Thoughts From a "Lost Canadian" About Glacier National Park

Growing up in the USA, there are many Canadian National Parks with which I was not familiar, but even though I had heard of Glacier National Park, there were certainly a great many things I did not know about it. I am happy to share with you today some of the amazing things I have learned about this beautiful National Park in Canada!

• Located in southeastern British Columbia, this protected wilderness which covers 521 square miles, spans the rugged Selkirk and Purcell mountains.
• Glacier National Park Canada was established in 1886 and is a mecca for mountaineering and backcountry exploration, renowned for over 130 glaciers, towering peaks, and massive winter snowfalls. 
• The region receives up to 10 meters of snow annually - which is the same as 32 feet with areas such as Rogers Pass receiving up to 17 meters (56 ft) of snow over the course of a winter!
• Nakimu Caves are tucked into the mountains, and is one of the largest cave systems in Canada, carved out by underground rivers.
• The valleys of Glacier National Park boast some of the world's only inland ancient cedar rainforests.
• Because it is a pristine, protected wilderness, Glacier National Park supports a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, wolverines, and mountain goats. There are fifty-three mammal species found within the park and 235 observed bird species.
• The park straddles two prevalent weather systems, with warmer, wetter air from the Pacific meeting the colder, drier air of continental weather systems.

I knew Glacier National Park would have many amazing mountains, but did not expect to learn it also has a Rainforest! There is much more to know about Glacier National Park which you will find at this link.