Stanley Glacier Hike in Kootenay: Explore Waterfalls, Glaciers & Caves

Stanley Glacier is the most popular hike in Kootenay. This hike, quote on quote, *has it all.* On this trail you can expect a trek through the most gorgeous basin surrounded by striking mountain peaks. On the way to the glacier you’ll encounter gushing waterfalls, ancient fossils, and even a couple caves!

In this guide I’ll tell you all about the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay: directions, highlights, pictures, and tips to ensure you have a successful adventure.

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Now, let’s go hiking!

Skip Ahead:

How to get to the Stanley Glacier trailhead
Where to stay in Kootenay
About the Stanley Glacier trail
Hiking to Stanley Glacier
Recommended hiking gear
What to wear hiking

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How to Get to the Stanley Glacier Trailhead

The Stanley Glacier hike is located in Kootenay National Park; a beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park located just half an hour west of Banff or half an hour south of Lake Louise.

You can find the Stanley Glacier trailhead on highway 93 along with a few other great hiking trails: the Paint Pots (a quick and easy hike located just 6 minutes down the road), Taylor & O’Brien Lake, Boom Lake, and Arnica & Twin Lakes.

Parking is limited, so it’s advised hikers arrive early to get a spot, especially on weekends. There’s no shuttle to the Stanley Glacier hike, so if you don’t have a car you’ll need to rent one to access the trail.

Where to Stay in Kootenay National Park

Budget – HI Castle Mountain Hostel
Mid-range – Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows,
Luxury stay – Storm Mountain Lodge & cabins
Camp – reservation info.

Most people opt to spend the day in Kootenay and stay overnight in destinations nearby; namely Banff, Lake Louise, and Radium Hot Springs.

Banff – Fairmont Banff Springs (luxury), Banff Park Lodge (mid-range), High Country Inn (budget), HI Banff, Banff Interntional, and Samesun Banff (hostels).
Lake Louise – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (luxury), Paradise Lodge & Bungalows (500m from the lake), Lake Louise Inn (mid-range), HI Lake Louise (hostel).
Radium Hot springs – Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort (luxury), Radium Chalet (luxury), Rocky Mountain Springs Lodge (mid-range), Radium Park Lodge (budget).

About the Stanley Glacier Hike

Distance: 10.9km
Elevation gain: 604m
Rated: hard (in reality, more like moderate)
Type of trail: out & back
Estimated time: 4 hours

The Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay is a thrilling trail that features so many natural wonders. Since it’s the most popular hike in Kootenay, you can expect to find lots of fellow hikers on the trail. Users can hike or snowshoe to Stanley Glacier year round, however the trail is best hiked from June to September and I definitely recommend hiking during this timeframe.

The Stanley Glacier trail starts out following switchbacks through a new growth forest; Kootenay experienced a massive wildfire in 2003. After the switchbacks hikers will enter a mesmerizing basin where they’ll find waterfalls, caves, and fossils.

Toward the end of the hike users can expect the most significant amount of elevation gain (although not overly strenuous) until they reach a plateau. Right before the final steep section is the end of the “official trail,” however it’s recommended that hikers continue past the final steep section for the best view of Stanley Glacier.

Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay — Hiking through the basin toward Stanley Glacier

Tips for a Successful Hike

Bring a bug suit or some form of bug repellent. You can expect to find lots of bugs on this trail, especially in the wooded section.
You’ll be exposed for the vast majority of the Stanley Glacier hike. Bring sunscreen and ensure you have lots of water. I bring 2L of water on every hike via my Hydrapak.
Arrive early to ensure you get a parking spot.
Trekking poles are very beneficial, especially if you take the more challenging route.

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Hiking to Stanley Glacier

The Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay is rated hard, however as far as Rocky Mountain hiking goes I’d personally consider this hike more “moderate.” The elevation gain isn’t overly steep and there isn’t anything technical about it, making it great for hikers of all ages and ability levels.

Switchbacks to the Little Bridge

The Stanley Glacier hike starts out following switchbacks amongst a new growth forest; see the short, green trees next to the scorched, taller trees. The elevation gain for the first 4km is gently graded and the terrain follows a packed dirt trail. The first little bit isn’t overly exciting, but around the 1km mark you can expect to see the first waterfall followed up by a few bridges and streams.

You may encounter quite a few people in the switchback section. The trail can be quite narrow in areas here, so be patient and practice trail etiquette as you navigate around groups of slower hikers.

Kootenay National Park — Guard Wall (right)

Eventually you’ll enter the basin where you’ll find a great view of the Guard Wall (the big mountain on the right).

In the distance you’ll be able to see the largest waterfall, but wait… The view gets better the closer you get.

Stanley Glacier hike, Kootenay — Basin, headwall, and large waterfall in the distance (right)

Eventually you’ll come to a fork in the trail. If you opt to hike right, you’ll start gaining elevation in the direction of the scree slope (more challenging route). Hiking left takes you to Stanley Glacier via the easier route.

Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and… A Cave!

