Glacier Lake

Though it has a cold name, the Glacier Lake trail is actually snow-free early in the season.

Plan Around Glacier Lake

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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Glacier Lake Details

You'll take some ups and downs on this trail through rolling woodlands, gaining 210 meters (689 feet) and dipping 220 meters (722 feet) to the picturesque Glacier Lake just as it was seen by early European explorers, below the mountain peaks soaring above. This trail is snow-free early in the season, so get out there! The trailhead for this hike is off of Highway 93 North, 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) north of the Saskatchewan Crossing.

Difficulty

High

Distance

17.8 km

Estimated time

6.5 hrs

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Glacier Lake

Compare nearby parks around Glacier Lake when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

45.2 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

267.9 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

302.8 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

398.7 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

422.3 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

594.3 mi away

Yellowstone

National Park · WY

Nearby Points of Interest Around Glacier Lake

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Glacier Lake while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Glacier Lake

One of the largest backcountry lakes in Banff National Park is accessible via this suggested two-day hike.

0.7 mi away

Saskatchewan River Crossing

In the 19th century, "The Crossing" was so-named when traveled and fur traders used this spot to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their way to British Columbia.

1.5 mi away

Saskatchewan Crossing Warden Residence

This building reflects the park wardens' activities moving from the park's backcountry to the front country, closer to the highway.

2.7 mi away

Sarbach Lookout

Hike this trail for a workout instead of the views.

2.9 mi away

Mistaya Canyon

This slot canyon is close to the Icefields Parkway for easy exploration.