Answer: Your trip plan sounds fantastic, and it's great that you'll be visiting Glacier National Park — it’s a bucket list destination for many! I think you've covered most of the logistics, but there are a few things to consider to make your trip more enjoyable and less rushed, along with some advice for hikes and other key details.

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:

Answer: If you're staying in Whitefish, the West Entrance to Glacier National Park is the closest. This entrance is just about a 30-minute drive from Whitefish, making it the most convenient point to access the park from the town.

Answer: It sounds like you have a wonderful trip ahead! With the time constraints and your interest in wildlife, scenery, and hiking, there are a few great ways to make the most of your short visit to Glacier National Park (GNP). Since you'll be staying in Lake McDonald Lodge and have a GTSR (Going-to-the-Sun Road) pass from 1-3 PM on June 14th, here's a plan that balances scenic drives, wildlife sightings, and hiking without feeling rushed:

Answer: Your Glacier National Park itinerary for August 5-12, 2025, is well thought out, with lodging booked near key areas and boat rides planned. Given your interests in shorter hikes (around 2 miles) and your desire to appreciate the park without overexertion, here’s a detailed guide and some considerations to maximize your experience.

Answer: The Rising Sun Motor Inn is located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, near the Going-to-the-Sun Road entrance. While it is within the park boundary, it is operated privately and not directly listed on the National Park Service lodging reservation system. This can cause some confusion regarding vehicle reservations and access.

Answer: Your itinerary looks fantastic, and it’s clear that you’ve planned some amazing hikes and activities that will give your family a great introduction to Glacier National Park. Here's some feedback on your itinerary, including some tips and ideas for the last day:

Answer: Memorial Day weekend can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to visiting Glacier National Park. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Answer: Planning a mid-October trip to Glacier National Park requires some careful preparation, as the park begins to transition into its off-season by that time. Here’s a detailed guide for your family trip from October 12–20, 2024.

Answer: The St. Mary and Virginia Falls hike is typically considered one trail, but it involves two waterfalls along the way, so some confusion can arise. Here's a breakdown of the trail and its features:

Answer: Visiting Glacier National Park (GNP) at the end of September to early October is a wonderful time to experience the park, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially regarding weather and road conditions.

Answer: It sounds like you’re planning a wonderful trip to the Glacier National Park area! With a week to 8 days and no hiking involved, there are still plenty of scenic and relaxing activities to enjoy. Here’s an itinerary suggestion, along with some advice about timing and nearby activities.

Answer: The Pow Wow in Browning, Montana, during the Indian Festival is a vibrant and cultural experience that can definitely be informative and educational for young children. The event showcases the traditions, music, dance, and artistry of Native American cultures, particularly from the Blackfeet Nation, and offers an opportunity to learn about history, storytelling, and cultural practices in a fun and engaging environment.

Answer: It sounds like you have a fantastic day planned at Glacier National Park! Given that you’re starting around noon or 1pm, here's a recommended itinerary to ensure you can see all of your must-see spots while still enjoying the park at a relaxed pace:

Answer: It's great that you'll be spending seven nights in Glacier National Park! There’s plenty to see and do, and the Red Bus Tours are a fantastic way to explore the park. Here's a breakdown of the two tours you’re considering and some other suggestions:

Answer: Visiting Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge is a great way to spend an extra day during your time at Glacier National Park. While it’s about a 2-hour drive from Whitefish, it's a beautiful and rewarding day trip worth considering, especially if you're interested in exploring some of the lesser-known gems in the area.

Answer: It’s understandable that the rules about boat and vehicle reservations for Glacier National Park can be a bit confusing, but I’ll try to break it down for you clearly.

Answer: Fly fishing is a fantastic experience in Glacier National Park, and it's great that your family is excited to give it a try! You're right that many tours are typically designed for small groups (2 people) to ensure personalized instruction and space on the river, but there are several ways to accommodate your family of three. Here are some options to consider:

Answer: Congratulations to your daughter! Planning a wedding at Pray Lake in Glacier National Park is exciting, and there are a few key points to consider to make your visit and her wedding run smoothly. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Answer: Visiting Glacier National Park in late December can be a unique experience, but there are a few things to consider before deciding if it's worth the trip from Whitefish for a day.

