Looking for the best things to do in Glacier National Park, Montana? If yes, here is an insider guide for visiting Glacier National Park, including where to stay, what to bring, and the top things to see & do in Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park has exploded within the past few years, and it’s been amazing for me to watch as more and more people discover it. I grew up right next to the park as a kid, so watching it become the tourist attraction it is today has been intriguing (especially in a place where not a lot happens).
There’s some incredible things to do in Glacier, and they don’t all revolve around hiking, either. Even if you aren’t a big trailblazer, there are still plenty of activities that are worth enjoying.
Where to stay in Glacier National Park
Unless you plan on doing some camping or glamping (which I highly recommend Under Canvas Glacier if you want to try that), head to Whitefish for close proximity to the park at about a 35-minute drive away. It’s also a fun little town with several breweries, some good restaurants, and a ski hill turned tourist paradise in the summer.
If Whitefish is too posh for your budget, you can always choose to stay in Kalispell instead, which has some decently-priced options.
Booking.com
Here are some hotels I would recommend:
The Firebrand Hotel
This new hotel right in the center of town provides walking distance to the best restaurants and bars in Whitefish. It is also reasonably priced compared to some of the more expensive places within the area in the summer.
The Ducktown Inn Lodge
This no-frills hotel offers free breakfast and a restaurant for dining after a long day of hiking in the park. There are also a number of rooms facing the Whitefish River and easy access to the main attractions in the town.
Hampton Inn and Suites Whitefish
Located right by the main street in Whitefish, you can choose to walk into town. This is also a fairly new hotel including breakfast, WiFi, and parking for those traveling by car. You have access to a fitness center and a pool if you want to relax those muscles after a day of being outside on the trail.
Booking.com
What to bring with you to Glacier National Park
Weather in Montana is variable, and nights can get pretty cool–especially when you are camping. I recommend bringing layers for hot weather (around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day) and a sweater for the evenings.
You are also going to want to either invest in a can of bear spray or rent one if you are planning on doing any hiking. Bears are a real problem in the park, and it’s worth the extra $60 USD to equip yourself in case you run into one. You can grab a can at the airport or any sporting goods stores within the Flathead Valley.
If you plan on hiking, a good quality pair of hiking boots never hurts, as well as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and day pack. I always recommend bringing more water than you might be expecting, as well. Although you can access it at several points in the park, it’s better to be prepared for when you’re actually out there hiking!
Outdoor & Hiking essentials we love!
#1 Essential when going hiking is having good hiking shoes. We loving this Columbia Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot.
#2 Essential when going hiking is having a good backpack. This is a really great Lightweight Packable Waterproof Travel Hiking Backpack.
Another must-have for hiking are trekking poles. These 2-pc Pack of Hiking/Walking Sticks are adjustable and crucial if hiking on rocky terrain or supporting heavier weight.
Keep yourself hydrated with this double-wall insulated water bottle which is cup holder friendly, road-trip approved, and adventure-ready!
We personally love this outdoor performance shirt for hiking, it comes with long or short sleeves and it has 50+ sun protection. It is usually good to carry a waterproof rain jacket like this one too.
When hiking, it is a must to have a compact first aid kit in case of an emergency. We totally recommend this one, which has over 85 pieces.
This Swiss Army Camper Knife by Victorinox can save efforts in some of the trickiest hiking/camping scenarios. Don’t be fooled by its compact size; it has 13 features stacked within it!
These 100% Biodegradable Feminine Hygiene Outdoor Wipes are perfect for adventurous women! Give them a try!
Another great must-have for outdoor lovers is this easy to carry Outdoors Pocket Blanket by Momo Outdoors. It is packable, lightweight, compact, sand proof and waterproof. It is ideal for camping, hiking, picnics and even for the beach.
It is good to always have our devices charge, and we love this power bank which has 2 ports for fast charging.
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Will I need a car for visiting Glacier National Park?
Most likely, you will want to consider renting a car while you are in the area. There are several major car rental companies at the airport, including National, Enterprise, Budget, and more.
You will want to rent a car in advance since they do tend to get snatched up during tourist season. Expect to pay about $150 USD per day.
