Often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent", Glacier National Park, located in northwestern Montana, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history, covering over 1 million acres and featuring more than 700 miles of hiking trails.
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It is my favorite national park due to its breathtaking scenery.
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Matt and Cheryl of We're in the Rockies have done a phenomenal video on Glacier Natl. Park. Be sure to check out their website! Tons of great info there!
There are 3 entrances with visitors centers in Glacier Natl. Park:
There are 3 entrances with visitors centers in Glacier Natl. Park:
St. Mary Visitor Center - east side of park. Also known as the east entrance.
Adjacent to the St. Mary Entrance on Going-to-the-Sun Road, near the town of St. Mary on U.S. Hwy 89 on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Open daily from late May through early October.
Amenities:
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Trip planning information and exhibits, both inside and outside the building
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Interactive exhibits on American Indian tribes and their ties to the lands that today make up the park
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Park film, Land of Many Journeys (15 min), shown on the hour and ½ hour
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Restrooms
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Water fountain and water bottle filling station
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Bookstore
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WiFi
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Wilderness Permitting location
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Auditorium that hosts Native America Speaks programs and special events
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Parking lot (with plenty of room for shuttle passengers’ vehicles)
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Historic Mission 66 architecture
Apgar Visitor Center - west side of park. Also known as west entrance or west Glacier.
Four-way stop intersection of Camas Road and Going-to-the-Sun Road, approximately two miles (3.2 km) north of the West Entrance near the town of West Glacier, Montana. This is the most popular park entrance!
Open daily mid-May to mid-October.
Open weekends in fall, spring, and winter, as staffing allows.
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Amenities:
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Trip planning information and exhibits, both inside and outside the building
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Restrooms (open year-round)
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Water fountain and water bottle filling station
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Bookstore
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WiFi
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Paved 0.25 mi (0.4 km) biking/walking path to Apgar Village, Apgar Campground, and Lake McDonald
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Parking lot (with plenty of room for shuttle passengers’ vehicles)
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Pioneering, sustainable construction
Logan Pass Visitor Center - Going To The Sun Road
In the middle of the park at the highest point along Going-to-the-Sun Road, approximately 32 miles (51.5 km) from the West Entrance and 18 miles from the St. Mary Entrance.
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Approximate driving time from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass is 1.5 hours.
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Approximate driving time from St. Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass is 1 hour.
Open daily during peak season.
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Amenities:
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Trip planning information
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Interactive exhibits, both inside and outside the building
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Restrooms
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Water fountain and water bottle filling station
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Bookstore
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Trailheads for the Highline and Hidden Lake trails
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Wildlife and wildflower viewing opportunities
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Parking lot (fills extremely early in the morning almost every day it’s open)
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Historic Mission 66 architecture
ADMISSION TO GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:
The admission fees for Glacier National Park in 2025 are as follows:
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$35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days, covering all passengers).
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$30 per motorcycle. 1
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$80 America the Beautiful pass (covers all national parks).
Children 15 and under enter for free, and there are special passes for seniors, military families, and veterans.
Accommodations
Glacier National Park offers a variety of accommodations, including historic lodges, cozy cabins, and campgrounds, catering to different preferences and budgets.
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Types of Accommodations
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We made our trip to Glacier Park in the fall and stayed at Glacier International Lodge, where we booked a King suite for only $173 per night, plus an AARP discount which brought the price to $155.70 per night.
Photo credit: Glacier Intl. Lodge
The King Suite features a separate bedroom with a King Bed and a spacious separate living space. The suite includes a queen-size sleeper sofa, plus two 50 inch UHD flat screen TV with Chromecast — the perfect way to unwind after a day in the mountains. Equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge.
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It's a beautiful lodge with nice amenities, including a free shuttle to and from the Glacier Park International Airport.
Other amenities include:
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Breakfast: Monday thru Friday 6am until 9:30am, Saturday and Sunday 6am until 10:30am. Your your choice of eggs and potatoes with sausage or bacon or biscuits and gravy, as well as freshly made waffles, hot oatmeal, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, pastries and more.
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Complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies offered at the coffee bar each afternoon.
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Fitness center.
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Pool and Spa hours 7am until 9pm, (8pm until 9pm adults only). Includes a hot tub and pool slide.
Photo credit: Glacier Intl. Lodge
4150 US Highway 2 E Kalispell, Montana From Kalispell to Glacier Natl. Park is 41 miles or 40 minutes drive time. (We prefer to put some distance between ourselves and the park crowds.)
If you want to stay within the Park itself, what I'd recommend is booking reservations in the west end of the park and later in the east end of the Park to save yourself a lot of driving as you explore the respective ends of the park.
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In the west end consider staying at the Lake McDonald Lodge while exploring the western section of the park. Just be sure to get your reservations in early! Bookings in July and August are really hard to get.
Lake McDonald Lodge
Money $aving Tip for solo travelers and couples on a shoestring budget:
The Lake McDonald Lodge rents out what are called "Snyder rooms".
These dormitory-style accommodations feature either one set of bunk beds or one double bed. Located on the first or second floor, separate from the main lodge, these rooms have access to communal shared bathrooms. Guests staying in the Snyder Rooms will share a microwave, coffee machine, community phone, iron, and ironing board, all of which are available in the common area.
Starting at $150 per night.]
Another option: Glacier Guides Lodge.
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Glacier Guides Lodge is located in West Glacier, just across the street from the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Turn onto Highline Boulevard and continue 400 feet up the hill. Highline Boulevard is across the street from the Amtrak Depot, just off Hwy 2 East, east of Glacier National Park’s entrance. There is a Glacier Guides Lodge sign marking Highline Boulevard, too.