Answer: This trip report provides a detailed and inspiring itinerary for visiting Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies, highlighting accommodations, scenic drives, dining experiences, and local attractions.

Answer: It sounds like you have a wonderful trip ahead of you at Glacier National Park, and it’s great that you’re looking for something special to do with your kids during your free day in East Glacier. Given the beauty of the park and the surrounding area, there are a few hidden spots where you could enjoy swimming and a bit of adventure. Here are a few suggestions:

Answer: Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTS Road) from East to West is a great choice! This direction offers breathtaking views as you head into the heart of Glacier National Park. While driving this route, there are several fantastic spots for short hikes, scenic stops, and photo opportunities. Below are some recommendations for places to stop and enjoy the park:

Answer: Planning a visit to Glacier National Park can certainly be stressful, especially when it comes to securing reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). Here’s some detailed information and advice to help reduce the stress and plan your trip more effectively:

Answer: Your plan for the first day sounds good, but I would recommend a few small tweaks to make the most out of your time in the area. Since you’ll be arriving around 11 am and the boat tour is at 2 pm, you’ll have some time to explore the area without rushing too much.

Answer: Driving from Spokane, Washington to Glacier National Park in Montana offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the scenic beauty and attractions along the way. The drive itself is around 5 to 6 hours, depending on your route, and there are several interesting stops and sights to see along the way.

Answer: What a fantastic adventure you have ahead! A month-long RV trip from Fort Worth to Glacier National Park will take you through some of the most scenic and diverse landscapes in the United States. With a trip this long, you’ll want to balance scenic drives with must-see stops, making the journey as memorable as the destination itself. Here’s a suggested route with a few must-see places and stay suggestions along the way:

Answer: It sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead! To answer your question regarding the timed entry pass for traveling the Going-to-the-Sun Road, here's the information you need:

Answer: It sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead to Glacier National Park, and with your planned itinerary, you’re sure to experience some of the most beautiful sights the park has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary with some ideas for hikes, boat tours, and other highlights to help you make the most of your time at both West Glacier and Many Glacier. Since you’re looking for easy to moderate hikes, I’ve focused on routes that are not too strenuous.

Answer: Your trip to Glacier National Park sounds amazing, and it’s great that you have a solid itinerary planned out. Below are some suggestions and tips to help make the most of your trip:

Answer: Your itinerary for Glacier National Park looks packed with incredible sights, but it may be a bit too ambitious for a day, especially with two young kids. Some of the hikes and viewpoints can be more strenuous, and with the travel times between stops, it's important to ensure you're not rushing too much. Here’s a detailed critique of your plan:

Answer: North Fork is a beautiful and more secluded area of Glacier National Park, known for its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. However, as you've noted, the road to North Fork (North Fork Road) is gravel, and driving it with a rental minivan can be a bit of a concern, especially if you're not used to gravel roads or are driving a larger vehicle. Here are some points to consider before deciding if it’s worth adding to your schedule:

Answer: The Apgar Visitor Center is located on the west side of Glacier National Park, and it’s a great starting point for exploring some of the park’s scenic areas and trails. Regarding your question about parking and hiking, here’s a breakdown:

Answer: The hike to Grinnell Glacier is one of the most beautiful but demanding hikes in Glacier National Park, and it’s great that you’ve planned a boat trip in Many Glacier to enhance the experience! Based on your timeline, here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect and how to plan your day:

Answer: If you're staying at the Many Glacier Hotel and need to make your way to Kalispell for a 1:30 pm flight, the drive should be manageable, but it's important to consider the time and distance involved. The drive from Many Glacier to Kalispell is around 2 hours, so here are a few options to ensure you get to the airport on time:

Answer: The Highline Trail is one of the most scenic and popular hikes in Glacier National Park, so it's understandable that it's at the top of your list! Late September can be a beautiful time to visit, but as you noted, the shuttle services will not be running, and the weather can be unpredictable. Here's some advice on your options:

Answer: For planning your Glacier National Park trip in July, both the Red Bus tours and Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel are very popular and can fill up quickly, especially during peak summer season. Timing your booking is crucial to ensure availability.