Best things to do in Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald
At the center of the park is Lake McDonald, which is the largest body of water in Glacier. It’s open for swimming and offers boat rides from one end to the other during the summer months, and the historic lodge is open for guests. If you’re lucky, you might even see wildlife coming down to the water to drink. If you do plan on swimming, the water can be a bit cold!
Going-to-the-Sun Road
This might be Glacier’s most famous sight, and for good reason. Built in the 1930s in order to provide work during the Great Depression, Going-to-the-Sun is covered in snow most of the year.
It offers some truly spectacular views as it snakes along mountainsides, and it can get a little tight with the number of large trucks and RVs making their way up the road. If you’re afraid of heights, then be prepared to have a little bit of a scare and take those turns slowly.
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Logan Pass
The Going-to-the-Sun Road leads up to Logan Pass, where there is a visitors’ center and the opportunity to choose a number of different hikes. It’s also not uncommon to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and the occasional bear wandering around this area. You will want to get up there fairly early since parking spaces fill up very fast.
Avalanche Hike
While you don’t have to hike in order to enjoy the park, Avalanche offers a pretty easy one that leads up to a glacial lake where you can picnic and enjoy the view. It’s pretty popular, so you won’t necessarily need to bring bear spray with you, but you should make sure never to approach any wildlife you might see on the trail.
Also, this is another popular choice for hiking, so if you can get there early you’re much more likely to find a parking space.
Apgar Village
This charming list village on the west side of the park offers a visitors’ center, access to a few really easy hikes, and some delicious ice cream! Most of the restaurants within the park are also located here, so it might be the best place to grab breakfast before you head out on your adventures.
Along with a fully-fledged campground, it is also the ideal place to grab some souvenirs if you’re looking to bring some back gifts for friends and family.
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Whitewater rafting
Glacier has some amazing whitewater rafting options for any skill level. Whether you are looking to bring your kids along or you want to white-knuckle it, it can be a totally different way to experience the park and some wildlife on your trip. There are a number of great rafting companies that provide you with everything you need (except a swimsuit!) to enjoy the day on the river.
Horseback riding
Glacier has a number of licensed guides that will get you saddled up and ready to explore the park on horseback. The easiest way to find them is online, but you can also book them through the Apgar Visitors’ Center, as well.
You can explore the park it was back in the day before roads could be created to get from one end of the other. It’s the perfect activity for kids or those looking to do something a little different in Montana.
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Fly fishing
Montana has some world-class fly fishing, and it’s highly recommended on your Glacier National Park itinerary if you’re an outdoors enthusiast. You can choose to have a local guide take you to the best spots or head out on your own depending on whether you’re an expert or not.
Do keep in mind that some areas are acceptable for fly fishing, while others are protected. This is why having a fly fishing outfitter can help you–they’ll help you find the best areas and also make sure you’re following the rules.
Trail of the Cedars
For more of a nature walk rather than a hike, the Trail of the Cedars is the perfect option. Including a boardwalk that wanders through a forest with giant cedar trees, kids can explore the included signs and learn more about the nature of the area.
It’s a great afternoon activity before you head to Lake McDonald or take on the Avalanche Trail hike. The best part? It smells absolutely amazing and offers peace in a sometimes very busy park.
Jammer tour
Want to see the highlights but have a limited amount of time to do so? The red jammer cars are a symbol of Glacier National Park and have been giving tours throughout the park since the 1930s.
With an open top and park rangers as your guides, it’s the ideal way to see the main sights of Glacier without having to drive there yourself and worry about parking. Not only that, but it makes for the perfect photo opportunities!
West Glacier
West Glacier is known as the last place you can get gas before heading into the park, but there’s a lot more to explore there, as well. Grab a snack or a bite to eat before you officially enter the park, check out the Alberta Visitors’ Centre, or wander around the charming, Swiss-inspired town. If you want to explore the park by train, this is also where you would board it and it will take you right through to East Glacier.
I hope that I inspire you to visit
There’s so much to do in Glacier National Park, and you’ll want to spend at least a few days there in order to experience the main sights. Hopefully this list will inspire you when you head to Montana and explore the “Crown of the Continent.”
This is a post by guest contributor Alex from the blog Alex on the Map.
Alex is a Montana-born traveler and writer. She is currently a New York dreamer living in Brooklyn, encouraging sustainable travel for millennials. You can read more about her travels at Alexonthemap.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @alexonthemap.
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