Welcome to Glacier National Park! After landing at Glacier International Airport, head towards West Glacier to check-in at your lodging. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Apgar Visitor Center, strolling along Lake McDonald, or taking a scenic tour with a park ranger.
Wearing comfortable hiking shoes and packing necessary supplies, start the day at Logan Pass, where you can choose from several hiking trails like Highline Trail, Hidden Lake Trail, or the Historic Trestle Trail for a close-up view of the rugged mountain landscape. For a more family-friendly experience, take the 4.6-mile round trip to Avalanche Lake with its crystal clear water and abundant scenery.
Start the day with a scenic boat tour or rent a kayak, paddleboat or paddleboard and explore McDonald Lake. Afternoon, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road to St. Mary Lake and enjoy a picnic on the shore. Drive around the Many Glacier area in the evening, looking for moose, bighorn sheep, and bears.
Get on horseback and ride through the trails of Many Glacier, which offers a chance to see some of the park’s hidden lakes and remote mountain passes. After the ride, continue your journey to Two Medicine and enjoy a scenic drive along the southern edge of Glacier National Park. End the day with a hike to Running Eagle Falls.
You can rent a car from the Glacier International Airport or take a bus from Kalispell daily if you want to avoid driving yourself. Expect around 30-40 minutes of driving time from most accommodations to most park destinations.
Estimated Costs:$50-$60 per day for a car rental, $5-$10 per person for a bus ride.
If you have more time, consider hiking to the Grinnell Glacier or visiting the Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. If you have less time, skip horseback riding or boat tours.
Glacier International Airport (FCA) is located halfway between Kalispell and Whitefish, around 9 miles from Kalispell and 19 miles from Whitefish. It offers several car rental options and daily bus services to the park.