you covered with incredible hikes and all the best stops!
