Glacier Lake Trail

Start at the Glacier Lake parking area on the southwest side of the Icefields Parkway, about a kilometer north of the David Thompson Highway junction at Saskatchewan River Crossing. The trail begins as a broad track through lodgepole pine, then descends toward the North Saskatchewan River. A small path joins from the left early on; stay on the main route as it reaches a high bridge about 1.1 km from the start. The river sits below you, and it can run forcefully during snowmelt.

After the bridge, the trail winds toward the Howse River. Red chairs overlook its braided channels and the peaks around Mount Murchison. This is worth a pause even if you keep going, and it is a sensible turn-around if the full 17 km feels like too much. Descriptions disagree about the exact mileage to the chairs, so use them as a landmark rather than planning a timed partial walk from a single distance figure. Past the overlook, the path drops toward the river's north bank and follows it briefly, with views opening and closing between the trees.

The trail turns inland again and climbs over the shoulder of Survey Peak, crossing several bridges. This is the main uphill stretch, in uneven grades rather than one sharp summit push. The high point is around 1,670 m, roughly two-thirds of the way to the lake; from there the route gradually descends. There is no summit scramble, but the long, remote approach makes every extra stop part of a full day.

At about 8.5 km, the trail reaches the lake's northeastern shore. Glacier Lake is turquoise and backed by steep mountain slopes, with Southeast Lyell Glacier visible toward the far end. On a calm day, the clear shallows and their pebbled bottom make a strong foreground for the reflection. The designated campground is about 200 m along the shore from where the trail arrives; that short shoreline walk is extra. Overnight campers must reserve a Parks Canada backcountry permit.