Coast to Coast Trans-Canada Road Trip, Days 5 & 6: Glacier National Park, British Columbia

Balu Pass Trail

I LOVE Glacier National Park. I believe I could easily spend a week, perhaps two, exploring it's many fine hiking trails. Who knew? Certainly not I, having obviously been unfairly distracted by the lure of it's more iconic neighbours to the east, Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay.

We had planned on staying one night in Glacier and decided to pony up for two. This gave us enough time to hike two of the park's most scenic trails, as recommended by the helpful Parks Canada staff, Balu Pass and the Asulkan Valley.

Balu Pass Trail
Estimated time (return): 4 hours
Distance (return): 12.8km
Elevation gain: 788m
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike details for both hikes taken from the Glacier National Parks trail brochure.

The trailhead for Balu Pass is conveniently located behind the visitors centre at Rogers Pass. It starts with a steep climb through a fairly unremarkable (sorry, but I must call a spade a spade) stand of hemlocks. Not to worry though! In a reasonably short amount of time the trail opens up into alpine meadows with gorgeous views stretching across the valley to Balu Pass. I know all valleys and alpine meadows make for pretty pictures, but these are particularly scenic AND the layout of the trail coupled with uncharacteristically well-aligned valley walls allow for unobstructed views for the remaining length of the hike. Charge your camera batteries before you go and pack a big lunch! This trail requires some degree of endurance but you'll be well rewarded for your efforts.

Asulkan Valley Trail
Estimated time (return): 6 hours
Distance (return): 13.8km
Elevation gain: 869m
Difficulty: Moderate

Here is the Canadian alpine hiking experience of your picture-postcard-perfect dreams. I mean it! Close your eyes and imagine the required elements of the quintessential west coast alpine hike and this trail has them in spades. Valley views, a rushing icy creek, glaciers, wildlife, even an alpine hut and, oh yes, a steep grind or two (or three or four) to get the blood pumping. As an added bonus, the hike begins with a walk through the ruins of the old Glacier House Hotel, complete with plaques detailing the establishment's colourful history. What more could one ask for in a trail?

Note: Snow cover made the last sections of both these hikes difficult and slow-going. What's more, though we saw no bears on either of these trails, we have heard that bear activity can be of heightened concern some years. Check trail conditions with Parks Canada staff at Rogers Pass before heading out. Happy hiking!