Explore the Crown of the Continent
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: North America
Region: Rocky Mountains
Trip Price: $4,925
Duration: 9 days/8 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: West Glacier, Montana / Whitefish, Montana
National Parklands: Glacier NP;Waterton Lakes NP
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive into Glacier Park International Airport and make the short and scenic drive to West Glacier. Spend your first full day in the park on a full-day whitewater adventure along the park’s scenic southwestern border.
Drive through the heart of Glacier National Park on a memorable and breathtaking drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Along the way, you’ll be joined by an expert guide for a hike into the park’s beautiful interior. On your first full day on the east side of the park, start your explorations with a scenic lake cruise on a historic wooden boat. You’ll dock near the trailhead for a naturalist-led 2-mile hike. The next day, it’s time for a guided full-day hike among fascinating geology, iconic glaciers, and turquoise glacial lakes.
Today, you head north across the border into Canada! Once you get to Waterton Lakes National Park, you’ll get out on the water and drink in the fresh mountain air on a picturesque boat cruise on Waterton Lake. The next morning, hiking will be the name of the game. Spend the day with a local naturalist guide and learn about what makes Waterton unique as you take in the rugged scenery around you.
The last day of this amazing two-country road trip takes you to the vibrant, outdoorsy town of Whitefish. With a heart full of Crown of the Continent memories, it’s time to fly home from Glacier Park International Airport.
Built in 1910, the Belton Chalet has welcomed many guests throughout the years as a hotel, Tap Room, pizza parlor and bakery! Elegantly restored in 2000, the Belton Chalet now provides guests with wonderful hospitality, comfortable rooms and incredible scenery. Located near the west entrance to Glacier National Park the Chalet offers fantastic access into the heart of the Crown of the Continent!
St Mary Lodge & Resort overlooks the Saint Mary Lake and the mountains of the eastern front of Glacier National park. This privileged location allows for excellent access for exploring Glacier's eastern side, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road, the Many Glacier area, and the Swift Current area.
Opening its doors in 1927, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel is located right at the base of the Canadian Rockies and overlooking the beautiful Upper Waterton Lake. The hotel was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992. The iconic seven-story building offers guests a wonderful lodging experience in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Located within walking distance of downtown Whitefish, Grouse Mountain Lodge is a year-round destination with activities as spectacular as the surrounding scenery.
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