Hermit Trail in Canada’s Glacier National Park is the perfect hike for you whether you’re an adventure-seeking couple with a (lovingly) spoiled rotten dog! Or an adventurous solo traveller that always has their furry BFF by their side! Or maybe you don’t even have a dog, you just love to hike in the mountains and seeing other people’s dogs is a special trail treat! Hermit Trail in Canada’s Glacier National Park offers you the perfect dog-friendly hiking trip!
Hermit Trail – sometimes referred to as Hermit Meadows Trail – offers breathtaking 360-degree mountain views as well as (literally) breathtakingly steep terrain. But don’t worry, you can huff and puff all the way up with your beloved dog beside you on this epic hike. It’s so worth it!
This blog post will guide you through the exhilaratingly steep journey up the Hermit Trail, sharing essential tips and insights to make your hiking and road trip planning a breeze.
- What You Need To Know About Hiking Hermit Trail:
- Being Safe and Responsible when Backcountry Hiking:
- The Hermit Trail Experience:
- Tips for a Successful Hiking Trip
- On the Trail – There's so Much to See!
- Make it more than a Day Hike!:
- Frontcountry Camping in Glacier National Park:
- Preparing to Hike Hermit Trail:
- What You Need To Know About Hiking Hermit Trail: Continued!
- Get to Know Glacier National Park in BC:
- The Best Time to Hike in Glacier National Park in BC:
- Explore even more of Glacier National Park:
What You Need To Know About Hiking Hermit Trail:
Quick Stats:
- Difficult
- 6.4km (3.97 miles) roundtrip
- There-and-back trail
- 820m (2690ft) of elevation gain
- 4 hours to complete
- Rugged, steep, natural trail with some rock stairs
- Dog-friendly
Location:
Trail Map and Elevation Profile:
Packing Essentials for You:
- Bear spray
- Hiking poles
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
- Lots of water
- Lunch and snacks
Packing Essentials for Your Dog:
- Leash
- Doggy water dish
- Doggy poop bags!
- Treats or some extra kibble
- Heavy-duty Ziplock bag to pack out full doggy poop bags
Being Safe and Responsible when Backcountry Hiking:
Bear Safety
Seeing bears is both exhilarating and slightly terrifying depending on where you see them. From your car: exhilarating, amazing, 10/10! But from the trail, it can be a little scary.
While bear encounters are relatively rare, it’s crucial to prepare yourself by learning to identify grizzly vs. black bears, minimize your chances of encounters, and react safely if do have an encounter and always carry (and know how to use) bear deterrents.
Check out my post 5 Essential Bear Safety Tips You Need to Know to learn more!
Leave No Trace
Just like that old saying goes, “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!”. Practice responsible hiking by carrying out all of your trash (including stranger’s garbage and/or your dog’s waste!), staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and plants!
As wandering nature nerds, we want to leave the land better than we found it.
Want to know more about what it means to leave no trace? Check out my post 7 Ways to Leave No Trace When Exploring the Great Outdoors.
The Hermit Trail Experience:
Getting to the Hermit Trail Trailhead
We’re located in Kelowna, BC, so for us to be able to make it to the Hermit Trail trailhead at a decent time we had to have a fairly early start to our Saturday morning.
From Kelowna to the trailhead, it was just over a 3-hour drive. We aimed to wake up at 5 AM, have the car packed and ready to go by 6 AM and then be at the trailhead by 9 AM.
Ha! I love my enthusiasm, but in reality, I’m somewhat of a terrible morning person and we tend to dilly-dally in the mornings. However, we ended up hitting the road at 7:30 AM and got to the trailhead around 11:30 AM. So that’s pretty good!
We thought this would mean that we would be stuck with more people on the trail, but it actually ended up working out in our favour! More on that later though…
The first great thing about this trail is that the trailhead is very accessible! The turn-off and the parking lot are located along the Trans-Canada Highway 1. The parking lot has ample parking spaces so you’ll always be able to find parking. There are also two pit-toilets, which are very necessary after a 3-hour mini-road trip!
