Glacier National Park Tour & Trip Packages

Glacier National Park Overview

Known as the"Crown of the Continent", Glacier National Park promises an exceptional adventure with its blend of glaciers, lakes, and untouched trails. The park is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, yet is an unexplored paradise.

It lies in northwestern Montana along the US-Canada border and connects with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada to form the million-acre (4,050 sq km) Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Since the Little Ice Age, only 26 active glaciers remain and could disappear entirely by 2030 due to climate change.

Glacier National Park Visitor Insights

• Country: USA

• Location: Montana

• Size: 1,583 square miles (4,050 sq km)

Journey Through East and West Glacier National Park. Which is Best?

The park is separated by the Continental Divide into two distinct sections: East and West Glacier, which are connected by the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.  Both sides of Glacier National Park offer their own special experiences:

East Glacier

East Glacier is ideal for a peaceful escape away from the crowds. Explore iconic hikes and serene glacial lakes like St. Mary Lake and Iceberg Lake to experience the remote wilderness. Take in stunning mountain views and spot grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats grazing on the vast grasslands.

West Glacier

In contrast, West Glacier is popular and great for family-friendly adventures. It offers plenty of amenities and activities such as kayaking, golfing, whitewater rafting, and fishing. You’ll even find dense forests, including a unique rainforest in Avalanche. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, paddle on Lake McDonald, and hike the diverse trails for an all-rounded Glacier National Park trip.

Glacier National Park Major Attractions

Going to the Sun Road

Want to add some action to your Glacier National Park trip? Going-to-the-Sun Road is a picturesque drive that takes you through the Rocky Mountains up to 6,000 feet (2,000 mt). Spanning 50 miles (80 km), it crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and offers heavenly views of glaciers and valleys. Many visitors come to the park just to experience this exhilarating drive. However, if driving is intimidating, you can try the common Red Bus Tours or the complimentary National Park Service shuttle service. 

Lake McDonald

The crown jewel of Glacier National Park offers postcard-perfect scenes with crystal-clear waters, rainbow-colored rocks on its shore, and majestic mountains on three sides. Stretching 16 miles (26 km) long, Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park.

Saint Mary Lake

The classic Saint Mary Lake on the east side of the park is a true gem along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. It is 10 miles (16 km) long and is fed by five glaciers and the St. Mary River. Another astonishing spot is Wild Goose Island, which rises only 14 feet (4 mt) high above the lake. Saint Mary Lake is a perfect place to enjoy boat rides, paddling, and soaking in the spectacular views of wildlife and wildflowers.

Grinnell Glacier Trail

The Grinnell Glacier Trail is one of the most rewarding adventures of the Glacier National Park. While it’s a bit strenuous, this trek offers icy glaciers, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, vibrant meadows, rare animals, and towering walls of the Rockies. 

Start at either the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel and trek to jaw-dropping heights to reach the foot of the Grinnell Glacier. If the distance seems daunting, you can skip a few miles by taking a boat ride through Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. 

Logan Pass

Sitting at 6,646 feet (2,026 mt), Logan Pass is one of the renowned passes of North America and is the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The pass is famous for its meadows bursting with wildflowers and grazing animals against a backdrop of rock walls. 

You can arrive here by car and start at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Not comparable to a trail or a lake, this spot is a must-visit for backpacking and outdoor enthusiasts. Add stargazing and night camping for an unforgettable experience!

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is summer from July to August. For a little solitude, you can visit from October to April. Winters are harsh with the least crowds but you can enjoy snow activities like skiing. 

Adventure Activities to do in Glacier National Park

Hiking: With over 700 miles (1.127 km) of pathways, Glacier Park is a hiker's paradise. For beginners, trails like St. Mary Falls, Hidden Lake Overlook, and Virginia Falls are great. Advanced hikers can traverse the Highline Trail or the Grinnell Glacier Trail. Additionally, Avalanche Trail, Two Medicine Lake, and Iceberg Lake trails are other trail options.

Boating: Popular boating spots are Kintla, McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Bowman lakes.

Camping: Apgar and Fish Creek are the largest campgrounds. Kintla and Bowman Lakes are known for quieter and off-the-beaten camping sites. St. Mary, Rising Sun, and Many Glacier are other well-known spots.

Additionally, you can include activities like cross-country skiing, fishing, biking, and photography in your Glacier National Park itinerary. 

Essential Tips to Know Before Going on an Glacier National Park Tour

• Book accommodations well in advance due to high demand during peak season.

• Prepare for limited network connectivity.

• Beware of bear encounters.

• Check the visitor center upon arrival for the latest information on weather and route conditions.

• Make sure to make the most of the free shuttle service. 

How much does it cost for a Glacier National Park Tour?

Prices of Glacier National Park tour packages vary based on the number of hiking days, accommodation choices, and travel preferences. Considering the popularity and accessibility, the cost is affordable, with options starting from $440. At AdventureTripr, we tailor your Glacier National Park itinerary to fit your budget and preferences.

Glacier National Park Accommodation

From luxury hotels to tents, cabins, and rentals, various types of lodging facilities are available at Glacier National Park. 

Different Glacier National Park Tour Itinerary Available

At AdventureTripr, we offer a popular 4-day package that includes kayaking, boating, hiking, and exploring the park’s serene alpine views. Additionally, we take you to an old mining town that promises a unique experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How to reach Glacier National Park?

Answer: Three nearby airports include Glacier Park International, Missoula Montana, and Spokane International. Trains and driving are also options for reaching the park.

Question: Do you need an entry pass to enter the park?

Answer: Yes, you need an entry pass. You also need to make in-park activity reservations to access restricted areas and do activities like boat tours, horseback riding, and guided hikes. The fees may vary by season. 

Question: How to get around the park?

Answer: The best option is to bring your vehicle. Red Bus Tours, shuttles, and rentals from airports are also available.

Question: Where else can I visit around the park?

Answer: Visit scenic towns like St. Mary, West Glacier, East Glacier, Kalispell, and Whitefish on your Glacier National Park trip