Glacier National Park Getaway

Explore the best of Glacier National Park’s west side on a relaxed four-day getaway. Hike quiet forest trails, cruise Lake McDonald, ride Going-to-the-Sun Road by Red Bus, float the Flathead River, and take in sweeping views from Whitefish Mountain. Comfortable lodging, lakeside picnics, and time to enjoy Montana’s mountain-town charm make each day feel easy and well paced.

Start - End: Whitefish - Whitefish

Total trip: 4 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 1

from NZD 6,799/pp including taxes and fees

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Red Jammer buses on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Small group near a waterfall in Glacier National Park

Lake Mcdonald narrated boat tour in Glacier National Park

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Explore Glacier National Park by trail, lake, road, and river.

This four-day Glacier National Park getaway brings together the best of the park’s west side with plenty of time to slow down and take it all in. Walk beneath towering cedars, cruise across Lake McDonald, travel Going-to-the-Sun Road by Red Bus, and float the clear waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.

Along the way, discover the landscapes and stories that make Glacier so unforgettable, from forests shaped by fire to glacial valleys, mountain passes, and wide-open views. With one comfortable home base, relaxed evenings, and expert guides handling the details, you’re free to enjoy every moment at an easy, well-paced rhythm.

Trip Highlights

Hiking

Glacier National Park

Walk the Huckleberry Nature Trail and learn how lodgepole pines return after wildfire.

Hiking

Glacier National Park

Follow the Trail of the Cedars, one of Glacier National Park’s most iconic short hikes.

Plus...

Lake McDonald Boat Tour

Enjoy a narrated Lake McDonald boat tour and learn about the lake’s history, geology, and surrounding landscape.

Plus...

Red Jammer Bus

Ride in a historic 1930s open-top Red Jammer Bus along Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide as Glacier’s mountain scenery unfolds around you.

Plus...

Float Flathead River

Enjoy a half-day scenic float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, just outside Glacier National Park.

Plus...

Whitefish Mountain

Ride a chairlift up Whitefish Mountain for sweeping views across the Flathead Valley and surrounding peaks.

Day by day trip

Follow a thoughtfully paced four-day Glacier National Park itinerary through the park’s spectacular west side. Enjoy peaceful lakeside moments, mountain views, and iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. See how your Glacier getaway unfolds below.

Day 1

Arrive in Whitefish, explore West Glacier and Lake McDonald

After morning pickups and a welcome meeting in Whitefish, head toward Glacier National Park’s West Entrance. Stretch your legs on the Huckleberry Nature Trail, a gentle one-mile loop through lodgepole pine regrowth and an easy introduction to the park’s changing landscape.

Later that morning, continue to the Trail of the Cedars for a short, scenic walk beneath towering trees and through lush forest. Your guides will set up a relaxed lakeside picnic before the afternoon opens into classic Glacier sightseeing. Explore Lake McDonald Lodge and the shoreline, then board a narrated boat tour to learn more about the lake’s history, geology, and surrounding landscape.

Afterward, settle into Cedar Creek Lodge, your home for the next three nights, and enjoy dinner together nearby.
Accommodation: Cedar Creek Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers)

Day 2

Mountain Majesty Red Bus Tour

Wake to breakfast at the hotel before heading out for one of Glacier’s signature experiences: the Mountain Majesty Red Bus Tour. These historic buses are a classic way to experience the park’s dramatic scenery, with plenty of time to sit back, look up, and take in the mountain views, forested valleys, and glacial landscapes that make this region so memorable.

Travel the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road, cross the Continental Divide, and stop along the way to enjoy the views and capture photos.

After a scenic day in Glacier, return to the hotel for some free time before a relaxed, guide-prepared barbecue.
Accommodation: Cedar Creek Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Float the Flathead River

After breakfast at the hotel, make your way to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River for a half-day scenic float. Your guide will handle the paddling and share stories about the area while you keep watch for eagles, osprey, and other wildlife along the forested banks. You may even spot an elusive moose or bear.

Enjoy lunch before some time to relax, then head into Whitefish to explore the town or follow your guides’ favorite local recommendations before gathering for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Cedar Creek Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Float: 2-3 hours

Day 4

Whitefish Mountain chairlift and departures

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before riding a chairlift up Whitefish Mountain. From the top, take in wide-open views across the Flathead Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. A fitting final perspective on Glacier country before the trip comes to a close.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

This trip includes:

3 nights’ accommodation
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities described in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Special "Wow" moments you'll never forget
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

FAQs

From where you will meet your guides, to how much luggage you should bring, to the types of accommodations where we stay. Read through our FAQs for the lowdown on how to prepare for your adventure in Glacier.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Grouse Mountain Lodge at 8am or the Whitefish Riverfront Hotel 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 do 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.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

Cedar Creek Lodge offers a comfortable, modern mountain retreat just 18 miles from the West Entrance of Glacier National Park in Columbia Falls, Montana. Blending rustic charm with contemporary amenities, it's an ideal base for exploring the park while enjoying the conveniences of complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and spacious guest rooms equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves. Whether you're spending your days hiking Glacier's iconic trails or discovering the surrounding Flathead Valley, Cedar Creek Lodge provides a relaxing, year-round home away from home.

Will my accommodations be exactly the same as those featured?

Occasionally, your accommodations may differ from those featured, but they’ll always be hand-picked by our expert team with care. We’ll send your final accommodation list a month before your trip begins, so you’ll know exactly where you’re staying before you set off.

What Our Guests Say

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.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Adventure Made Easy

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.