2026 Lodge Rates
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Spring 2026: May 5th – May 26 : $199.00 per room ($214.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Early Summer 2026: May 27 – June 30: $299.00 per room ($322.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Summer 2026: July 1 – September 5: $359.00 per room ($387.72 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Fall 2026: September 6 – September 30: $299.00 per room ($322.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Late Fall 2026: October 1st – October 15th: $199.00 per room ($214.92 including Montana’s 8% lodging tax)
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Winter Season: Closed
Photo credit: Glacier Guides Lodge
How the Park Shuttle Works
Photo credit: NPS
A fare-free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shuttles are wheelchair-accessible. Smoking, pets, and open alcohol containers are prohibited. Bear spray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge. Most shuttles have bike racks.
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Summer Shuttle Service
Summer shuttle service begins July 1 and continues through Labor Day.
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West Side Shuttle Service
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Shuttles run from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on the westside of the park, 7 days a week.
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Shuttles are free, wheelchair accessible, and first-come, first-served. Seating is limited.
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Shuttles depart every 15 to 30 minutes.
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There is a Transfer Stop at Logan Pass. To travel the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, riders must transfer at Logan Pass.
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Travel time is estimated at 90 minutes for shuttles operating between Apgar Visitor Center and Logan Pass.
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Last departure from Apgar Visitor Center with connections to St. Mary Visitor Center is at approximately 4:15 pm.
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Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day.
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Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.
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Smoking, pets, and open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the shuttles. Bearspray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge.
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Some shuttles provide bicycle racks. Riders must load and unload their own bicycles and equipment on the trailers.
Eastside Shuttle Service
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Shuttles run from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm on the eastside of the park, 7 days a week.
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Shuttles are free, wheelchair accessible, and first-come, first-served. Seating is limited.
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Shuttles depart every 30 to 45 minutes.
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There is a Transfer Stop at Logan Pass. To travel the entire Going-to-the-Sun Road, riders must transfer at Logan Pass.
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Travel time is estimated at 50 minutes for shuttles operating between Logan Pass and St. Mary Visitor Center.
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Last departure from St. Mary Visitor Center with connections to Apgar Visitor Center is at approximately 5:30 pm.
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Last departure from Logan Pass is at 7:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to not wait until the last departure of the day.
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Shuttles will make additional runs to pick up passengers who are at the shuttle stops at the time of the last departure.
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Smoking, pets, and open containers of alcohol are prohibited on the shuttles. Bearspray must be safely secured to prevent accidental discharge.
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Some shuttles provide bicycle racks. Riders must load and unload their own bicycles and equipment on the trailers.
Spring Hiker-Biker Shuttle Service
The hiker-biker season allows recreational access for hikers and bikers beyond vehicle gate closures on Going-to-the-Sun Road prior to the road opening for the season.
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Hiker-biker shuttle service is typically offered weekends only beginning on Mother's Day weekend through the last weekend in June or until the day the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens, whichever comes first. If the Going-to-the-Sun Road fully opens prior to June 29, the hiker-biker shuttle service will no longer be offered.
Hiker-Biker Shuttle Details
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9 am to 4 pm on weekends only during hiker-biker season.
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Shuttles arrive at designated stops approximately every 15–30 minutes.
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The hiker-biker shuttle stops at Apgar Visitor Center, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Avalanche Creek only.
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Shuttles operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Shuttles board ~15 passengers and are equipped with bike trailers.
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Note: Shuttles are unable to accommodate bikes with tires wider than three inches and/or have extended or full front fenders.
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2025 Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Map
The map highlights the shuttle stops, trails, and other points of interest along Going-to-the-Sun Road. Download the map for offline use.
8 Day 7 Night Itinerary
I'm basing this itinerary on flying into Glacier Park Intl. Airport. Plan on spending your first night in Kalispell.
Day 1
If you need to have lunch after arriving in Kalispell, check out the DeSoto Grill.
The Desoto Grill is a restaurant in Kalispell, MT that serves smoked meats, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts at very reasonable prices. They specialize in BBQ and ours was mouthwatering. Service above and beyond, the staff and owner are super friendly.
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The only downside is be prepared for about a 45 minute wait for a table but you can have a drink at the bar or out on the patio while you wait.
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227 1st St W, Kalispell, MT Hours: 11 am to 9 pm Tuesday-Friday. Closed Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
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During the afternoon you can either rest up or explore the town of Kalispell.
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For dinner, I recommend the Montana Club.
The menu includes steakhouse steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and salads.
Daily Happy Hour features $2 off all Appetizers, $5 Drafts, $3 off Cocktails and $2 off Wine!
They had a special Fall menu so we ordered the chili in a bread bowl. It was really good and I'm persnickety about chili.
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Chunky, scratch-made chili with ground beef, andouille sausage, green bell peppers, black beans and kidney beans served in a sourdough bread bowl. 19.99
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Very filling and it hit the spot on a cool Fall day.
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Open daily 11 am - 9 pm
1301 S Main St, Kalispell, MT
Photo credit: The Montana Club
Once you leave Kalispell you'll be in the Middle of Nowhere, Montana where dining, shopping, accommodations become sparse. It can be confusing because Glacier Park is spread out over such a big territory. So I took a map of the dining locations and added the park entrances so you have some idea of where you are. I'll repeat posting this map so you don't have to keep scrolling back to figure out where you are.
