Representing the Columbia Mountains Natural Region of Canada, it encompasses part of the Selkirks and a small portion of the Purcell Ranges along the southeastern border of British Columbia. It is classified into four life zones - alpine tundra, alpine meadows, sub-alpine forest and interior rainforest. There are more than 400 glaciers pouring over the mountaintops, covering over 12% of the total park area with ice. Glacier Park was designated in 1886, along with Yoho National Park, as a 76 square kilometre reserve around Mount Macdonald and Roger's Pass. By 1930 the area had grown to a 1350 square kilometre national park.

The discovery of Rogers Pass gave the railroad a way through the mountains and today is the major road access from east to west passing through one of the most active avalanche areas in the world.

Some say Cornelius Van Horne brought tourists to the area to help pay for his railroad! Whatever the reason, the tourists came, and the CPR imported Swiss guides to show its guests the mountains in safety. Another early tourist attraction was the Nakimu Caves, one of the largest and most active cave systems in Canada.

At 1349 square km, it is not a particularly large park, but it contains critical habitat for wide ranging mammals such as grizzly and black bears, mountain caribou and wolverines. Multi-agency animal studies from 1994-1999 will give scientists and park managers a better idea of the health and viability of wildlife populations in the Park.