I’ll be talking about this trail from the perspective of hiking right at the fork. This route is how you’ll get up close and personal with all the exciting waterfalls, caves, and fossils on the Stanley Glacier hike. In order to hike this route though, you’ll need to hike through loose scree. Bring appropriate footwear (I wear these boots/men’s version) and hiking poles.

First up is the giant boulder (featured in the pic below). The talus field surrounding the giant boulder encompasses all sorts of fossils! There’s a guided hike for Stanley Glacier – the guide will take you to the talus field and show you how to find fossils. But in the spirit of cheap travel & adventure, I recommend you hike guide-less and search for fossils on your own.

Directly behind the talus field you’ll find the biggest waterfall on the Stanley Glacier hike. This thing is absolutely massive! The only waterfall I’ve seen that compares for height is Takkakaw Falls in Yoho.

Waterfall on the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay National Park — Close-up view of the largest waterfall on the Stanley Glacier hike (see my teeny tiny body in the pic for size reference)

After the waterfalls you’ll find the caves. There’s one big cave and a smaller cave. You can climb inside these caves AND take a quick glacial shower in the tiny waterfalls located directly in front of them.

Cave in Kootenay — Cave on the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay

Cave to Stanley Glacier

After the cave you’ll want to continue following the higher trail. You’ll cross a couple flowing mountain streams then come face-to-face with the final and steepest incline of the hike. Right before this incline is technically the end of the “official trail,” however the best view is yet to come so keep on trekkin’.

After the final push (which only lasts for about 0.5km) the ground levels out and the trail transforms into a rocky plateau. To the left you’ll find Stanley Creek as well as a little alpine meadow full of blooming wildflowers which can be seen in July-ish.

Stanley Glacier, Kootenay National Park — Stanley Glacier in Kootenay

Past the plateau you’ll notice the ground gains more elevation; this raised area is called a moraine. The best view of Stanley Glacier (pictured below) is from the moraine, however hiking on/around moraines can be quite dangerous. SO, I’d recommend hiking only to the ridge of the moraine and walking directly on the highest point. Once you reach the highest point of the moraine, don’t walk down the other side of it as the ground can be quite unstable. Additionally, if you decide to hike up close to the glacier ensure you don’t step foot on it.

Walking on glaciers is extremely dangerous. Glacier walks should be attempted only with guides who have training and proper equipment.

Return Hike

There are a couple options for the return hike. Users can either A) return via the same trail they used to get to the glacier (for me, the trail closest to the waterfalls and caves), or B) hike back on the opposite side of the basin. Eventually both trails meet up so it honestly doesn’t matter where you go.

I took the opposite trail back. This allowed me to see the smaller waterfalls on the opposite side of the basin and it gave me a closeup view of Stanley Creek.

Looking for More Adventures in British Columbia?

The Holistic Backpacker is full of hiking and travel resources for destinations all over the Canadian Rockies.

The following are a few of my personal favourites, but you can find all my BC guides here:

Explore Alberta

Alberta is British Columbia’s next door neighbour and is home to incredible National Parks and Wildland areas like Kananaskis Country, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton National Park, etc.

You can find all my hiking guides and travel resources for Alberta here.

Recommended Hiking Gear

The following items are some of my favourites – I never hit the trail without them!

The Capture Clip by Peak Design is a sturdy, safe, and super convenient way to carry your camera while hiking or backpacking.

Find it on Amazon (CAD).

Find it on Peak Design (US).

A hydration reservoir is SO important. It holds 2L+ of water and keeps you hydrated on-trail. I use the 2L Hydrapak; it never leaks and has a detachable tube.

Things to look for in a good quality day-pack: sternum strap, hip belt (with pockets), and a breathable mesh system for your back. I use the Osprey Sirrus 24L pack (men’s version) and I LOVE it!

What To Wear Hiking in the Rockies

For a detailed guide on what to wear hiking in the Canadian Rockies, check out this post.

Choosing what to wear hiking can be confusing, but the secret to properly dressing for a hike is layering. You can mix and match the tops and bottoms you already own to make up your base layers, however in addition to those clothes you’ll need a few extra things:

A waterproof jacket is the most important layer for hiking – it keeps you warm and protects you from wind and rain. I use the Marmot Eco Precip Jacket (men’s version) which is totally a bang-for-your-buck. If rain is in the forecast, don’t forget to pack waterproof pants (men’s version) too.

A good pair of hiking boots are Gore-tex, provide ankle support, and are durable. I use the Scarpa Kailash boot (men’s version) and they’ve never let me down. You’ll also want a good quality pair of socks. I use Smartwool – they’re great quality and last an entire season.

A puffer jacket acts as your warm layer. I use the hoodless Columbia Women’s Heavenly Jacket (men’s version). Alternatively you can use a fleece zip – I have this one (men’s version) from Columbia. Both of these options are perfect layers to keep you warm on windy, cold, or high elevation hikes.

Rocky Mountain hiking exposes you to different natural elements and conditions – it’s imperative that you’re prepared for whatever nature throws at you. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!

More: Day-hiking Gear Guide

More: What to Wear Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

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