Located in northwest Montana along the Canadian border, Glacier National Park is the home to 25 active glaciers.  The park’s unique Going-to-the-Sun Road gives park visitors the opportunity to drive through the heart of the park where you will see glaciers, glacial lakes, mountains, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and plenty of wildlife.  There are over 700 miles of trails that offer everything from short walks to back country hiking and camping.   ​

Model Itinerary

Day 1:
The closest airport to the park is Glacier Park International Airport, which is located near Kalispell and is 30 minutes from the West Entrance.  Great Falls International Airport is about 2 ½ hours from the east side of the park but will often have cheaper airfare.       ​
Day 2:
Spend the day exploring the Lake McDonald area.  Stop at the Apgar Visitor Center to get park maps, trail guides, and find out about any ranger-led activities during your stay.  Don’t miss the Trail of Cedars (.7 mile easy hike) which loops onto the Avalanche Lake Trail (2 mile moderate hike) to see an amazing alpine lake surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.  Make reservations at the Lake McDonald Lodge.  
Day 3:
Head to the Many Glacier area of the park via the Going-to-the-Sun Road and spend the day stopping to enjoy the overlooks and take time to hike some of the trails along the way.  The Going-to-the-Sun Road will be closed in the winter and spring due to heavy snowfall.  The road and trails may not be clear until July, which is why peak season in the park is July and August.  If the road is closed during your visit, you can take Highway 2 around the southern tip of the park to the Many Glacier area.  Book two nights at the Many Glacier Hotel; my personal favorite hotel in the National Park system.  
Day 4:
Don’t miss taking a scenic boat ride with the Glacier Park Boat Company. Boats leave daily from the hotel dock.  The trip takes about 1 ½ hours.  You leave from the hotel and cruise across Swiftcurrent Lake and take a short .2 mile walk over the hill to board a second boat that takes you across Lake Josephine.  At the end of Lake Josephine, you will find the Grinnell Glacier trailhead (3.8 miles round trip from the boat dock); you can choose to exit the boat and hike to the Glacier, hike back to the hotel, or just stay on the boat for the return trip.  Advanced reservations are recommended. ​
Day 5:
Glacier National Park has expanded to form Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park with connecting Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.  Although the parks are connected, visitors to Waterton will still need a valid passport.  It is about a 1 ½ hour drive from Many Glacier to Waterton.  At the park entrance, take a short drive to the Bison Paddock. There, drive through a protected area to see bison roaming free in their natural habitat.  Next, head to the Visitor’s Center to find out about any ranger-led excursions, like guided hikes or boat trips.  In the parking lot, you will find the trailhead for Bear Hump Trail (short but strenuous .75 miles) where you can hike up to an overlook of the lake and surrounding mountains.  Book two nights at the Prince of Whales Hotel. ​
Day 6:
If you would like to see some bears, take the scenic drive out to Cameron Lake.  We found a baby bear in a tree next to the road and saw several other bears walking on or near the road.  You can hike around the lake or rent a canoe or kayak.  From here, drive over to Red Rock Canyon.  You can hike through the canyon on an easy ½ mile loop.  We saw a female moose and baby walking in the river there.  There are additional trailheads that leave from here for people looking for longer hikes.  
Day 7:
From Waterton you can return back to Kalispell in a 3 hour drive, or continue north to see Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada.  You can return to Kalispell on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, or to see more of the park, take Highway 89 south through the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the Two Medicine area where there are two lakes and additional hiking trails.  As you continue south on Highway 2, stop at Goat Lick Overlook and see if you can spot any mountain goats.  There is also a nice waterfall near the road as you get close to the west park entrance. ​
Day 8:
Return home and start planning your next family adventure!
Or continue this trip with the Canadian Rockies Itinerary