Safety Reminders for Drivers Travelling the Trans-Canada Highway through Rogers Pass

As winter is fast approaching, Parks Canada would like to provide a few safety reminders for commercial truck drivers who travel the Trans-Canada Highway through Rogers Pass National Historic Site and Glacier National Park, BC.

Safety is the top priority

There are 135 avalanche paths that can affect the transportation corridor in the 43-km stretch through Glacier National Park. A stopping restriction is in effect so safe stopping and parking areas are extremely limited in winter. The following are parking restrictions and where commercial drivers can stop safely and in the Rogers Pass area. Currently these restrictions apply to all vehicles:

Most sections of the highway through the Rogers Pass summit area are already no stopping zones due to avalanche hazard.
Parking on the highway shoulder throughout the park is both dangerous and illegal, except in an emergency.
In Rogers Pass, parking is prohibited along the service road by the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre as the area is required to safely hold traffic in the event of highway closures.
Parking is prohibited in the 16 gun positions along the highway corridor (gun rings are used to anchor the Howitzers during avalanche control operations).
NRC Gully Trailhead Parking, often used by eastbound trucks, is a restricted parking area due to avalanche control operations. Entry is prohibited during avalanche control activities.
Overnight parking and sleeping in vehicles are prohibited in Glacier National Park except in designated campgrounds or with a permit in designated areas (for overnight backcountry users).
The parking lots at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre and washroom building are not designed to accommodate large transport trucks.

A stopping restriction for commercial transport trucks is being implemented in the Rogers Pass summit area of Glacier National Park. Commercial transport trucks are not permitted to stop in Rogers Pass between Sir Donald rest area (7.8 km west) and Beaver Valley chain-up area (11 km east) except for chain removal in winter on designated areas of the highway shoulder. Two alternative safe stopping and parking areas are available. These two areas will be maintained (plowing, cleaning, etc.) as operations allow:

Recommended safe 30-minute stopping areas in Glacier National Park:

Eastbound:

Sir Donald rest area and chain up – 7.8 km west of Rogers Pass Summit

Westbound:

East Glacier rest area – 17.3 km east of Rogers Pass Summit

Please note it is already prohibited through the winter months to stop along most of the highway corridor through Rogers Pass. If you need to stop for an emergency, be aware of avalanche no stopping areas. Move to a safe area if you can or stay in your vehicle and call for assistance.

For more information visit the Parks Canada Glacier National Park website.

Rogers Pass Map