Kalispell where you are right now is approximately 32 miles from the west entrance of Glacier Park, the Apgar/west Glacier area of the park. The park is basically divided into two sections - west and east. So from Kalispell you want to drive to the west entrance (bottom of the map above) and enter Glacier Park from that entrance. The drive should take you around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Day 2
Drive to West Glacier Park entrance. Stop by the Glacier National Park Visitor Center for maps and information.
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We're going to start exploring west Glacier National Park a little differently this time with a self guided bike tour.
With a bit of a twist to it.
Explore Glacier's West Side by bike on this self-guided tour through West Glacier, Apgar and Fish Creek. This is the perfect trip for anyone looking for a day of exploring and adventure. Rent a bike from Glacier Guide & Montana Raft and ride from their office, into West Glacier and around on Glacier's dedicated bike paths. Join in on a photo scavenger hunt and snap pictures of your day at locations from our interactive map. Ask their bike shop or front desk for a map when you rent your bike. Collect all photos and any additional while on your trip and receive a prize when you return your bike. More info about the scavenger hunt here.
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You need to book early as this tour usually books out 75 days in advance. Free cancellation • Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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The guides are amazing - knowledgeable and entertaining.
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Be prepared because it is hard work, but renting an e-bike helps. Riders must be 18 years of age to rent e-bikes.
E bikes are not allowed to be booked for children age 4-12. They do have some regular children's bikes for rent.
Helmets are furnished with your bikes.
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Meeting and pickup
Start:
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11970 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
Look for the blue bus off Hwy 2 in West Glacier, MT. This is where you'll grab your bike rental and continue the trip on your own, self-guided.
End: This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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Their Glacier National Park Bike rental period is: Spring and Summer – 7:30AM TO 6PM; Fall – 8:30AM TO 6PM. Bikes returned after the stated time will be charged another full day's rental fee.
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You can park in their shaded lot and ride your rental right from our office into the park. When you ride your bike into the park, you don’t need to worry about a vehicle reservation! You’ll still need a park pass, this isn’t the same as the vehicle reservation. More on that here!
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Hit The Road!
From Glacier Guides, head out to Highway 2 where you’ll meet up with the bike path that takes you all the way into West Glacier. You’ll get into town, cross the road and head down “Old Bridge Street,” which winds around the backstreets of West Glacier. Once you reach the bridge, you’ve made it to your first photo opportunity. If you’ve timed it right, you’ll see some friendly Montana Raft guides floating by who will greet you as you take in the scenery.
FRIENDLY MONTANA
RAFT GUIDE
Photo credit: Glacier Guides
Once you enter West Glacier, take a left right before you hit West Glacier Bridge and head down to the West Glacier river access and dip your toes in The Wild & Scenic Middle Fork of The Flathead River.
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After Camel’s Hump Road towards Quarter Circle Bridge Road, continue straight to check out Quarter Circle Bridge. Continue even further to Apgar Lookout to conquer a hike for some epic views.
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After visiting Fish Creek Day Use Area, you have the option to hop off the bike and hike Rocky Point Trail; a family friendly beginner hike that gives stunning vistas of Lake McDonald.
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Before heading back to Glacier Buides office after stopping at West Glacier Bridge, wander around the town of West Glacier a bit! Grab an ice cream, hang out in the sun, head to the golf course. The self-guided bike & e-bike tour in Glacier National Park gives you the flexibility to decide how the day will turn out. You do the tour at your own speed.​
Lake McDonald Valley is the hub of activity on the west side of Glacier National Park. Once occupied by massive glaciers that carved this area thousands of years ago, the valley is now filled with spectacular sights, hiking trails, diverse species of plants and animals, historic chalets, and the grand Lake McDonald Lodge.
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Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier Natl. Park at 10 miles long and almost 500 feet deep. Glaciers carved out the lake and the entire Lake McDonald Valley.
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Facilities, Services and Activities in the Lake McDonald area:
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Four (4) campgrounds
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Camp stores & gift shops
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Picnic areas
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Drinking water
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Restrooms
Lake McDonald
Not only is Lake McDonald the hub of activity in west Glacier Park, it's beautiful. Explore the Lake McDonald area by taking a leisurely hike on the Trail of the Cedars (1-mile loop).
The loop
This trail is a very easy short walk.
Some of the trees you'll see on this trail are over 500 years old!
Trail of the Cedars
​For lunch, try Lucke’s Lounge located in Lake McDonald Lodge. It is a more casual dining option than the other restaurant in the Lodge and often has seating when the main dining room is packed. (Which in part is why I'm recommending it over the main Lodge restaurant, Russell's Fireside Dining Room.)
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Lucke’s Lounge is not open for breakfast, but lunch, appetizers, and dinner are offered in this small dining room/bar. You can expect to pay between ~$10-$20 per person for your meal.
No reservations are accepted.
Luckes Lounge Photo credit: NPS
Because your bicycle tour/scavenger hunt is an all day affair, I didn't schedule any other activities for Day 2 apart from exploring the park on the bicycle trails.
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Don't forget to explore Apgar Village.
Dinner: You could try to get a reservation at Russell's Fireside Dining Room in the Lodge but the cons to Russell's are that it is overpriced and very busy. So what I'd recommend is drive 7 miles from the Park to Josephine's Speakeasy. 10245 US Highway 2 E, Coram, MT
I love the bison gyros but other menu items include salmon, ribeye steak, lamb chops, chicken or shrimp skewers, charcuterie boards and more. And in my opinion, the food is better than that of Russell's and it isn't overpriced.
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Hours:
Open Monday through Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
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10245 US HWY 2 E, Coram, MT
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If you are on the west side of the park, you could find other restaurants in West Glacier, Coram, Hungry Horse, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, or Whitefish.
