ADULT ONLY

Glacier National Park Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 3
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Whitefish
  • Trip End: Whitefish
glacier

Pristine turquoise lakes, forested valleys, grand green meadows and endless jaw-dropping scenery are yours to enjoy on our Glacier National Park vacation.

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.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Glacier National Park Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Whitefish Trip End: Whitefish

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Meet group in Whitefish, transfer to Two Medicine Lake for hiking and biking

  • Day 2Full day hiking Iceberg Lake Trail

  • Day 3Hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake to Grinnell Lake. Night on your own in Many Glacier

  • Day 4Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road, explore Lake McDonald

  • Day 5Raft Flathead River, picturesque drive through Flathead Valley to Whitefish

  • Day 6Hike Whitefish Mountain, say your goodbyes

  • Day 1

    Meet group in Whitefish, transfer to Two Medicine Lake for hiking and biking

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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.
    Accommodation: St. Mary Lodge
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
    Biking: 11 miles (18 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Full day hiking Iceberg Lake Trail

    #42764

    Wake up bright and early this morning and enjoy a hearty meal to fuel up for the full-day adventure ahead. A 30-minute drive brings us deeper into the park, to the trailhead of Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in the park. Iceberg Lake Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes on the planet. The distance will seem short as you enjoy panoramic views. Watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail? A jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-dotted lake! After lunch at the lake, we’ll hike back to our shuttle 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
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 9.8 miles (16 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake to Grinnell Lake. Night on your own in Many Glacier

    #42765

    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
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road, explore Lake McDonald

    #42766

    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-tothe-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.
    Accommodation: Lake McDonald Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: 25 miles (40 kilometers)

  • Day 5

    Raft Flathead River, picturesque drive through Flathead Valley to Whitefish

    #42767

    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.

    Dinner tonight is at Tupelo’s which specializes in Cajun and Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta.
    Accommodation: Grouse Mountain Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Rafting: 2 hours

  • Day 6

    Hike Whitefish Mountain, say your goodbyes

    #42768

    For our final adventure, we have time for one last hike in the Whitefish area. Ride the gondola up the mountain taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, hike around the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. We ride back down the mountain before saying our final goodbyes.

    Transfer to either your Whitefish hotel or the Kalispell airport for your departure home.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast

    Hiking: 1-2 miles (1.5-3 kilometers)

Glacier National Park Adventure Departure Dates

Some departures for this trip feature an alternative Hike-focused itinerary, which differs slightly from the itinerary on this page 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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What's Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities 
  • All park and other entry fees 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Glacier National Park Adventure St Mary Lodge 1 v4
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Yellowstone Glacier and Grand Teton Grouse Mountain Lodge 1
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Accommodations on Glacier National Park Adventure

Step into the charm of 1900s Swiss-chalet style accommodation at the historic lodge of Many Glacier Hotel. Situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the peaks of Glacier National Park from your room. You'll also experience a range of fantastic accommodations from Lake McDonald Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, through to modern Grouse Mountain Lodge near Whitefish, to Saint Mary Lodge at the intersection of Going-to-the-Sun Road and Looking Glass Highway.

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

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.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge at 8am or the Pine Lodge at 8.15am. 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.

Where does the trip end?

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.

What flights would you recommend?

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.

Alternative Itineraries

Some departures for this trip feature a hiking-focused itinerary, which differs from the one advertised. Contact us, or check your Travel Wallet once booked, to get the specific itinerary for your trip.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Your Expert Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

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.

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Award-winning guides lead the way

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!

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You’ll never need to sweat the details

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!

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Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

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Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

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.

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"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary

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.