Answer: Good questions — I couldn’t find any publicly available documentation that gives the exact internal dimensions (cu ft, height, width, etc.) of the mini-fridge in the “Glacier Cabin.” The official amenity listing simply says “mini-refrigerator.”

Answer: Hi there, both Whitefish and West Glacier are great options, but each offers something slightly different depending on your priorities for the trip. Here are some things to consider:

Answer: Your itinerary looks well thought out and offers a good mix of scenic views, historic sites, and fun activities. Here are a few thoughts on how to adjust or enhance it:

Answer: For a first-time visit to Glacier National Park, splitting your stay between the east and west sides of the park is a great way to maximize your time and enjoy the diversity of what the park has to offer. Since you're flying into Kalispell, you'll be arriving on the west side of the park, so it's a good idea to spend a few nights on this side to explore the highlights before heading to the east side. Here's a suggested distribution of your 6 nights based on your interests and the major attractions on each side.

Answer: Glacier National Park is a stunning destination, and while some areas, like the Many Glacier Valley, may be affected by closures in September 2025, there is still plenty to see and do in the park, even if you avoid that specific region. The park is vast, and many of the iconic attractions you’ve mentioned should be accessible, along with numerous other scenic spots that are kid-friendly and offer shorter hikes.

Answer: It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned! With 6 days in total, 3 full days at Glacier National Park (GNP), and 2 days in Banff, you'll have a great opportunity to explore some stunning scenery and enjoy some fantastic hikes. Here's a suggested itinerary with a focus on scenic drives, short hikes, and the best experiences based on your preferences:

Answer: Good question. The — which had been closed for major renovations — has recently reopened under a new owner, so yes — as of now the inn is operating again.

Answer: It sounds like you're in for an exciting trip, and I understand the concern about missing the reservation window for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). While the reservations are required to drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak season, there are still several options for enjoying the park without a reservation, especially on the west side of Glacier National Park.

Answer: It sounds like you have a great trip planned for Glacier National Park, and it's awesome that you're staying on the East side near Duck Lake! As you've mentioned, the East side of the park is more remote, so it's essential to plan ahead for groceries before you head into the park. Here are a few great options for picking up your groceries, including breakfast and lunch essentials, before you get too far out in the wilderness.

Answer: It sounds like the Many Glacier boat ride is a popular attraction, and it’s possible that the availability has changed quickly due to high demand, especially in early July. While it’s frustrating when things are fully booked, there are a few possibilities to consider:

Answer: Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake are both stunning areas, and they offer a great mix of natural beauty and ranch-style activities, even if you’re looking for a more immersive ranch experience beyond just trail rides. Below are a few places in the region where you can enjoy ranch-style activities like roping, shooting, and rodeo events:

Answer: Glacier National Park, as well as Jasper and Banff in Canada, are incredible destinations with stunning landscapes, but choosing the right time to visit is key to making the most of your experience. Since you're newly retired and looking to avoid the busy vacation seasons, traveling in the shoulder seasons (September to November) is a great choice! Here are some insights into the best times to visit and a suggested itinerary for your trip:

Answer: It sounds like you're planning a fantastic trip to Glacier National Park, and your itinerary looks well thought-out! There are just a few things to keep in mind for your visit in June, as some areas of the park may still be inaccessible due to snow, especially on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR). However, it sounds like you've already considered that, so let's dive into your plan and see if there are any suggestions I can offer.

Answer: For a road trip that includes Calgary, Glacier National Park, Banff, and Jasper, the length of time you’ll need depends on how much time you want to spend exploring each location and how leisurely you want your trip to be. Here's a suggested itinerary and general timeline to help guide your planning:

Answer: Driving through Glacier National Park (GNP) in early May can be a bit tricky, as the weather can still be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Many of the park’s roads, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, typically do not open until late June or early July, depending on snow conditions. That said, driving through GNP in May can still offer beautiful views of the park, particularly the lower elevations, but you may not be able to access the more scenic higher points of the park until the roads fully open. However, the surrounding areas offer plenty of natural beauty, and you’ll find lots of picturesque landscapes.

