Glacier and Banff July '25

Question

Hello everyone,

My family of 5 (wife and 3 teen/preteen boys) are planning a GNP and Banff Loop the middle of July. We are arriving in Kalispell July 14. The tentative plan is to spend the week in Glacier hopefully moving west to east across the park.

-Driving to Calgary Saturday, spending the night and driving to Banff Sunday morning.

-Staying in Banff Sunday and Monday nights. So Banff stuff Sunday, Monday, and maybe Tuesday morning.

-Drive back toward Kalispell Tuesday. Would love a recommendation for somewhere nice to stay along the way that leaves less than a 3 hour drive to the airport Wednesday morning.

-Fly out Wednesday afternoon.

Where's a good whitewater rafting trip either near west or east Glacier? We don't need Class V but we did our rafting trip a few years ago near Gardiner, MT and loved it so can handle Class II-III. Getting a rafting trip in is a good break from hiking and keeps the boys happy.

Also appreciate any recommendations for fun activities in/around Calgary.

We're actively trying to secure our lodging in and around Glacier. Playing the watching for cancellations game on Xanterra's site. Have some bookings but not in ideal locations for our west to east plan yet. We're experienced national park travelers so know the complexities of these trips.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts!

Answer

It sounds like you’ve planned an incredible trip to Glacier National Park and Banff! The itinerary you’ve outlined is well thought out, but I can offer a few suggestions and tips to help you along the way, especially when it comes to lodging, rafting, and activities in Calgary. Here's a detailed breakdown of your trip:

Lodging:

It seems like you're aiming for a west-to-east route across Glacier National Park, which is a fantastic plan. As far as lodging goes, here are some suggestions in Glacier that might help with your west to east approach:

West Glacier (near the park entrance): You can check out places like Lake McDonald Lodge or Apgar Village Inn, which are more centrally located. Both offer easy access to the western side of the park.
Two Medicine (east side of Glacier): The Many Glacier Hotel is another great option for your eastward leg. It is perfectly positioned for exploring the eastern side of the park, and it’s still close enough for a drive to your next destination.
St. Mary’s Campground: Another option if you want to stay closer to the east entrance is St. Mary’s Campground, though availability might be tough. However, it’s well-situated to explore both Many Glacier and the eastern part of the park.

When you’re securing lodging, especially for popular spots in the park, keep checking Xanterra or any cancellation alerts, as you’re doing. You might find last-minute cancellations during peak season.

Whitewater Rafting:

For rafting near Glacier, here are a couple of excellent options where you can find Class II-III rapids:

Glacier Raft Company (West Glacier): This company offers scenic rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, where you can enjoy Class II-III rapids. It's a perfect combination of fun and scenic views.
Great Northern Whitewater Rafting (East Glacier): They offer a fun Class II-III whitewater experience along the Flathead River, which could be a great way to break up your trip between Glacier and Banff. They also offer family-friendly tours.

Both of these options are great for families and provide a thrilling yet safe rafting experience, perfect for teens and preteens to enjoy.

Calgary Recommendations:

As for Calgary, here are some fun activities and recommendations to make your stay more enjoyable:

Calgary Tower: A visit to the Calgary Tower offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Rockies.
Calgary Zoo: If your family enjoys wildlife, the Calgary Zoo is a must-see, featuring animals from around the world and a beautiful botanical garden.
Heritage Park Historical Village: This living history museum is a great way to step back in time and explore Calgary’s past with interactive exhibits and old-fashioned rides.
Bowness Park: A lovely park with canoe and bike rentals, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. You can also rent paddleboats and enjoy the river.

Driving Back to Kalispell:

As for your drive back from Banff to Kalispell, your drive should take about 4-5 hours, depending on stops. Here are a few places to break up the journey:

Radium Hot Springs: Located just inside Kootenay National Park, this is a great spot to take a break and relax in the hot springs. It’s about 2-3 hours into the drive from Banff.
Revelstoke: This charming mountain town offers a great rest stop, with local cafes, scenic views, and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing your drive to Kalispell.

Both locations are excellent stops to break up the drive, giving you a chance to explore more of the Canadian Rockies and relax before continuing your journey.

I hope these suggestions help in fine-tuning your trip and that you have a fantastic adventure in Glacier National Park and Banff! Enjoy the rafting, hikes, and exploring Calgary!

Glacier and Banff July '25

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