Page:The Selkirk mountains (1912).djvu/43

Rh CHAPTER II. PEAKS, PASSES, AND VALLEYS REACHED FROM GLACIER. GLACIER (4,093 ft.). Glacier Park. Name: In relation to Glacier House and Glacier station. Location: This mountain park reserve extends from Mt. McNichol at the north of the Hermit Range to Battle Creek, south of Purity Range; and from the upper roadies of the North Fork of the Spiliimacheen River east of Bald Mt. to Corbin Pass near Tllicillewaet Station. It includes all the well-known ranges reached from Glacier House and covers an area of 576 square miles. Glacier is the name of the station on the C. P. Railway, in the alpine heart of the Selkirks, 1 1/6 miles from the Illicillewaet Glacier. The appellation is obvious.

Location:—Glacier Station is situated on the western slopes of the Selkirks near the summit of the Range, which is crossed by the railway through Rogers Pass (4351 ft.). On leaving the summit of the pass, the railway travels a little east of south for two and a half miles. It then describes a U-shaped curve, doubling back on its previous course for some distance before again assuming a westerly direction. At the most southerly point of this curve is Glacier Station (4093 ft.). (See Wheeler's Topographical Map, Vol. II., "Selkirk Range.")

'''Mountains and Places of Interest that may be Reached from Glacier. How to Reach Places of Interest.''' Swiss Guides—Since 1899 not less than two properly accredited have been stationed here. They are engaged by the Railway Company and are charged for at the rate of $5.00 each per day.

Glacier House—The hotel so happily named has an atmosphere of the old-fashioned inn. The narrow glen is a tranquil place save for about half an hour twice a day, when the train stops to allow through-passengers to dine. Then there is a stir of human sound and movement as sudden as that ancient uprising from the ground in the Scottish mountains in answer to the shrill whistle of Roderick Dhu. And as sudden is the quiet of the Canadian glen resumed as when the chieftain waved his hand and the highland garrison disappeared in hill and bush and broom. The engine shrieks, the people are all aboard, and the train vanishes in the folding mountains westward.

Mine hostess, Mrs. Young, welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest in the old way of hospitality; takes a practical, helpful interest in his excursions, climbs, and scientific pursuits; and provides a menu that tastes like things one eats at home. Everything in the hotel, which can accommodate 150 guests, is orderly without being mechanical. Rates: $3.50 per day and upward (American plan). Special rates to parties prolonging their visits.

The most charming place in this whole region of alpine charm is just Glacier itself. An invalid unable to stir a dozen steps could enjoy a summer here. There is something winsome in its grandeur, perhaps owing to a certain friendliness in the opposite mountain whose sombre forests are relieved by strips of brighter green and a