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:

Answer: Great to hear you're planning a visit to Glacier National Park! With your interests in hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, both the East and West sides of the park offer unique experiences. Here's a comparison to help you decide which side might be best for you as a solo female traveler:

Answer: It sounds like you’re planning a fantastic family trip to Glacier National Park! Glacier is a beautiful destination with a wide range of activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Here are some insights to help you decide whether June or August would be the best time for your family, and how to make the trip enjoyable for everyone, especially considering the varied abilities in your group.

Answer: Glacier National Park is vast and stunning, so your trip length and how you split your time between the east and west sides can make a big difference in what you get to see and do.

Answer: Late August through mid-September is a fantastic time for visiting Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes, especially for wildlife photography. This period offers cooler weather, fewer crowds than July, and excellent lighting conditions for photography. Since your focus is on bears and moose, you’ll want to concentrate on areas where these animals are most commonly sighted, while also considering convenient lodging outside the park.

Answer: Hiker/biker campgrounds in Glacier National Park are designed specifically for travelers on foot or bike, and reservations for these sites indeed open only 4 days in advance. These campgrounds tend to be small and very popular, so planning ahead—even just a few days—is important.

Answer: First of all, don’t let the vehicle reservation process discourage you too much! While it’s true that Glacier National Park has become more popular over the years, and vehicle reservations are required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak season (typically from late June to mid-September), it’s definitely manageable with some planning.

Answer: Hi! Your itinerary sounds like an amazing trip, and while it is ambitious, it seems like you’ve already planned well for your time in each of the parks. Given your preferences and the time of year, here are some thoughts and suggestions to help fine-tune your trip:

Answer: Congratulations on your 20th anniversary, and it sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! Here are some suggestions for optimizing your itinerary, as well as thoughts on your last day and overall travel plan:

Answer: It sounds like you have an exciting trip planned to Glacier National Park! Regarding your question about timed entry reservations, you're correct that the requirement for timed entry reservations applies to specific areas of the park during the busy summer months. However, for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR), which is one of the most popular scenic drives in the park, you do need a timed entry reservation, but only during peak times. Let me break this down for you:

Answer: Glacier National Park is a stunning place, and taking a boat tour is a wonderful way to experience the park, especially if you're traveling with both grandparents and children. The views from the water are breathtaking, and you’ll be able to enjoy the park’s beauty without needing to hike. Below are some great boat tour options that are known for their incredible scenery, along with their approximate durations:

Answer: With a flight departure at 2:30 PM and staying at Whitefish Mountain Resort, you have a few hours in the morning to enjoy some beautiful, nearby sights before heading to the airport. Here are some great options for short, scenic activities that will give you a taste of Glacier National Park and its surroundings:

Answer: Visiting Glacier National Park in the first week of June is an exciting adventure, though it’s important to understand the park’s seasonal dynamics and snow conditions. While you’re correct that the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) will likely be closed at that time due to snow, there are still a number of areas you can explore and enjoy. Here's what you need to know:

Answer: It sounds like you're going to have a fantastic trip to Glacier National Park! Here are answers to your questions to help make your visit even better:

Answer: For a scenic and relatively short hike near Columbia Falls, you have a few great options that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area without too much driving. Here are some great options for hikes around 3 miles that will give you a taste of Glacier National Park and the surrounding wilderness:

Answer: It sounds like you've made a thoughtful decision based on the importance of location and access to the park, which is key when visiting Glacier National Park. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of your choice:

Answer: Your itinerary through Glacier National Park sounds wonderful! Here’s a detailed breakdown of your trip, focusing on what you could do each day, along with the best routes to take, hikes to consider, and ways to make the most of your time in the park. I’ll also make sure to recommend the best hikes and stops for your family based on the details you’ve shared.

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:

Answer: For your visit to Glacier National Park in July, having your lodging confirmations is a great start, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind regarding vehicle permits and park entry.

Answer: Your itinerary for Glacier National Park sounds great, and it's good that you're planning some relaxation time after your busy trip through the Tetons and Yellowstone. Here’s some feedback based on your current plan, as well as some tips to help optimize your stay at Glacier:

Answer: Visiting Glacier National Park from October 5-11 can be a bit of a gamble in terms of weather and accessibility, but it’s definitely not crazy! It all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Answer: Good morning and happy new year to you too!

