Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 02:23 pm
After completing the Glacier Lake Hike one rainy day I knew I had to come back and try backpacking to Glacier Lake. After a few failed attempts…thanks June snow, it was finally time! The Glacier Lake Hike is usually accessible fairly early in the hiking season even though it is located along the Icefields Parkway. It makes it a great spring backpacking mission while other trails are still snowbound in the area.
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Table of Contents
The Glacier Lake Hike
Distance: 8.9km one way
Elevation: 210m gain, 220m loss
The first few kilometers of the Glacier Lake Hike seem to fly by. The trail is wide for the most part and easy to follow as it heads downwards towards the river. Once across the bridge the trail levels out and heads through the forest for just over another kilometer before coming out to a stunning view of the river valley. There are some Parks Canada red chairs on the left to sit and enjoy the view. For many day hikers just getting here is worthwhile, making the first two kilometers of the glacier lake hike by far the busiest stretch of the trail.
From the viewpoint the trail once again loses elevation as it heads down and runs alongside the river. Stay on trail here and enjoy the views because after this the trail is predominantly in the trees until glacier lake.
The first stretch of the glacier lake hike through the trees after leaving the river is fairly flat and easy to make good time on. But it soon starts to climb and that will be the tale if the glacier lake hike for the foreseeable future. The trail crosses the river using a series of small bridges and gains elevation mostly gradually although there are some steeper stretches.
There are two very steep but short sections and these signal that you are almost at the end of the climb, the trail levels out for a short time before you start the rather steep descent towards Glacier Lake. The majority of the elevation loss is towards the beginning of this section with steep grades and some switchbacks. Eventually it gets less steep and your knees get a break and before you know it, you’ve popped out of the trees right on the lake shore.
For those, like us, who were backpacking to Glacier Lake, the campground is located along the shore to the left near the lake outflow.
Anyone doing a day hike, will likely stop here at the lakeshore, take a break on a downed tree and enjoy a snack while taking in the view. For anyone keen, there is a trail to the right which will take you along the lakeshore, eventually getting you to the back of the lake. It’ll take a few hours to do this though so make sure you have the time. The lakeshore trail is pretty and for the most part easy to follow until the back end of the lake. The trail does continue after this point but we didn’t have the time to venture any further.
Backpacking To Glacier Lake Campground
If you are backpacking to Glacier Lake you are in for a treat with this lakeside campground! This is a popular spot so you’ll likely be sharing a full campground.
There are no tent pads when backpacking to Glacier Lake, the campground is clearly signed and from there it’s up to you to find a nice, flat spot to pitch your tent. Beware when we visited it was very very windy, if you decide to camp next to the lake make sure to secure your tent adequately! We found a flat spot in the trees which offered a bit of a break from the wind.
Just off the lakeshore is the eating area near the outflow of the lake, this is a picture perfect spot to enjoy a good meal after backpacking to Glacier Lake. There are also two main firepit areas, note that wood isn’t provided but you can use any dead fall you find. We found lots of dead fall in spring but I’m sure by late summer there isn’t a lot to work with! Please practice leave no trace here and avoid having fires outside these areas, we found a further 7 small rock fire rings around the camp area.
Be prepared to hang your food when backpacking to Glacier Lake. There aren’t bear lockers here so have a waterproof bag to hang your food and scented items on the hang provided.
There is a drop toilet, bring your own toilet paper and then there is also a small historic cabin, it isn’t overly watertight but is a great spot to try and cook some food out of the wind if needed! The main water source is Glacier Lake itself. We went down to the lake run off as it was easy to fill our water filter bag there.
Where Is The Trailhead
The Glacier Lake Hike is clearly signposted from Highway 93N, also known as the Icefields Parkway. It’s approximately 135 kilometers from Banff via Highway 1 and then north on Highway 93. If you are heading from Jasper it is around 150 kilometers straight down Highway 93.
Things You Might Need
Anytime we head into the backcountry we always take our Garmin InReach Mini 2. This small device provides us with the ability to get help if we were ever in a position to need it as well as check in with people back home so they know we are ok! A worthwhile investment and something we never leave home without.
You’ll want some good hiking boots for the Glacier Lake hike. For the most part the trail is easy going but there are roots to navigate and some marsh parts which were quite wet. I wore my La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots, these were perfect, lightweight but waterproof.
It was crazy windy at Glacier Lake when we camped there but warm on the hike in. Layers were so useful. I wore the Fjallraven Keb hiking pants both for the hike, with the vents open and then at camp when the wind was blowing. I wore a breathable lightweight sun hood for the hike but then had a fleece and synthetic down hoody for camp to stay warm.
The Glacier Lake Hike is prime bear country so make sure to pack bear spray, have it accessible and know how to use it.
Other Backpacking Trips Along The Icefields Parkway
- Fish Lakes Via Molar Pass
- Brazeau Loop
- Norman Lake
Places To Stay Nearby
If you are looking for a spot to stay before or after backpacking to Glacier Lake, there are plenty of camping options along the Icefields Parkway. These tend to be quite rustic though.
If you are looking for a little more comfort and maybe a shower the closest spot would be The Crossing Resort, less than a five minute drive away! This is a perfect spot if you want to do more exploring in the area.
It’s only an hour’s drive to Lake Louise for more accommodation options. Including the cool HI Lake Louise, which offers room types for everyone from singles to families and also has a great Cafe on-site to have a good meal after your hike.