Always check the travel time from your location to the trailhead and plan accordingly!
Estimated Travel Times from your Location:
- Vancouver – 7 hours
- Kelowna – 3 hours
- Kamloops – 3 hours
- Revelstoke – 45 minutes
- Golden – 1 hour
- Banff – 2 hours
- Calgary – 4 hours
Hiking Up the Steep Ascent!
Hanging Out in Hermit Meadows:
The Hike Back Down:
Tips for a Successful Hiking Trip
Start Early!
To make the most of your day trip, begin your day early! Depending on where you live or where you’re visiting from, Glacier National Park can take some time to get to. We woke up around 6 AM and were packed up and ready to go by 7:30 AM.
As mentioned earlier, our aim was to arrive at the trailhead by 9 AM so we could start our hike fairly early and avoid the crowds. However, as we’re not the world’s best morning people, we ended up arriving at the trailhead by 11:30 AM.
We thought this meant that the trail would be super crowded but it turns out our timing worked to be in our favour!
As we hiked up the steep trail, many groups were already on their way back down. By the time we got to the alpine meadow at the top of Hermit Trail, there were only two other couples up there!
By the time we finished eating our lunch, we were the last people up in Hermit Meadow and ended up having the entire alpine meadow to ourselves! It was amazing to be up there all alone!
Bring Your Own Water:
Staying hydrated throughout the hike is so important, both for yourself and your dog. Carry plenty of water, and encourage your dog to drink at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.
There is a glacier runoff stream that runs alongside the Hermit Meadow Trail for almost the entire time. But don’t drink this water!
We hiked The Hermit Trail in late June and I noticed that there was an extremely toxic plant, known as Common Hellebore, growing along the streambank! The high concentrations of toxins within the roots can leach into the water and give you a stomach ache (or worse!), so we didn’t drink from the stream. We also didn’t let Ziggy drink from the stream either.
On the Trail – There’s so Much to See!
Hiking up the steep Hermit Meadow Trail, you’re going to be captivated by the 360-degree beauty of Glacier National Park.
So here are just a few highlights you can expect:
- Panoramic Vistas:
The Hermit Trail offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the park’s snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and glimmering glacier runoff streams. Capture breathtaking photos and savour the unspoiled wilderness surrounding you. - Wildflowers Galore:
There is a reason that the Hermit Trail is also known as the Hermit Meadows! From mid-July to mid-August, the wildflowers are in full bloom! - Serene Wilderness:
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature as you hike deeper into the trail. Revel in the solitude and peacefulness of the remote landscapes, making this journey a perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life. - Wildlife Encounters:
Keep your eyes wide open for wildlife sightings along the trail. Glacier National Park is home to lots of animals, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and even the elusive grizzly bear. Remember to keep your dogs on leash at all times, observe wildlife from a safe distance and respect their space and habitat!
Make it more than a Day Hike!:
Backcountry Camping in Hermit Meadows on the Hermit Trail:
You can camp in Hermit Meadows! After you complete the gruelling hike up the Hermit Trail with all of your overnight camping gear, you can set up on a tent platform, eat dinner while watching the sun set over the distant mountain ranges and wait for the stars to emerge in all of their midnight glory! Then after that amazing show, you can sleep like a baby before waking up to witness a killer sunrise, coffee hand.
I’ve never camped at Hermit Meadows, but that’s how I imagine it would be! Magical!
I haven’t been able to camp there (yet) because it’s a very sought after backcountry campsite that you have to reserve online. Campsites are generally all booked up well in advance, especially on weekends. So if you’re available to hike and camp overnight on the Hermit Trail, then you’ll have a great chance of living my dreams!
Booking a Backcountry Campsite in Hermit Meadows on the Hermit Trail:
First, you’ll have to make an account with Parks Canada Reservations.