Answer: Your plan sounds great, and you'll have an amazing time at Many Glacier with those hikes. Here's a suggestion on how to organize your hikes, taking into consideration their difficulty and how you can optimize your time in the area:

Answer: It's great that you're taking safety seriously while visiting Glacier National Park, especially with your parents. Renting a satellite phone is a good idea for added peace of mind, as many areas of Glacier do not have cell service, particularly in more remote spots. While Glacier is generally safe, it's always best to be prepared, especially when hiking in areas where you may not have immediate access to help if needed.

Answer: With your timeframe of arriving at Columbia Falls around 1 pm on Monday and having all of Tuesday for Glacier National Park (GNP), you can have a very scenic experience without needing to hike. Since your focus is driving, photography, and stopping at viewpoints, planning your Monday and Tuesday efficiently is key.

Answer: Yes — Glacier National Park has a wide variety of guided daily tours in summer (and a smaller slate of seasonal/holiday programs outside peak months). The main types are: guided Red-Bus (“Red Jammer”) road tours, narrated boat cruises on the big lakes, horseback rides, ranger-led walks/hikes and short interpretive programs, plus a handful of private/van tour operators and shuttles. Most tours originate from the park’s visitor hubs on the west and east sides (Apgar / Lake McDonald on the west; St. Mary / Many Glacier / Rising Sun on the east), with some smaller departures at Two Medicine and other valleys.

Answer: It looks like you have a great itinerary planned for Day 2 in Glacier National Park! With young kids along, it’s important to balance the hiking and sightseeing with opportunities for breaks and some fun activities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of your day:

Answer: It sounds like you're in for a great day exploring Glacier National Park and the surrounding area! If you're planning to head to Polebridge and the Mercantile, there are a few wonderful family-friendly hikes you can enjoy along the way from Columbia Falls. Here are some options that are around 3 miles or so and suitable for families:

Answer: It’s great that your friend is planning to visit Glacier National Park! The timed entry passes are in effect to help manage the large number of visitors during peak season (particularly in August). I'll clarify the points for each leg of their trip and the specifics regarding the passes for lodging and entry.

Answer: The Granite Park Chalet is a historic backcountry lodge located in Glacier National Park, offering a rustic and unique experience. The rooms in the Chalet typically have bunkbeds, but they are designed to accommodate 4 people in each room.

Answer: It sounds like you’ve got an exciting trip planned, and I understand your concerns about timing for the Grinnell Glacier hike with the boat ride. The boat tour at Many Glacier is an amazing experience, but with your 2 PM timing, it can definitely make it tricky to complete the entire hike in one day. Here are a few suggestions and options to make the most of your visit without feeling rushed:

Answer: Both Cedar Creek Lodge and Lake McDonald Lodge offer unique experiences, so the choice depends on what you're looking for in your stay. Here's a breakdown of both options to help you decide:

Answer: For the 2023 season, Glacier National Park has implemented a vehicle reservation system for certain areas during the peak visitor months (typically June through mid-September) to help manage traffic and reduce congestion. Here's what you need to know about the areas you're planning to visit:

Answer: It’s completely understandable to feel a bit anxious as your trip to Glacier National Park approaches, especially with the new timed entry system in place. Here's what I’ve seen from others’ experiences with reservations, and hopefully, this will give you a better idea of what to expect:

Answer: Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Pray Lake is a beautiful spot for such a special occasion, and getting there from Whitefish is definitely manageable. Here’s some detailed information about the travel time and route:

Answer: Yes, Glacier National Park has implemented a reservation system for vehicle access during the summer months to manage the high volume of visitors. Since you're visiting in July, you will indeed need a reservation to drive through certain sections of the park, particularly the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is one of the most popular and scenic routes in the park.

Answer: Visiting Glacier National Park in early May can be a fantastic experience, though it does come with some challenges, especially with many services still being closed for the season. Since you'll be in Kalispell for business and want to extend your stay to experience Glacier, here are some tips for lodging and things to do during this early time of year: