Hours of operation

Visitor Information

Glacier National Park is on Pacific Time. Hours are subject to change.

Seasonality

Glacier National Park offers outdoor recreation activities year-round. During the winter months, the slopes along the Trans-Canada Highway close for avalanche control and can only be accessed by Winter Permit holders.

Trails and Day-Use Areas

Trails open as early in the summer as the snow allows. Generally, frontcountry trails are open by mid-June and backcountry trails are open by mid to late July. All trails remain open until the autumn snowfall (usually mid-October). In spring and late fall, trails may be subject to avalanche risk or have snow or ice covered sections requiring snowshoes or crampons for safe travel. Delays in trail openings may occur when bears are present in the area or when snow has caused damage to trail structures.

Day-use areas along the Trans-Canada Highway open with the spring snowmelt - usually early to late June. With the exception of the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre area, all day-use areas are closed after Canadian Thanksgiving in early October.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

Ski and snowboard backcountry touring season in Glacier National Park usually begins in mid-November and lasts until the end of April. During this period, Glacier National Park also runs the world's largest mobile avalanche control program using explosive artillery fire to protect highway and railway traffic from natural avalanches. The Winter Permit System is in effect from mid-November to late April annually. The system allows Parks Canada to open certain slopes when avalanche control is not required, separating skiers from explosives and the resulting avalanches.

Where to buy a National Park Pass

When visiting a national park or national historic site, you must have a valid national parks pass. Glacier National Park offers various options and locations to buy your pass today.