Over 400 glaciers challenge hikers and mountain climbers alike. A prime attraction of the park are the Nakimu Caves which are renowned for their unique and complex formations and are the third longest in Canada. Applying to the park superintendent may access the caves. The rugged mountains of the surrounding area are made up primarily of hard metamorphic and igneous rock. At the center of the park is the infamous Rogers Pass which presented an enormous challenge to the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Glacier National Park is world famous for recreational climbing. It is the acknowledged birthplace of mountaineering in North America.

The park contains an unusual diversity of terrain: windswept peaks, rolling grasslands, forests and alpine tundra. Wildlife ranges from marmots to mountain lions, bald eagles to grizzly bears. An extensive trail system leads the visitor to the Illecillewaet and Asulkan Glaciers, scenic viewpoints from the Mt. Tupper and Rogers group of peaks and natural attractions such as the Cougar Valley.

Glacier National Park has two camping areas, one of which is located at Illecillewaet and the other at Loop Brook.