Bison Gyros
Day 3
After breakfast, start your drive on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stop at Logan Pass for breathtaking views.
Logan Pass
Rather than interrupt our sightseeing, we took a picnic lunch along and ate at Sunrift Gorge.
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Incidentally, the National Park Service offers a free self guided audio tour of Going To The Sun Road here.
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Remember too that if you don't want to drive the road yourself you can take advantage of the free park shuttles.
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Going To The Sun Free Shuttles
Visitors will be able to ride the park shuttle system with a free park shuttle pass, available beginning at 7:30 am each day at the Apgar Visitor Center
Shuttle Stop. The passes will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Shuttles will depart every 30 minutes. The last shuttle will depart at 1:30 pm. The last returning shuttle from Logan Pass will depart at 4 pm. Concessionaire-operated Sun Tours and Red Bus Tours will also operate in the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Visitors who would like to make reservations with Sun Tours should visit the Sun Tours website. Visitors who would like to make reservations for a Red Bus Tour should visit the Glacier National Park Lodges website.
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If your legs are up to it after bicycling all day yesterday, you can hike the Hidden Lake Trail - 5.4 miles roundtrip.
Map credit: Intrepid Scout
The hike to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park begins from the west side of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. Once on the back side of the visitor center, after climbing the stairway, stay towards the right and look for the Hanging Gardens Trailhead. The trail is more commonly referred to as the Hidden Lake Nature Trail.
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You can read a complete description of the trail here. Difficulty is rated at moderate. You might want to wear waterproof boots as it's not uncommon to have to hike through some snow fields at that elevation.
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Evening: Have dinner at the restaurant of your choice.
Two Medicine
Day 4
Drive to the Two Medicine area of the Park. See orange arrow on map above.
Two Medicine area
Two Medicine is located in the Southeast part of Glacier National Park, just north of East Glacier, Montana. The name Two Medicine came from area tribes, particularly the Blackfeet Nation that consider this land sacred ground. Interestingly enough, Two Medicine is not considered part of Glacier National Park! It's in its own separate area of the park and it's an area within Glacier National Park that's seldom visited.
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Two Medicine Lake is the primary attraction of Two Medicine. Near the lake, you will find the general store, boat tours, watercraft rentals, ranger station, campground, picnic area, and hiking trails.
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Many Glacier is typically open from around early June to late September due to the still melting winter snow. The specific dates are different every year due to the variable weather each year. For expected opening dates and the latest information, please visit the NPS website.​​​​
Glacier Park Boat Company also offers rides across Two Medicine Lake that are less expensive than the previous boat tour mentioned.
Adult round trip: $20.25
Child 4-12 years round trip: $10.10
Child under 4 years: Free
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You can also walk around Two Medicine Lake. This is an option for you if you have extra time, want to save money by not buying boat tickets, or are unable to get boat tickets. This option will add anywhere from 3-4 miles to the South Shore Trailhead one way but it will afford you some very unique views of the lake.
The Two Medicine Trail around only the lake is marked by the dotted lines within the red box above.​
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Now that you're in the east Glacier Park and the rather remote Two Medicine area, dining options are going to start getting dicey and your options even more limited.
Two Medicine
Map credit: NPS & We're In The Rockies
Take a lunch break at Two Medicine Grill. Typical diner fare but the food is good and the price right. $
(Plus there's only one other restaurant in the area)
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Sunday through Saturday
6:30 am to 2:30 pm
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Serving breakfast, brunch and lunch.
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314 US Highway 2, E, Glacier Park, MT
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After lunch consider hiking the Scenic Point Trail - 8 miles round trip - for panoramic views of the valley. This is a strenuous hike. The hike to Scenic Point in Glacier National Park begins from the Scenic Point parking area,
located 2.7 miles west of the Two Medicine entrance station.
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To reach your destination you'll be following the Mt. Henry Trail for most of your hike. At roughly six-tenths of a mile from the trailhead hikers will reach the short side trail that leads to Appistoki Falls. If you wish to make a quick visit to see the falls, the viewpoint is only a hundred yards or so from the junction.
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You can read all about the trail and hike here.
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Two Medicine General Store
The only shopping option in Two Medicine is the General Store. The General Store is located in a historic chalet that was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway.
It's kind of fun to browse through a little general store rather than today's malls. The General Store has a little bit of everything - books, ornaments, calendars, clothing, stuffed animals, art, jewelry, and more. There are also extensive hiking supplies like hiking poles, backpacks, water filters, and maps. Best of all, there are snacks (think convenience store). The store also offers coffee, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches, and other light fare.
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Take a hike to Running Eagle Falls. The trailhead for Running Eagle Falls is located 1 mile west of the Two Medicine entrance station. It's a great ADA accessible trail to the viewpoint, suitable for all ages and hiking abilities.
Running Eagle Falls Photo credit: We're In The Rockies
Evening: Return to Agpar Village.
Day 5
Drive to the Many Glacier area (about 1.5 hours from Apgar).
Many Glacier is the northern-most entrance to Glacier National Park on the US side of the park. This part of the park can only be accessed by entering on the east side of the park or long multi-day hikes from other areas.
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NOTE: If you've elected to change accommodations from the west end of the park to the Many Glacier area to save yourself a 1 hour or more drive over the next few days, then get settled into your east Glacier Park accommodations. This likely means accommodations at the Many Glaciers Hotel as there's not much else as far as hotels in the park in this area.
Photo credit: Many Glaciers Hotel
As far as that goes, there's really nothing much of anything around the Many Glaciers Hotel itself!
Many Glacier Photo credit: The National Parks Experience
Popular activities in the Many Glacier area, besides scenic drives, include backpacking, camping, wildlife viewing, boating, cycling and fishing.
