Calgary to Glacier National Park (USA) route planning

Question

Hello, we are flying into Calgary late night and will drive following morning. I have one day to drive to GNP (USA) and then one day to return to either Banff or Yoho/Golden/Lake Louise. I would rather make use of these two days so that they are fruitful. Any suggestions? If I drive to east side of GNP, I can potentially visit east side attractions the following morning. But that drive looks boring. If I drive to Columbia Falls/West Glacier I can potentially fit few items in that day.

I have booked hotels on both sides ( East Glacier Village and Columbia Falls) and will cancel as per what comes out of itinerary. Thanks in advance.

Answer

For your road trip from Calgary to Glacier National Park (GNP) and the surrounding areas, you’ve got some good options to make the most of your two days. Here are a few suggestions for your itinerary, balancing scenic drives, activities, and the most efficient use of time:

Day 1: Calgary to Glacier National Park (USA)

You’ll be traveling from Calgary to GNP, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive depending on the route you choose. The most direct route is taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and then crossing at the Chief Mountain Border Crossing into the U.S. While this route is relatively quick, it doesn’t offer a lot of scenic detours compared to other options.

If you're looking for a more scenic route with some interesting stops, consider the following options:

Route via the Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Glacier): Instead of taking the more direct route to the east side of GNP, you can drive to Columbia Falls or West Glacier. This will add a bit of time to your drive but will allow you to see more beautiful sights. Columbia Falls and West Glacier are closer to the more famous attractions in the park, such as Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, and several trailheads. Once in Columbia Falls, you could easily stop by the Glacier National Park Visitor Center to get maps and information.
Route via East Glacier Village: The east side of the park is more remote but also offers some quieter and more scenic locations. The road from Calgary to East Glacier Village offers views of the Flathead National Forest. However, the attractions on the east side, like St. Mary Lake and the Many Glacier area, are spread out, which may make it harder to fit much in on your first day. If you opt for this route, you can enjoy an early start and visit attractions like the Going-to-the-Sun Road or Lake McDonald the following morning.

Recommendation: If you prefer a more scenic and fulfilling drive with more to do on the way, heading towards Columbia Falls/West Glacier may be the best option. However, if you are looking for an early start the next day, East Glacier Village is an option, though it might feel a bit more isolated. If you take the East Glacier route, you’ll be able to visit the many Glacier areas like St. Mary Lake and Logan Pass the following morning.

Day 2: Glacier National Park to Banff/Yoho/Lake Louise

For your return trip, there are several options depending on your preferences. Since you have a day to explore, I recommend taking the route through Yoho National Park and the Kootenay region before reaching Lake Louise.

Route via Yoho National Park: From Columbia Falls, you can head east and take the scenic route through Yoho National Park in British Columbia. You’ll pass through Emerald Lake and see the stunning Takakkaw Falls. The drive from Glacier to Yoho is very scenic, and you’ll get to experience some great hikes and photo ops. From Yoho, you can easily head to Lake Louise and spend the night there.
Route via the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93): Another fantastic option is to drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. This highway connects Jasper and Lake Louise and passes through stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. This is a longer drive, but it’s absolutely breathtaking. You’ll want to stop at sights like Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier along the way. This route will take you to Lake Louise, where you can spend the night or continue to Banff.

Recommendation: If you're short on time, Yoho National Park is your best bet for a scenic and relatively quick detour. However, if you want a more leisurely and immersive experience with spectacular views, the Icefields Parkway will provide an unforgettable journey.

Final Thoughts:

Given that you have hotels booked on both sides of the park, your decision between East Glacier Village and Columbia Falls will likely depend on your preference for a more scenic drive vs. a more convenient and accessible route. If you want to maximize your time in the park and enjoy the best attractions without wasting much time on driving, consider staying in Columbia Falls/West Glacier. For a more peaceful experience and to start the next day in a beautiful location, East Glacier Village is a good option, but it’s slightly more remote.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll have a beautiful time exploring both Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies!