Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: North America
Region: Rocky Mountains
Trip Price: $5,200
Duration: 14 days/13 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Kalispell, MT / Kalispell, MT
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 International Airport and make the short drive to West Glacier, your base for exploring the west side of Glacier National Park. Settle in to a friendly, small lodge with forest, river, and mountains at your doorstep. Introductions to this pristine country will be made on a full-day whitewater rafting adventure on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, floating downstream in comfortable rafts with a combination of flat and wild water, in the company of expert, entertaining river guides. A second day will be spent on a private, naturalist guided day hike into the wilds of Glacier along beautifully-maintained national park trails that will be chosen based on your interests and abilities.
Trek into the backcountry on a fully-guided, three-day, true “off the beaten path” expedition. A combined horseback ride and hike gets you to your home for the next two nights, at a beautifully situated backcountry lodge, perched on the side of Gunsight Mountain, with access to beautiful, backcountry trails leading to lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers. Your stay includes comfortable, rustic accommodations, delicious, hearty meals, and the warm camaraderie of other adventurers.
Bid farewell to your wilderness lodge, and return to civilization by way of a trail to the shores of Lake McDonald. Return to Glacier Guides Lodge for one more night on the west side of Glacier.
Rise and shine for a spectacular day, taking you across the park from west to east along the one-and-only Going-to-the-Sun Road. Take in sweeping views, cascading waterfalls, and sheer rock faces around every hairpin turn. Be sure to stop at the top (Logan Pass) to hike the Highline or Hidden Lake Trails, keeping an eye out for bright white mountain goats. By day’s end, you’ll have arrived at St. Mary, where you’ll settle in to the comfortable St. Mary Lodge, an excellent base for exploring the park’s Two Medicine and Many Glacier destinations, each one featuring alpine lakes, scenic boat cruises, and spectacular hiking trails. On your full day, set out with a naturalist guided hike at one of these two beauties.
Cross the border into Canada at Chief Mountain, then make your way to the spacious, lake-laden Waterton Lakes National Park. Together, Water and Glacier National Parks form the Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park. Drink in the fresh mountain air on boat cruise on Waterton Lake. On your full day, hiking will be the name of the game. Choices are many, and your private guide will be sure to select a trail that suits you. Settle in each night at Waterton Glacier Suites, nestled in the small Waterton Townsite, within easy walking distance to the lakeshore, shops, and restaurants.
Travel the Crowsnest Highway to Fernie, known for their down-home resort and legendary powder skiing. Stay at the base of the resort at Fernie Alpine Lodge, a perfect basecamp for hiking, relaxing, partaking in resort activities, or heading to town to peruse.
Return to the States, for one last night in the vibrant, outdoorsy town of Whitefish, set at the edge of Whitefish Lake at the foot of the Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. Treat yourselves to local shops, art galleries, and a number of fine and fun restaurants.
Rise to the fresh mountain air, and make your way to nearby Kalispell for flights home.
In an effort to be an environmentally responsible business, the Glacier Guides Lodge is built to many LEED certified specifications, meaning it’s eco-friendly. Its location is only half a mile from 'downtown' West Glacier and Glacier National Park, yet tucked into a small, quiet and forested canyon. It's a great base for whitewater rafting, scenic floating, day hiking and fly fishing with Glacier Guides.
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.
Surrounded by the beatuful Canadian Rockies, the Waterton Glaicer Suites is a wonderful year-round mountain escape! This quaint lodge is a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy the view with a hot cup of coffee or tea on your private patio or balcony or curl up next to your fireplace.
The Fernie Alpine Lodge, located at the base of Fernie Alpine Resort, is surrounded with sweeping views and an extensive trail network. A fantastic year round destination, the lodge has eight guest rooms on two floors. At the end of a long day of skiing or hiking, sit back and relax in the large hot tub or steam room and rest up for another day of adventure!
Located in the quaint town of Whitefish, the Pine Lodge is a wonderful option year round. With close access to Glacier National Park, golfing and boating in the summer and skiing in the winter it is a fantastic place for your home away from home.
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