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We took the St. Mary Lake Boat Ride to the trailhead for Baring Falls to give our feet a rest. The boat captain talked about the history of the park, the geology, and what we were viewing throughout the whole ride.
Once we got to the Baring Falls trailhead, we had a short hike to the waterfall. It was a gorgeous area that we likely wouldn’t have stopped at along the road.
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The boat ride starts at the Rising Sun Boat Dock at 28 Dock Road, Browning, MT. Check-in at the ticket office at least 30 minutes before your scheduled boat ride.
Glacier National Park’s East Entrance is the closest entrance to the waters of St. Mary Lake and the boat dock.
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The round trip ride takes about 1.5 hours with the first tour time starting at 9AM and the last at 6PM daily in the summer months.
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The cost varies based on age and the time of the boat trips. You can purchase tickets at their website here: https://www.glacierparkboats.com/.
1.5-hour trips including a stop at Baring Falls:
Adults age 13 and older: $40.50
Child age 4-12: $20.25
Child under 4: Free
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The 1-hour trip that does not include a stop at Baring Falls:
Adults age 13 and older: $26.30
Child age 4-12: $13.15
Child under 4: Free
This tour is only offered at 6PM.
The hike to Baring Falls is a very easy one and it's only 2-3 minutes from the boat dock. You'll be given 15 minutes to walk to the falls and take some photos before you must return to the boat dock to take the rest of the trip.
The distance of the trail is 0.2 miles roundtrip.
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Several boat tours are available in Glacier Natl. Park but this is one of the most popular ones.
Baring Falls
Dinner: Enjoy a meal at the Ptarmigan Dining Room or the Swiss Lounge in Many Glacier. Both are located in the Many Glacier Hotel.
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None of the restaurants in Glacier Park take reservations and to get into Ptarmigan you're likely going to have a very long wait unless you line up at the door at 5 pm when it opens. Prices are also more expensive and service slower.
Ptarmigan main dining room
As an alternative to Ptarmigan, I suggest the Swiss Lounge. The Swiss Lounge is a slightly less expensive dining option located in the Many Glacier Hotel. The laid-back, casual atmosphere in the Swiss Lounge makes it a good place for families, and the bar is appealing for solo travelers or hikers looking for a beer or cocktail.
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At the Swiss Lounge, you will find traditional American food, including some vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
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Prices in the Swiss Lounge are more wallet-friendly, with lunch and dinner options for $10-$15 per person and very often you can get a table without much of a wait, although it does get crowded during peak season and service does get slower during that time.
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Drinks: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Food: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Return to the Many Glacier Hotel or wherever your accommodations now are.
Grab your passport, we're going to be heading into Canada!
Cross the border into Waterton Lakes National Park. (Make sure to have your passport because you're entering Canada). This is roughly a 1 hour 18 minute drive.
Day 6
Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, together form the stunning Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park — the world’s first and only international peace park. Crossing the U.S.-Canada border and navigating tribal lands can feel daunting if you haven’t done it before but it's not that difficult and I'll walk you through it.
The Peace Park honors not only the relationship between Canada and the U.S., but also the sovereign Indigenous nations who have long stewarded these lands. Near the Chief Mountain border crossing, you may notice small embassies representing the Blackfeet Nation, symbolizing their continued presence and leadership in the region.
You're going to cross the Canadian border at Chief Mountain Border Crossing.
What to bring:
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Valid passports for all travelers (including children)
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Any necessary travel documents or visas
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Proof of vaccination or other health requirements (check current regulations!)
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Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and carry any park permits
Tips:
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The border crossing at Chief Mountain is seasonal and typically open from late May to early September. Outside these months, the crossing is closed.
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Crossing can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and inspections. Budget extra time during peak summer months or holidays.
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Follow all customs rules carefully — declaring food, plants, or other restricted items is important.
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Be patient and respectful — border officers are there to ensure safety for everyone.
Chief Mountain Border Crossing where you'll enter Canada
Traveling the Border with your Dog
Dogs are allowed to cross the Chief Mountain border with you, but you’ll need to bring proof of rabies vaccination (a signed certificate from your vet). Canada may also ask about your dog’s food—so make sure any kibble or treats are commercially packaged and labeled. Dogs are not required to quarantine but must be in good health and under control at all times.
Note: While Glacier allows dogs only in limited areas, Waterton Lakes is more dog-friendly, with dogs permitted on many trails and in the townsite.
Learn more about how to visit Glacier with your dog.
When you reach the border crossing station, the customs agent will ask to see your passport(s), ask you to declare anything you're transporting into Canada that they don't want crossing the border. He/she will likely ask you how long you're planning on visiting Canada and your reason for visiting so you just tell them you're there to see Waterton National Park, that you're coming from Glacier National Park. And that's it, nothing to it.
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Be prepared to wait especially if you're visiting during peak season. There are likely to be long lines waiting to cross.
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From Many Glacier in Glacier National Park to Waterton Lakes Village in Canada, expect about 1 to 1.5 hours driving time, including the border crossing.
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The road winds through breathtaking mountain scenery, so allow time to stop for photos and take in views like Chief Mountain, a towering and sacred peak for the Blackfeet people.
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Museum Buffs? Check out the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, MT just 15 minutes outside East Glacier to learn more about the Northern Plains Tribal Peoples and view some of their historical artwork.
Note: There is limited cell networks or services in this area. If you need to stock up on road trip supplies, I recommend Thronson’s General Store in Babb.
