Spend your days discovering Glacier’s pristine lakes, forested valleys, and sweeping alpine meadows. Follow trails that open to jaw-dropping views and the quiet kind of beauty that invites you to linger. At night, settle into quaint mountain towns where starlit skies and crisp air drift through your doorway. Wake to birdsong and the promise of another unforgettable day in Montana’s wild country.
Start - End: Whitefish - Whitefish
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 3
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Tucked in Northern Montana amongst the dramatic Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is renowned for its endless beauty and numerous hiking trails. Here, fresh air awakens the mind, and mountains beg to be explored.
On our 6-day Glacier National Park vacation, you'll explore the best of it. Including a full day adventure hiking along the Iceberg Lake trail, exploring Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake and experiencing the world-renowned Going to the Sun road. Spend your nights in the quaint towns of Whitefish and St Mary, and wake up to the sound of nature just outside your door.
With expert local guides leading the way, settle into nature's rhythm for a one-of-a-kind adventure that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Glacier National Park is calling. Are you ready?
IMPORTANT: Some departures for this trip feature an alternative Hike-focused itinerary, which differs slightly from the itinerary below and does not include biking. Look for the 'Hike' tags in the Tour Departure Dates section below, and ask our Adventure Travel Consultants for more details.
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Your Glacier Park adventure begins in the hip western town of Whitefish. After an introductory welcome meeting in town, we begin our two-hour drive towards East Glacier. We will stretch our legs with a short hike to Running Eagle Falls, then head over to a lakeside picnic lunch.
After lunch, a short bike ride will get you feeling comfortable in the saddle and ready for the days to come.
**Note: Hiking Departures of the Glacier National Park Adventure will visit Two Medicine Lake to take the historic boat across the lake and once back on shore we will stretch our legs with a short hike to Running Eagle Falls before making our way to St. Mary Lodge.
Accommodation: St. Mary Lodge, St. Mary
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
Biking: 11 miles (18 kilometers)
Wake up bright and early this morning and enjoy a hearty meal to fuel up for the full-day adventure ahead.
We venture out on the Swiftcurrent Trail to Red Rock Falls and Bullhead Lake. This scenic trail offers opportunities to potentially see moose and bears as well as the diversity of wildflowers Glacier is known for. Along the way we will get a sense of how big the park is with the mountains towering over us.
After lunch at the lake, we’ll hike back to the trailhead and continue on to our home for the night, Many Glacier Hotel. Here, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind, National Park lodging experience filled to the brim with Swiss charm.
Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel, Browning
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 7 miles (11 kilometers)
Today we trek to one of the many backcountry lakes of the park. After awakening in the Many Glacier Valley, we hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake and soon after, Lake Josephine. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning scenery around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society, who was so inspired by the scenery during his first trip to the area in 1885 that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park.
Take your time heading back to the trailhead, and this evening enjoy a night on your own in Many Glacier.
Accommodation: Many Glacier Hotel, Browning
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)
Today’s the Big Day…the day we bike the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (east to west). While you enjoy breakfast, the guides will get the bikes ready to mount up. As the sun lights up the peaks, we’ll enjoy our challenging ride to Lake McDonald with frequent stops along the way to watch for mountain goats and the ever-present grizzlies. Completed in 1932 and at an estimated cost of $3 million, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is the highlight of any trip to Glacier.
Shortly after we begin the descent from Logan Pass, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking a stunning view of the western valleys. Our ride ends near our home for the night, Lake McDonald Lodge.
The afternoon is yours to do as you choose. Take a few hours to relax by (or in) the lake, hike one of the many trails from the lodge, take a boat ride or simply find a cozy spot and curl up with a good book. Dinner tonight is at the Belton Chalet.
**Note: Hiking Departures of the Glacier National Park Adventure will drive Going to the Sun Road stopping at Logan Pass to hike to Hidden Lake Overlook. In the afternoon we will hike the Trail of the Cedars for a total of 5-6 miles (8-9.5 kilometers) of hiking today.
Accommodation: Lake McDonald Lodge, Glacier National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 25 miles (40 kilometers)
This morning, we shuttle to the Flathead River for a morning of rafting on perhaps not the wildest of rivers, but definitely one of the prettiest. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your guides.
This afternoon, we drive to Whitefish through the Flathead Valley amid the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish mountain ranges of northwest Montana. Be sure to keep your eyes open while cruising through these breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rafting: 2 hours
For our final adventure, we ride the gondola up the mountain taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, enjoy the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. We ride back down the mountain before saying our final goodbyes
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Grouse Mountain Lodge at 7am or the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel at 7.15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Whitefish, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Glacier International Airport (FCA) at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Whitefish around 12:30pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Kalispell/Whitefish, Montana at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Glacier International Airport (FCA) after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels near Glacier. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Whitefish on Day 5.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
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With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
