BearCanisterOK

National Park Service · MT

Glacier National Park: bear canister rules

Glacier National Park requires a bear canister in parts of the area.

Canister required in parts Checked 2026-10-26

Short answer

Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline.

This area accepts containers certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). Check the IGBC certified products list, not the brand's marketing, to see whether a model qualifies. Of the 30 canisters we cover, 25 are confirmed matches here.

Heads-up before you rely on this

    Rules change. Confirm with the land manager (sources below) before you go.

    Is my canister legal in Glacier National Park?

    Legal

    BearVault BV500 Journey in Glacier National Park: accepted here.

    IGBC-certified.

    Area rule Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline.

    Read the full answer

    Checked 2026-10-26. Always verify with the land manager before you go.

    The rule, as written

    Requirement
    Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline.
    Accepted
    IGBC-approved bear resistant container
    Dates
    Mar 16 - Nov 30 (compendium)
    Source updated
    2026-07-30
    Checked
    2026-10-26 · verified
    Our notes
    Compendium text read directly; canister is not required park-wide.

    Detailed answers for Glacier National Park

    Every canister we cover, in Glacier National Park

    Arrows mark models with a detailed answer page for this area. Others link to the canister's page, which lists every area.

    Quick answers

    Do I need a bear canister in Glacier National Park?

    Glacier National Park requires a bear canister in parts of the area. Backcountry food may be hung, kept in a designated NPS locker/hanging device, or secured in an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container. IGBC container required at undesignated campsites near or above treeline.

    Which canisters are accepted in Glacier National Park?

    IGBC-approved bear resistant container In our data: BearVault BV ONE Adjustable, BearVault BV425 Sprint, BearVault BV450 Jaunt, BearVault BV475 Trek, BearVault BV500 Journey, BearVault BV250, BearVault BV300, BearVault BV350, BearVault BV400, Grub Can Wave 6.6 L, Grub Can Wave 10.0 L, Grub Can Carbon/Kevlar 6.6 L, and more.

    How current is this information?

    We checked Glacier National Park's official source on 2026-10-26. Confirm with the land manager before you go.

    Nearby and related rules

    All Montana rules

    Sources and date checked

    Checked . We link the official pages so you can read the rule yourself.