Photo credit: Thronson's General Store
Traveling Through Blackfeet Nation — Be a Respectful Guest
As you travel between Glacier and Waterton, especially along the east side of the park, you’ll be passing through the sovereign land of the Blackfeet Nation. This isn’t just a scenic drive—it’s home to families, culture, and sacred places that have existed for thousands of years.
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Please remember you’re a guest on this land. Stick to public roads and designated pull-offs, and avoid stopping in residential areas or private driveways for photos, even if the view is beautiful. Choosing to be mindful and respectful helps preserve the privacy and dignity of the people who live here.
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One of the most iconic peaks in the region, Chief Mountain rises dramatically along the U.S.–Canada border and is easily visible from the main highway near Babb. While it’s a striking landmark for visitors, Chief Mountain is a sacred site to the Blackfeet and other Plains tribes—a place of prayer, ceremony, and deep cultural significance.
Although it may be tempting to get closer or explore nearby trails, please know that much of the land surrounding Chief Mountain is on private or tribal property, and access is not open to the public.
Visiting or hiking in these areas requires invitation or permission from the Blackfeet Nation. Learn More about the Chief Mountain Guardian.
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Out of respect (and the law), please admire Chief Mountain from the road and understand that some places are not meant for tourism—they are meant to be protected.
Learn more about the Blackfeet Nation’s history and presence in the Glacier region.
Chief Mountain Photo credit: Wikipedia
Accommodations in Waterton National Park
We elected to spend the night of Day 6 in the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton National Park to be close to everything the park had to offer, to save on driving and the necessity of waiting in lines to cross the border to re-enter the U.S.
This is an old historic 3 star hotel that oozes old world ambiance and overlooks Waterton Lake. Our King room had a beautiful view of Upper Waterton Lake. The price was $369 CA or $263.06 USD for a September booking. (The hotel closed for the season in October, 2025 and will reopen May 10, 2026)
Our King Room Photo credit: Prince of Wales Hotel
We were happy to discover we had WiFi again!
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The hotel does have restaurants on site and we discovered they observe the British traditional afternoon tea that features a selection of quality teas and a variety of delectable sandwich squares and pastries.
Tea is served in the Royal Stewart Dining Room which overlooks Waterton Lake.
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12 PM to 4 PM during the Prince of Wales operating season.
However, when we saw the price (forgetting they post everything in Canadian dollars) we said "no way".
($64 CD or $45.63 USD) We didn't need tea and crumpets that badly!
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After getting settled in our new digs, we began exploring Waterton National Park - after stopping at the Visitor Center Fee Station to pay our entrance fee.
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The admittance fee for Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada varies based on the type of admission:
ADMISSION
Daily
Adult $11.00
Senior $9.50
Youth free
Family/Group $22.00
Commercial Group, per person $9.35
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For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to check the official Parks Canada website. And there's lots of additional fee information there.
Visitor's Center & Fee Station
Photo credit: Waterton Lodge Resort
You could also consider staying at the Waterton Lakes Lodge...
Photo credit: Crandell Mountain Lodge
...or the Crandell Mountain Lodge.
After you get settled in your accommodations, explore downtown Waterton. Also called Waterton Village and/or Waterton Townsite.
It's a small town but it's pretty compact so easy to walk to explore. There are lots of shops, souvenir shops and restaurants.
Aerial view of Waterton Village. Photo credit: Glacier Parks Collection
By noon we were getting hungry so just happened upon
Weiner's.
We actually decided to try Weiner's on a whim given neither of us are that much into hot dogs. We were encouraged when we saw somewhat of a line waiting to order.
O...M...G! Weiner's gives new meaning to hot dogs!
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We decided to try their Local Smokie with sweet potato fries. Check this out!
Their Local Smokie dog
Weiner's has figured out how to put everything but the kitchen sink on a hot dog and still excite your taste buds and leave them craving more.
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They'll customize your hot dog for you with a variety of toppings and sauces.
Toppings
Creamy Coleslaw, House Sauerkraut, Diced Onion, Pickled Onion, Ginger Carrot, Banana Pepper, Fresh Jalapeno, Dill Pickle
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Sauces
Special Sauce, Dijon Mustard, Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, Mayo, Relish
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Our Local Smokie cost $9.99 CD or $7.12 USD. Not unreasonable given everything they pile on there.​
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After lunch it was time to start exploring Waterton National Park itself.
I've been to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada but there's something about Waterton that just sets it above Banff and Jasper even though it's a smaller national park. Maybe it was that everywhere I looked I was surrounded by breathtaking scenery - didn't matter where I was in Waterton, either the town or the park.
As beautiful as Banff and Jasper are, Wateron ranked above them in my eyes.
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Waterton Park has a gazillion hiking trails of all levels of difficulty to suit both non hikers and experienced hikers.
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We'll start with an easy trail to Red Rock Canyon.
​Directions to the Red Rock Canyon: Once you are in the Waterton Townsite, from Waterton Avenue drive 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) on the Red Rock Parkway to the very end and the parking lot of the Red Rock Canyon. You can park your vehicle here. It is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
There are information signs, trail markers, and a washroom at this location.
Photo credit & copyright: Canada Crossroads
From the parking lot, head towards the footbridge and turn right to begin exploring the Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail.
Red Rock Canyon Trail
The Red Rock Canyon Trail is an easy .62 mile loop. It is a partially paved and red rock-surfaced path, going up and down both sides of the high canyon walls of the river. Total time to hike it is 20 to 30 minutes or 10 to 15 minutes 1 way. (You might want to wear waterproof shoes)
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This is a really beautiful trail and canyon so take the time to stop and take photos!
