Kootenay NP (KNP)
Stanley Glacier

Stanley Glacier

Very nice and quiet trail. If you go by HW 93 from Castle Junction, about 4km after Continental Divide on the left side there is a small parking lot, cannot miss it, – the trail starts from there.

Very moderate incline through the forest with openings here and there; if you come early you’ll enjoy the sun on surrounding mountains.

You cross a small bridge, then hike deeper into the canyon, and eventually it opens up with a gorgeous valley and cirque of mountains surrounding it. The official (family friendly) trail ends here (there is a sign warning about it), but if you have an extra hour or two, you must go further.

Trail preview here.

The trail climbs up, makes a loop above and around the valley, and returns back to the sign. You can do it either CW or CCW, like we did; there are some sections with losing scree which are easier CCW, – but nothing technical, totally doable. We’ve been there in October, and waterfalls were almost dried out, but in summer you may need to cross a few small creeks if you want to get closer to waterfalls.

On the right side, right after the CCW trail gains some elevation, there is a cave:

More photos are here:

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