Once your account is successfully created, head to the Backcountry reservations, select Backcountry Zone, choose Glacier National Park as your Park and fill in your preferred dates, how many people will be in your group and the number of tent pads you’ll need. The access point will automatically be Hermit Trailhead as this is the only backcountry camping zone in Glacier National Park.
You can hike Hermit Trail and camp overnight with your dog if you have pre-reserved a backcountry campsite.
Campsite Fees at Hermit Meadows: $13.50/person/night.
Good luck!
Frontcountry Camping in Glacier National Park:
Suppose you’re like me and you haven’t been able to score a backcountry campsite reservation at Hermit Meadows or maybe you just don’t want to deal with the headache of making an account and browsing the Parks Canada site endlessly for an opening but still want to camp close by. In that case, frontcountry camping is the answer for you!
There are 3 main frontcountry campsites in Glacier National Park to choose from, however only 2 are currently operating:
Illecillewaet Campground
Illecillewaet Campground is the best campground to choose if you’re looking for an awesome basecamp. The campground is a 10-minute drive from the Hermit Trail trailhead and a 2-minute walk to a bunch of other amazing trailheads. It’s great!
Campsite fees at Illecillewaet Campground: $24.00/site
Everything you need to know about the Illecillewaet Campground in Glacier National Park B.C.:
- Illecillewaet (ill ah SIL-ah-wet) is a Sinixt people’s word that means “Big Water”
- Generally operates from late-June to early October
- It’s a first-come-first-served (fcfs) campsite
- 60 campsites
- Campsites can accommodate cars camping, tents, small RVs and campervans
- Campsites that can accommodate large RVs are limited
- No power hook-ups
- Pit and flush toilets
- Food caches for storing your food and toiletries
- Potable water
- Kitchen shelters to prepare food in
- The campground is dog-friendly, keep them leashed at all times and never leave them unattended
Check out Parks Canada Frontcountry Camping to learn more about registration, fees and the campground.
Loop Brook Campground
If you’re looking for a smaller and quieter campground to hang out in, the Loop Brook Campground would be perfect for you! It’s steps away from some great interpretive nature trails, a 10-minute drive to the Hermit Trail Trailhead and a quick jaunt over to the trailheads in Illecillewaet Campground.
Campsite fees at Loop Brook Campground: $24.00/site
Everything you need to know about the Loop Brook Campground in Glacier National Park B.C.:
- Generally operates from late-June to early October
- You have to reserve campsites through Parks Canada Reservations
- 20 campsites
- Campsites can accommodate cars camping, tents, small RVs and campervans
- No power hook-ups
- Pit and flush toilets
- Food caches for storing your food and toiletries
- Potable water
- Kitchen shelters to prepare food in
- The campground is dog-friendly, keep them leashed at all times and never leave them unattended
Check out Parks Canada Frontcountry Camping to learn more about registration, fees and the campground.
Preparing to Hike Hermit Trail:
Checking Road Conditions + Weather Reports
The day before (and sometimes just before we leave because I’m a bit neurotic) I always make sure to check the road conditions on DriveBC —it’s like a sneak peek at your adventure’s first leg! Mountain roads can throw some curveballs with surprise snow, landslides, or random construction, so it’s good to stay in the loop and avoid any “ugh, seriously?” moments.
And while you’re at it, give the weather a quick check too. We all know how moody mountain weather can be—sunshine one minute, a downpour the next! Pack those layers, toss in some rain gear, and be ready for anything. That way, you can keep the good vibes rolling, no matter what Mother Nature decides to do!
What to Pack for Hiking Hermit Trail:
The Hermit Trail is a fairly short hike, but it’s intensely steep! You’ll work up a sweat hiking up no matter the season, you’ll be thirsty and hungry when you reach the top and after hanging out in the meadow for hours basking in the glory of the 360-degree mountain views, you’ll probably end up a little bit chilly on the hike back down. Especially when you get back down into the tree line by the late afternoon.
When packing, the main thing to remember is that weather can change in an instant when you’re adventuring in the mountains. You’ve probably heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, just wait 10 minutes”. This is the code to live by when your packing!