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If you feel up to it, you can continue the hike on to Blakiston Falls as the trailhead is in Red Rock Canyon.
This is an easy 1.5 mile out and back trail that takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. This is one of the easiest trails in the park to hike. Bring your pooch along if you like, this trail is pet friendly.
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There are a few steps, bridges, and uneven areas, but the hike is worth it for the amazing view of Blakiston Falls and the mountains.
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Once you are close to the falls, you will see a fenced-in path that takes you to a viewpoint directly overlooking the waterfall’s cascade. There are benches where you can sit.
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When you’re done hiking, just retrace your steps back to the parking lot.
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If you're in Waterton Natl. Park in the spring or summer, after lunch take a hike on the Wildflower Trail.
Blakiston Falls
Photo credit: Parks Canada
This is an awesome short and sweet little 1.5 mile walk to new and improved lookout points for the Blakinston Falls.
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This adventure will be good one for a little stroll with friends or with young kids. Overall, this is a beautiful easy walk in the forest from
Red Rock Canyon day-use area. There are plenty of stairs here, so be sure to come prepared to move those legs.
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Return to Waterton Townsite and right in town there's a short 30 minute hike to Cameron Falls on the Cameron Trail.
Cameron Falls
After all that hiking treat yourself to dinner at Lakeside Chophouse, the only lakeside restaurant in Waterton. $$$-$$$$
Photos credit: Lakeside
The Chophouse is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day in Waterton's rugged wilderness.
Local west coast cuisine is the highlight of the Chophouse.
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There is a buffet breakfast every morning, and a lakefront patio where you can soak up the sun.
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Their Salmon Wellington is delicious. Service was excellent.
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Top your dinner off with ice cream from Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour.
Salmon Wellington
Photo credit: Waterton Tourism
We discovered the Townsite Trail, a paved path that follows the shoreline of Upper Waterton Lake to Cameron Bay and loops up to Cameron Falls, then back around to the marina. It's very peaceful there. There's a pebble beach there and behind it, a lawn area and picnic tables.
The pebble beach
We ate our ice cream while strolling this trail loop and then laid out a blanket on the grassy area and did some stargazing after sunset.
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In fact Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Park have been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park.
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Highly recommend this as it's a relaxing way to end your day.
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Seeing bald eagles is nothing out of the usual for us as I live on a lake where they're common. Watch for bald eagles around dusk as this is when they normally feed by the water.
Bald eagle in a tree off my deck at home
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Day 7
Start your day with breakfast at the Waffleton in Waterton Townsite.
No, the waffle above isn't burnt. That black stuff is toasty caramelized Belgian pearl sugar!
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At right - Caprese waffle anyone? I never knew such a thing even existed! Chef Dan and his team are always coming up with new waffle inventions.
Salad on a waffle? I tasted it and to my surprise it was delicious! Almost felt like I was in Italy!
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They even make S'mores waffles!
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301 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park
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After breakfast take a walk down to the marina. Shoreline Cruise at the Waterton Marina runs boat tours daily around Waterton Lake. They run multiple cruises daily.
Photo credit: The Banff Blog
You’ll cross the border between Canada and the United States, with a quick pit stop in Goat Haunt in Glacier National Park in Montana. The cruise runs all summer, and the friendly staff will educate you about the details and history of Waterton National Park along the way.
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If you’re hoping to enjoy the cruise, I suggest purchasing your tickets the day before or first thing in the morning. It’s very common for the departures to sell out, especially on weekends. Additionally, I suggest arriving a half hour early to snag a seat on one of the upper decks, especially if you want to take lots of photos.
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Adults: $65 USD
Kids 3-12 $32
Kids under 3 Free
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You have the option of 2 different cruises:
NON LANDING
​This 1 hour and 15-minute Non-Landing Canada-USA Border Cruise travels to the international border where passengers will see a cutline running through the forest, up the sides of the mountains indicating the 49th parallel and the Canada/USA International Border. The cruise stays close to the shoreline which increases the chances of seeing wildlife. Scenic stops are plenty and an entertaining commentary is also provided by local guides. This cruise only goes about halfway down the lake to the international border and the trip is non-landing. No passports are required.
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CANADA-USA WITH GOAT HAUNT LANDING
2 hour and 15 minute cruise landing at the Goat Haunt Ranger Station. This is our full cruise experience that travels the entire length of the lake, with an extended interpretive commentary from our local tour guides. Includes a 30 minute stop at the Goat Haunt Interpretive Centre on the U.S side of the lake, allowing guests to stretch their legs and explore this tranquil backcountry ranger station.
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Passports are NOT required, unless passengers plan to stay longer than the 30-minute stop and intend to hike at, or from, the Goat Haunt Ranger Station. If planning to hike, passengers would require a passport and would have to clear U.S Customs ahead of time. This landing cruise also allows for pick-up of day hikers at a later departure time as well as backpackers and/or hikers that require a one-way ticket back to the Waterton townsite should they desire transport.
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Prices for the above cruise are:
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Adult (13+) 89.00
Child (3 – 12) $45.00
Infant (0 – 2) FREE
1-Way Adult $55.00
1-Way Child $27.00
1-Way Infant FREE
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All cruises are weather permitting and require a minimum of 8 adult passengers to take place.​
Spend your late morning and early afternoon hiking your choice of two trails.
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The first is the Crypt Trail. This is for more experienced hikers as the path requires hikers to cling to cliffsides, climb an exposed ladder, and squeeze through a natural tunnel. It's ranked a difficult trail, rocky and steep. There are switchbacks, then more switchbacks and at the most difficult parts of the trail, here's what you'll be doing:
Photos credit: The Banff Blog
When you exit the small cave, you'll find yourself on the narrow ledge above. There are steel cables to hold onto as you navigate the ledge but we found we didn't need them. It was easy enough to do the ledge without them. But if you're nervous take a few slow deep breaths and relax your body before attempting the ledge. It really isn't as difficult as it looks.
