Glacier National Park, the Crown of the Continent, is truly a treasure. And we’ll tell you how to maximize the gems for your Montana itinerary. Here's how we recommend spending one, two or five days in beautiful Glacier National Park.
If your time is limited, you’ll be able to see and do the most in West Glacier. A variety of attractions are centrally located in this charming village on Glacier’s doorstep, including rafting, fishing, biking and mini golf with delicious food and drink mere steps away.
Sign up for a guided half-day river trip with Glacier Raft Co. or Glacier Anglers & Outfitters to tap into the skills of experienced guides. You can do it yourself, but you might miss out on the local knowledge you get with the pros. Either way, you’ll work up an appetite that can be quenched in the West Glacier Village. Find New York-style slices and whole pies at Glacier National Pizza, casual fare at Freda’s or head to the Belton Chalet for fine dining in the west side’s most historic lodge. And if you play a round of mini golf at Golfing to the Sun, then a friendly wager will make sure the loser has to pay.
For a bit of classic Glacier scenery to close out the day, head to Apgar and take in the views of beautiful Lake McDonald. Stay a while, soak it in and savour your newly made Montana memories.
Those lucky enough to plan a two-day trip can enjoy longer adventures. Book a full-day rafting or fishing trip with Glacier Raft Co. or Glacier Anglers & Outfitters and enjoy riverside dining, compliments of your fishing or rafting guides, plus more time on the Flathead River.
With a whole day of water-top adventuring under your belt, you can use your second day to go on a hike that will knock your socks off. Avalanche Lake and McDonald Creek are some of the most popular trails, but you’ll find plenty of other approachable trails for your day of hiking nearby. Make sure you have a vehicle reservation pass for all applicable entrances and dates. You can also enter restricted areas before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without one.
If you don’t have a reservation, there are still plenty of trails to take on, including Apgar Lookout, Rocky Point Trail or Huckleberry Mountain Lookout. You can also head to Whitefish to explore the Whitefish Trail.
To book your overnight stay, explore all the available accommodations in West Glacier. From the West Glacier RV Park to the Belton Chalet (and the Basecamp Lodge, Paddle Ridge and West Glacier Cabins in between) there’s something for everyone.
TIP: Looking to spend just one more day in Glacier? Check out our three-day itinerary!
If you have five days to spend in Glacier National Park, you’ll be lucky enough to see it all. Make sure you have your vehicle reservation, grab your car keys and hit the road — the Going-to-the-Sun Road, that is.
Start in West Glacier and plan accordingly with the one- and two-day trips above. Your legs and lungs will be warmed up by day three. Head to Logan Pass and choose your next epic trek: Hidden Lake Overlook or the impressive Virginia Falls trail.
Spend your third night at St. Mary Village or in one of the charming St. Mary Tiny Homes where there are sights, sounds and tasty treats aplenty. You can fuel up at the Triple Divide Coffee Co. in the morning and wind down at the Mountain Bar by night. Dine at the Snowgoose Grille or the Curly Bear Cafe in between your adventures to nearby St. Mary Lake, Virginia Falls, Many Glacier and Iceberg Lake Trail. If rugged and gorgeous Babb is on your route, don’t miss a chance to eat at the Two Sisters Café.
Make your way to East Glacier for night number four and book a room at the historic Glacier Park Lodge, where you’ll find timeless hospitality alongside the comforts of today. On-site dining will keep you satisfied any time of day, and the nine-hole pitch-and-putt course will keep you well occupied between meals.
On your fifth day, treat yourself to some relaxation and reflection aboard a boat tour on Two Medicine Lake. Depending on your travel plans, enjoy your final night at the lodge with dinner in the Great Northern Dining Room, retrace your steps on the Going-to-the-Sun Road or take the quicker route back to West Glacier along Highway 2.
If your calendar allows, head north of the border to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, where there are plenty of ways to fill your days. The Prince of Wales Hotel will dazzle you with unparalleled views and a legendary tea service. Don’t forget your passport… and your best teatime manners.
No matter how long you spend in the Crown of the Continent, we’re sure you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime. See you in Montana!
