Two beautiful hikes, one underrated park. If you’re passing through Glacier National Park in British Columbia, these short trails offer forests, waterfalls, and big views without needing a full-day commitment.
Glacier National Park (the one in British Columbia!) is one of those places you might almost drive right by. In fact, I actually did drive straight by three times(!) before purposely stopping for a visit! It’s tucked along the Trans-Canada Highway, surrounded by towering mountains and forests, it’s described as a hikers paradise. In this post I will share the two short hikes in Glacier National Park that I completed on my one night visit to the park.
I am so glad I finally made even a bit of time (one night) to stop and explore the park. Though I only brushed the surface of what this park has to offer it was incredible!
If you’re looking for a couple of short hikes in Glacier National Park that you can do without spending the whole day on the trail, I have two recommendations.
Meeting of the Waters and Glacier House Loop
Perfect for after dinner or as a short pit stop, this is an easy 1.3 km loop right next to the Illecillewaet Campground. You can basically roll out of your tent and onto the trail.
The path winds through lush forest, with little wooden bridges and some seriously impressive river views. There are even a few red Parks Canada chairs tucked along the way if you feel like kicking back and soaking it all in.
Along the loop, you’ll also pass the remains of Glacier House — once a luxury hotel built for railway travelers. Now it’s mostly just mossy ruins, but it’s easy to picture how grand it must have felt back in the day.
This trail is short, sweet, and an absolute must-do if you’re camping nearby.
Marion Lake Trail
If you’re up for something a little more challenging, Marion Lake is a 7 km out-and-back hike that will definitely get your heart pumping. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest, gaining about 425 m of elevation.
The lake itself is a peaceful little spot tucked into a basin, and if you’ve still got energy left, you can push a bit further past the lake to reach viewpoints above the treeline. Totally worth it for the views!
If you’re planning to stay overnight, Illecillewaet Campground is an awesome base. It’s right inside Glacier National Park, tucked into the forest and surrounded by mountains.
The sites are fairly basic (no showers), but you do get flush toilets, food storage lockers, and easy access to a bunch of hiking trails, including the Meeting of the Waters loop and Marion Lake. Plus, it’s way less crowded than the campgrounds in bigger parks like Banff or Jasper.
It’s first-come, first-served during the summer, so it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day if you’re visiting during a busy weekend.
Quick Notes
- Bear spray is a must here — Glacier is serious bear country.
- Start early if you can; afternoon storms can roll in fast.
- Trail closures happen often for wildlife and weather, so check the Parks Canada site before you go.
Final Thoughts
Glacier National Park might not be the most famous park in Canada, but it’s definitely one to add to your bucket list. If you’re road-tripping across BC, it’s 100% worth the stop — even just for a few hours to stretch your legs and take in the views. I’m already dreaming about going back to tackle some of the bigger hikes.
Planning Your Own Road Trip?
If you’re dreaming of a road trip across Canada, I put together a digital guide based on my 3-week solo journey — with a full itinerary, campground reviews, hiking tips, a budget tracker, and a custom Google Map to make planning easier. It’s always the perfect time to start planning your next adventure!
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