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Glacier National Park of CanadaVisitor InformationSafety and HazardsTravelling Safely in the Columbia MountainsGlacier National Park is a wilderness environment, in one of the most rugged landscapes in the country: the Columbia Mountains. Many natural hazards exist, but the risk of personal injury can be minimized by taking reasonable precautions. Your safety is your personal responsibility. Caution and self-reliance are essential, along with a knowledge of natural hazards, experience in avoiding them and successfully dealing with them when they happen. Pick trips that reflect your level of ability. Ask park staff about trips if you are unsure. Hazardous Activity RegistrationIf you are planning an activity that may be hazardous (eg. mountain or rock climbing, or hiking alone), you may voluntarily register your trip with park staff. Voluntary registration is available for any activity in Mount Revelstoke National Park and it is recommended for any risk activity. Failure to return your registration by the time and date shown on the registration card will initiate a search-and-rescue operation. Registration services are available in person at: 1. The Rogers Pass Centre in Glacier National Park 2. Parks Canada office in Revelstoke, 300 - 3rd Street West, open from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, closed from noon until 1 pm Pacific Time. Wildlife
Any wild animal can be dangerous. Even ground squirrels deserve distance and respect! They can bite and have been known to transmit disease. Humans are also dangerous to wildlife. Animals that are fed lose their fear of people and may end up being destroyed to protect human safety. Often we cannot even see the results of our presence on wildlife. Some animals may change their wild behaviour patterns to maintain access to human foods, disrupting their relationships with each other and with their natural foods and environment. Other animals may change their habits to avoid humans, even though by doing so they may forgo the use of important natural feeding areas. Please do your part to limit the impact that so many people have on park wildlife. Give all the animals you see the respect they deserve and the space they need. Enjoy a safe visit and ensure that future generations have the chance to see wildlife that is truly wild. Read more here about safety in bear country. Check with park staff when you arrive in the park about bear sightings and trail alerts. Ask park staff or read the Selkirk Summit to learn more about reducing your risk of encountering bears when camping in the backcountry or what to do if you encounter a bear. The Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier sell publications on bear safety, including "Safety in Bear Country", a publication dealing specifically with bear ecology in the Columbia Mountains. Drinking WaterThough park waters are generally clean, there is always a chance that harmful bacteria or parasites may exist in untreated surface water. Pathogens of concern in BC include giardia and cryptosporidium. Boil or disinfect and filter untreated water before using, or carry water from a treated water source. Potable water is available at both campgrounds in Glacier National Park and at the Rogers Pass Centre. For more information on drinking water safety, consult our article, Water, Birds and Bugs. Pets
Pets are permitted on hiking trails but must be on a leash at all times by law. Dogs and other pets may jeopardize your safety and theirs by provoking and attracting wildlife. Bears, cougars, porcupines, coyotes, wolverines and small predators such as marten and fisher are all capable of injuring or even killing your pet.
Weather
Snow and cold temperatures can occur any month of the year. Sunburn can be a major problem at higher elevations. Because mountain weather can change very rapidly and unpredictably, you should carry sun screen, appropriate clothing and proper equipment at all times. Use sunglasses and sunscreen even when it is cold or cloudy. Ultraviolet radiation increases in intensity with altitude. The sun's reflection from snow or ice can damage your eyes. The Columbia Mountains climate is relatively mild, but it is often wet, even in winter. The most functional clothing for summer hiking or for winter activities is made from waterproof-breathable fabrics. Clothing that is windproof alone will not serve you if you are planning outdoor activities in the Columbia Mountains, and coated waterproof fabrics will usually be too warm. Dress in layers and keep in mind that here, it rains three days in five on average! Check our weather page to learn more about seasonal averages.
AvalanchesAlmost any slope, under the right circumstances, may release its snowy mantle in an avalanche. Even small avalanches can be deadly. Backcountry skiers, boarders and snowshoers must know how to recognize and travel in avalanche terrain. Each member of your party should carry a shovel, transceiver and probe, and know how to use them. A daily avalanche bulletin is available during the winter months at (250) 837-MTNS (837-6867). For more information on avalanches, click here. New Standard of Care for Youth Groups in the Backcountry Parks Canada’s goal is to encourage our youth to travel in their mountain parks, while at the same time receiving appropriate leadership in suitable locations. The information contained within these pages attempts to offer a strong resource for custodial groups who plan to undertake backcountry travel. Learn more... Related Links
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