Alright, lets get into your packing list for a day hike on the Hermit Trail:
- Bear spray in its canister holder
- Hiking poles (your knees will thank you on the hike back down, trust me!)
- A favourite pair of comfortable hiking boots, hiking shoes or trail runners
- Rain jacket (just in case!)
- Day-hiking backpack
- First-aid kit, safety essentials & an emergency kit
- Lots of water
- High protein and energy-packed snack and a lunch
- Trail map (a physical map or download a map from your favourite adventure app)
- Fully charged cell phone and battery bank (don’t forget your charging cord!)
What to Pack for Hiking Hermit Trail with your Dog:
If you’re going to be sweaty, thirsty and hungry while hiking Hermit Trail, I guarantee that your dog is too! Maybe even more so because they’ll have the extra weight of dragging you up the mountain. That’s at least what my dog, Ziggy does!
I try (my best) to be the best dog mom ever so this is what I like to pack for my dog on a day-hike:
- Leash
- Halti and collar or a harness
- Collapsible doggy dish for water and snacks
- High protein treats or some extra kibble
- Doggy poop bags
- Heavy-duty Ziplock bag to keep any full doggy poop bags sealed away in
What You Need To Know About Hiking Hermit Trail: Continued!
Whose Land Are You On?:
Canada’s Glacier National Park falls within the traditional territories of several Indigenous nations, including the Secwepemc (Shuswap), Syilx, (Okanagan), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Ktunaxa (Kootenay), and Sinixt (Lakes) nations.
Check out Native Land to learn more!
Native Land Digital is a not-for-profit that has created an awesome interactive map highlighting Indigenous territories, treaties and languages all around the world.
Glacier National Park’s location is highlighted below.
Required Permits:
- National Park Day Pass – $10.50/person (adult)
Day passes are available online or at the Rogers Pass Discovery Center for $10.50 per adult. You can find more information about here.
Road and Trail Conditions:
It’s always a good idea to check out the road and trail conditions before heading out on your adventure!
Check the road conditions with DriveBC.
Check trail conditions with Parks Canada.
Time Zone:
Hermit trail in Glacier National Park is in Mountain Standard Time (MST)/Mountain Daylight Time (MSD).
If you’re travelling from Vancouver or the Okanagan you’ll be in Pacific Standard Time (PST) and you’ll cross into a new time zone while driving through Glacier National Park.
If you’re travelling from Banff National Park or Golden, you’ll already be in Mountain Standard Time (MST)/Mountain Daylight Time (MSD).
Keep this in mind when planning your trip!
Get to Know Glacier National Park in BC:
I think it’s incredibly important to learn the history of places you travel to. Sometimes on our travels, we can over-plan and rush through our itineraries. We may tend to snap pictures of pretty views and then move on to the next pretty thing. I’m more than guilty of this!
However, I find that when I take the time to learn the history of the place I’m about to explore it really helps me slow down. Then when I’m there, I can fully bask in the awe and wonder of our world.
Check out my post on the history of Canada’s Glacier National Park to learn more!
The Best Time to Hike in Glacier National Park in BC:
Generally, the best time for hiking in Glacier National Park is mid-June to mid-September.
- June – generally wet with spring snowmelt and rainfall, by the end of June almost all lower elevation trails are snow-free but expect snowpack to still be present above the tree line.
- July – the valleys are generally in full summer mode and you can expect almost all trails to be snow-free and wildflowers to be popping up everywhere!
- August – Typically the driest month of the year, by mid-August we start to enter the wildfire season so watch out for wildfire reports and air quality reports.
- September – Depending on the type of year you could experience the best hiking conditions ever! But nights start to cool down significantly and there is always a chance of rain and snow.
Explore even more of Glacier National Park:
Glacier National Park has so many amazing hiking trails to explore! Once you’ve completed the breathtaking steep and beautiful Hermit Trail you should check out hiking to the top of the Asulkan Pass!
