Glacier National Park Adventure 2024/2025

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 Swiftcurrent 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

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 go for a short hike around 2 miles (3 kilometers) total before making our way to St. Mary Lodge.
Accommodation: St. Mary Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
Biking: 11 miles (18 kilometers)
Day 2

Full day hiking Swiftcurrent Trail

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 7 miles (11 kilometers)
Day 3

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

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

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
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 25 miles (40 kilometers)
Day 5

Raft Flathead River, picturesque drive through Flathead Valley to Whitefish

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

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)

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Glacier National Park Adventure Departure Dates

This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

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.

What's Included

5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
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'
Delicious snacks to keep you fuelled
Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
All activities described in the itinerary
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

A Glacier National Park Adventure Many Glacier Hotel 1

Glacier National Park Adventure Lake McDonald Lodge 1 v3

Glacier National Park Adventure Lake McDonald Lodge v3

Glacier National Park Adventure Many Glacier Hotel v3

Glacier National Park Adventure St Mary Lodge 1 v4

Glacier National Park Adventure St Mary Lodge v4

Yellowstone Glacier and Grand Teton Grouse Mountain Lodge 1

Yellowstone Glacier Grand Teton Grouse Mountain Lodge v4

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.

Photos From the Glacier National Park Adventure

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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.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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