Vehicle Registration if staying inside the park

Question

We are traveling to Glacier National Park this August. We are staying 3 nights at Many Glacier and then 2 nights a Lake McDonald. Then we travel to Waterton for 2 nights. Do we still need vehicle registrations? I was under the assumption that if you have hotel reservations inside the park, then no registration is needed. Is this correct?

Answer

When staying inside Glacier National Park, such as at Many Glacier and Lake McDonald, you will still need to pay for vehicle registration, even if you have hotel reservations within the park. The vehicle registration is a separate requirement from your lodging reservation, as it's intended for access to the park itself, regardless of where you are staying. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

1. Vehicle Registration for Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park charges a vehicle entrance fee for all vehicles entering the park, whether you’re staying at a hotel, campground, or just visiting for the day. The fee applies to vehicles regardless of where you're staying in the park. The current entrance fee is typically around $35 for a 7-day vehicle pass. You can pay this fee at the park entrance gates or online ahead of time.

2. Lodging Reservations and Vehicle Registration

Your lodging reservation at Many Glacier or Lake McDonald does not exempt you from the vehicle registration fee. The idea that no registration is needed when staying inside the park is incorrect. While staying at park accommodations allows for easy access to certain areas of the park, it does not bypass the requirement for a vehicle pass.

3. How to Pay for Vehicle Registration

You can pay the vehicle entrance fee at the entrance gates of the park, where rangers will provide you with a pass.
If you'd prefer, you can also purchase the entrance pass in advance through the National Park Service website or at some of the nearby visitor centers.
For longer stays, or if you're planning to visit multiple national parks, consider purchasing a America the Beautiful Pass, which gives access to all U.S. national parks for a year.

4. Waterton National Park (Canada)

Since you plan to travel to Waterton National Park in Canada, you should be aware that Canadian national parks have their own entrance fee policies. You’ll need to check the entry requirements for Waterton once you cross the border. Be sure to have your passport and any necessary documentation ready for international travel.

5. Additional Notes

Even if you’re staying at private accommodations, such as a lodge or cabin inside the park, you will still need to pay the vehicle entrance fee.
Keep in mind that the entrance fees help maintain and protect the park, so it’s important to contribute to preserving the beauty and resources of Glacier National Park.

In summary, while staying at Many Glacier or Lake McDonald will give you great access to the park, you will still need to pay the vehicle registration fee for entry to Glacier National Park. Make sure to plan ahead and purchase your pass either online or at the park entrance. Enjoy your trip to this beautiful park!

Vehicle Registration if staying inside the park

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