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Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/Kootenay National Park
Panorama of the Stanley Glacier hike in Banff National Park, Alberta

Stanley Glacier Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
568 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.4 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3.5-5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
9.8 (26 reviews)
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

Table of contents

The Stanley Glacier hike in beautiful Kootenay National Park is a true delight. The trail goes from burnt forest with mesmerizing wildflowers, to alpine meadow, to the amazing Stanley Glacier. This gentle climb has it all – complete with beautiful cascading waterfalls too!

Route Description for Stanley Glacier

Proceed over the Vermillion River Footbridge and start up the trail. The burnt forest characterizes the beginning of the trail, as it was struck by lightning in 1968. The amazing wildflowers that grow in this area are truly stunning, and the lack of foliage allows for more frequent viewpoints. Watch out if you are attempting this hike during high winds, as the tree branches are brittle and can break off.

Climb steadily up switchbacks until you reach a river formed by the runoff of the Stanley Glacier –this is roughly 2 km into the hike. Cross the creek then continue beside it as the forest around you slims. The climbing is not as strenuous as you enter a pristine alpine meadow with incredible views in all directions. Many waterfalls run down to either side of the valley in spring and early summer. The trail from here continues ahead, with the wonderful Stanley Glacier on your right-hand side.

You can see a path rising on both sides of the valley up ahead. This is an optional ascent to a great viewing area, which adds 3 km and 240 m onto the hike (the GPS track shows this route). You reach the decision point 4.2 km into the trail, and the sign denotes that the end of the maintained route has arrived. If you want to continue, immediately enter a boulder field and start to climb up. It's steep, but the views make it worthwhile.

The highest point you will reach is a group of trees on a plateau. From here you can choose to turn back and return the way you came or continue through the trees, across a stream and down the other side of the valley. We prefer the circuit as it gives different views of the side walked up. Rejoin the main path and continue down the way you came up, enjoying great scenery across the main valley to Mount Whymper.

If you don't do the extension, then this is a perfect hike for the youngsters in the group. It is not too long, has plenty of scenery changes, and great views.

Find other great hikes in Kootenay National Park:

Insider Hints for Stanley Glacier

  • Stop off or stay at the wonderful Storm Mountain Lodge. The food is delicious and the historic cabins are usually reasonable.

Getting to the Stanley Glacier Trailhead

Going west along the Trans-Canada Highway from Banff, turn south at Castle Junction towards Radium highway 93. The Stanley Glacier parking lot is on the left side of the road, four kilometers from the provincial border.

Route Information for Stanley Glacier

  • When to do:

    June through October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    Trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Stanley Glacier Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Stanley Glacier

9.8
26 reviews
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tamglenJune 2021

Highly recommend this hike. First 4 km are quite easy as described. If you are physically able do not miss the additional 3 km loop. The ascent is steep and the descent is equally tricky with loose rock/ gravel. However the views are so worth it.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
04:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
andrea.hothiOctober 2020

Beginning was really great with a nice path and beautiful views and a waterfall, but then it got very rocky and the views didn't pay off like at the beginning.

Overall Rating
8
Trip Length
03:07
Technical Difficulty
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
YukihiroSatoAugust 2020

There are so many beautiful views to see here.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
04:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
AnnSueAugust 2020

This trail was less strenuous compared to Ball pass and Floe Lake. There were more meadows and wildflowers in here. Wonderful view of the glaciers .

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
04:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Hiking-ehJuly 2020

This is a nice hike. Long long beautiful views of the mountains and valley.

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
lukeboiiJuly 2020

wicked mountain scenery. packs a lot into a pretty quick hike- waterfalls, wildflowers, the works.

WendyMag.June 2020

Terrific views. Moderate hike. You'll be amazed from beginning to the end.

Overall Rating
9
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
isaacandersonJune 2020

Perfect wonderland with amazing views!

Overall Rating
10
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Tara GreenJune 2020

A great trail with amazing views of the Stanley Glacier

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
03:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
MeighanJune 2020

The subsiding glacier and the mountain views are amazing.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
03:30
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

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Last Updated: August 24, 2026

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