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Once you've conquered the cave and ledges, you're about 0.12 miles to Crypt Lake. This is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch. There's even a cliff the brave can jump off into the lake. If it's a hot summer day, pack your swim suit because you'll want to cool off in the lake.
Crypt Lake
If you do the hike in a reasonable amount of time you can spend the majority of your afternoon relaxing at Crypt Lake.
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The journey down the Crypt Lake trail follows the same route on your return hike.
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When you leave the lake, plan for enough time to catch the last boat out at 5:30 p.m. Generally, a reasonable estimate for the return time is to shave 30 minutes off your approach, as it’s easier to walk downhill.
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Hint: You must take the boat from the marina to Crypt Trail. Position yourself to the back of the boat so you're among the first off the boat.
'Traffic jams' on the trail happen frequently during peak season due to some hikers being slower than others. By being among the first off the boat you can hopefully avoid those traffic jams on the trail and get ahead of the slower hikers.
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Be sure to carry bear spray with you on this hike as hikers frequently encounter bears.
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The same rule applies to bears as to bison - Don't crowd the big furry cows!
Give the bears their space and you'll be fine and so will the bears.
And NEVER EVER get close to a mama bear with cubs!
That's just asking to get mauled.
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If you don't want to do the strenuous Crypt Trail hike, then consider doing the Bear's Hump Trail.
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The Bear's Hump hike is one of the best hikes in Waterton, and if you only have time to
do one hike, this is the one I would recommend.
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The hike is a short but steep slog up hill, so won't be suitable for everyone, but the views are well worth it if you can make it to the top.
View from Bear's Hump Trail Photo credit: 1000 Days Away
There’s little to no shade along the way, so bring a sun hat and sunscreen.
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From the top, you have one of the finest lakes views in the Canadian Rockies, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Montana. The hike heads to the top of a bluff that overlooks the town of Waterton and the lakes below.
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The whole hike up to Bear’s Hump is on a well-maintained trail. There are “stairs” throughout this trail held up by wooden beams, making the climb up and down easier. There’s absolutely no way to get off trail on this hike, but you will gain elevation quickly in a series of switchbacks. Don’t worry, though – there are numerous benches to take a breather throughout the hike.
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The trail is just on the outskirts of Waterton Town. It’s easily doable in under an hour.
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There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but please note that it may be full on weekends. If this is the case, please don’t attempt to park on the side of Highway 5 – not only will this block traffic, but you’ll probably get ticketed.
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Waterton is reputed to be one of the windiest places in Canada, so once you have been blown around sufficiently or are ready for lunch, descend the same way you came and return to Waterton Townsite.
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Lunch: Found inside the Waterton Glacier Suites, Red Rock Trattoria is open year-round. Formerly the Red Rock Café, this Waterton restaurant features Italian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients possible, from starters to pasta to an amazing selection of Italian wines. One of the only restaurants in Waterton Village that remains open for the entire year, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind after an adventure-packed day.
You’ll find many classic Italian dishes that will satisfy any cravings for authentic Italian food: calamari, mussels,
minestrone, seafood fettuccine, ricotta gnocchi, bison lasagna made with local Alberta bison. (Above)
They also have stellar tiramisu for dessert. 107 Wind Flower Ave.
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Another lunch option is Thirsty Bear Kitchen and Bar, right on the lake. 111 Waterton Ave.
This gastropub is known for its lively atmosphere, as there are pool tables, foosball, and nightly specials.
Technically the only pub in Waterton Lakes, it’s a great spot to grab a drink and a tasty meal as well as enjoy the local music and entertainment.
They have a varied menu with the most expensive entree (Steak Frites) being $37. Most entrees are around $25 range.
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Their Late-Night Happy Hour runs
10PM - 12AM Sunday - Thursday.
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On Sunday nights they have Industry Night with drink specials from 10:00pm-12:00am and on Tuesday nights they have Karaoke night and drink specials from 9:30PM to 12:00AM.
Following lunch take a drive to The Bison Paddock Loop.
Photo credit: 1000 Days Away
This is a gravel road that you can drive that takes you through the bison's natural grassland habitat. You have to stay in your car, but if the bison are feeding nearby, you'll have a chance to see them up close. They'll come right up to your car!
From Waterton Townsite it's a short 22 minute drive, about 8 miles. The paddock is only a few minutes from the park entrance,
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You do not need a Park Pass to visit the Bison Paddock enclosure.
Visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles and respect all signage, as the bison are wild animals and can be unpredictable. This should go without saying but every time I've gone to a national park where bison are present, some idiot decides they're going to walk right up to a bison to take a selfie!
The male bison are extremely aggressive when there are calves in their herd and they see their only job as culling the tourist population in our national parks.
Stay in your vehicle at all times when in the paddock. Also drive slowly. We dropped down over a hill to find 2 bison standing right in the middle of the road.
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For your last night in Waterton, have dinner at the Prince of Wales Hotel in the Royal Stewart Dining Room.
The view alone is spectacular.
The Royal Stewart Dining Room
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Dinner is served from 5 pm to 9 pm.
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After dinner stick around.
Every evening at 8 p.m., the staff at the Prince of Wales also share stories from Waterton and even a few ghost stories from the hotel.
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This experience is open to both guests and non-guests.
Canadian Trout $44
Day 8
Head for home.