Winter driving in Rogers Pass
A drive through Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park is unlike any other section of the Trans-Canada Highway. Mountains rise steeply on either side as you traverse the second highest point along the Trans-Canada Highway at 1,330 metres.
Glacier National Park receives an average of 10 metres of annual snowfall at treeline. Over a 43km stretch of highway, there are 134 avalanche paths. To keep the transportation corridor safe, Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces work in partnership to run the world’s largest mobile avalanche control program. Occasional highway closures are necessary for avalanche control during winter.
Plan ahead with DriveBC
Check the weather forecast and driving conditions before you hit the road. The most up to date information on road conditions, closures, and delays is available on DriveBC (www.drivebc.ca).
Stopping and parking restrictions
To ensure your safety, sections of the highway below avalanche paths are no stopping areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs.
Parking areas at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and Illecillewaet Valley trailhead are always open and do not require a permit between 4:00 AM and 9:00 PM. All other parking lots in Glacier National Park are restricted between November and April each year, and require a Winter Parking Permit. Restricted parking lots open or close daily depending on avalanche control work.
All parking lots provide access to Winter Restricted Areas and trails that enter avalanche terrain. If you want to leave your vehicle and stretch your legs, please speak to staff at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre for advice and suggestions on how to stay safe.
Avalanche control work is conducted to keep the transportation corridor open, not to make slopes safe for backcountry users. Anyone travelling into the backcountry must have avalanche training and appropriate safety equipment.
Map of parking areas
Open parking
To park here:
- National park pass required
Restricted parking
To park here:
- The area must be open
- Winter Permit required
- National park pass required
No stopping
These zones are exposed to avalanche danger at all times. No stopping is allowed.
Winter driving safety
Be prepared for highway closures
When conditions warrant, Parks Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces will close the highway in order to perform avalanche control. Most closures last less than 2 hours, but some can be for many hours or overnight depending on conditions and compounding factors.
Let someone know your travel plans, keep your gas tank full, and always keep a safety kit in your vehicle in case of extended closures or mechanical failure. This should include water, food, candles, extra clothing and blankets.
Snow tires required in winter
Rapid changes in elevation and weather can make highway conditions unpredictable during the winter. You may start a trip in sunshine but face stretches of slush, ice, heavy snowfall or compact snow along the way. Tires with a mountain and snowflake or M+S rating are required from October 1 to March 31. Parks Canada and British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recommend winter tires with a mountain and snowflake symbol as they provide superior traction in ice and snow. Learn more about winter tires.
Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority. A visit to the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre will look different for winter 2020-2021: visitor services will be limited and health and safety measures will be in effect.