Follow That Moose
Pristine turquoise lakes, forested valleys, grand green meadows and endless jaw dropping scenery are yours to enjoy on our Glacier National Park vacation.
Tucked in Northern Montana amongst the dramatic Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is renowned for its endless beauty and numerous hiking trails. Here, fresh air awakens the mind, and mountains beg to be explored
With expert local guides leading the way, settle into nature's rhythm for a one-of-a-kind adventure that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Glacier National Park is calling. Are you ready?
6 Days | 12 People Max | Activity Level 3
On our 6-day Glacier National Park vacation, you'll explore the best of it. Including a full day adventure hiking along the Iceberg Lake trail, exploring Grinnell Lake, Swiftcurrent Lake and Josephine Lake and experiencing the world-renowned Going to the Sun road. Spend your nights in the quaint towns of Whitefish and St Mary, and wake up to the sound of nature just outside your door.
DAY 1
Meet group in Whitefish, transfer to Two Medicine
Lake for hiking and biking
Your Glacier Park adventure begins in the hip western town of Whitefish. After an introductory welcome meeting in town, we begin our two hour drive towards East Glacier. We will stretch our legs with a short hike to Running Eagle Falls, then head over to a lakeside picnic lunch. After lunch, a short bike ride will get you feeling comfortable in the saddle and ready for the days to come.
St. Mary Lodge (Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
Biking: 11 miles (18 kilometers)
DAY 2
Full day hiking Iceberg Lake Trail
Wake up bright and early this morning and enjoy a hearty meal to fuel up for the full-day adventure ahead. A 30-minute drive brings us deeper into the park, to the trailhead of Iceberg Lake, considered by many the “Crown Jewel” of hiking trails in the park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip into the iceberg-dotted lake! After lunch at the lake, we’ll hike back to our shuttle and continue on to our home for the night, Many Glacier Hotel. Here, the rooms offer guests modest amenities and old-world style accommodations resulting in a one-of-a-kind, National Park lodging experience filled to the brim with Swiss charm.
Iceberg Lake Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes on the planet. The distance will seem short as you enjoy panoramic views. Watch for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and of course, bears. Your reward at the end of the trail? A jaw-dropping view of giant limestone cliffs and ice fields shooting up from the pristine blue waters of the alpine lake below.
Many Glacier Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 9 8 miles (16 kilometers)
Iceberg Lake
DAY 3
Hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake to Grinnell Lake.
Night on your own in Many Glacier
Today we trek to one of the many backcountry lakes of the park. After awakening in the Many Glacier Valley, we hike alongside Swiftcurrent Lake and soon after, Lake Josephine. Upon reaching Grinnell Lake, kick back and relax as you reflect on the stunning scenery around you. The lake is named after George Bird Grinnell, an early American conservationist, explorer, and founder of the Audubon Society, who was so inspired by the scenery during his first trip to the area in 1885 that he spent the next two decades working to establish it as a national park. Take your time heading back to the trailhead, and this evening enjoy a night on your own in Many Glacier.
Many Glacier Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4
Bike Going-to-the-Sun Road, explore Lake McDonald
Today’s the Big Day…the day we bike the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (east to west). While you enjoy breakfast, the guides will get the bikes ready to mount up. As the sun lights up the peaks, we’ll enjoy our challenging ride to Lake McDonald with frequent stops along the way to watch for mountain goats and the ever-present grizzlies. Completed in 1932 and at an estimated cost of $3 million, the Going-to the-Sun Road is the highlight of any trip to Glacier. Shortly after we begin the descent from Logan Pass, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking a stunning view of the western valleys. Our ride ends near our home for the night, Lake McDonald Lodge. The afternoon is yours to do as you choose. Take a few hours to relax by (or in) the lake, hike one of the many trails from the lodge, take a boat ride or simply find a cozy spot and curl up with a good book. Dinner tonight is at the Belton Chalet.
Hiking: 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)
Lake McDonald Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 25 miles (40 kilometers)
Grinnell Lake
DAY 5
Raft Flathead River, picturesque drive through Flathead Valley to Whitefish
This morning, we shuttle to the Flathead River for a morning of rafting on perhaps not the wildest of rivers, but definitely one of the prettiest. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we drive to Whitefish through the Flathead Valley amid the Swan, Mission, Salish, and Whitefish mountain ranges of northwest Montana. Be sure to keep your eyes open while cruising through these breathtaking landscapes. Dinner tonight is at Tupelo’s which specializes in Cajun and Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, steaks, and pasta.
DAY 6
Hike
Whitefish Mountain, say your goodbyes
For our final adventure, we have time for one last hike in the Whitefish area. Ride the gondola up the mountain taking in picturesque views along the way. Once at the top, hike around the mountaintop covered in wildflowers and wild huckleberries. We ride back down the mountain before saying our final goodbyes. Transfer to either your Whitefish hotel or the Kalispell airport for your departure home.
Hiking: 1-2 miles (1.5-3 kilometers)
Grouse Mountain Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rafting: 2 hours
Useful Info
Alternative Itineraries
Some departures for this trip feature a hiking-focused itinerary, which differs from the one advertised. Contact us, or check your Travel Wallet once booked, to get the specific itinerary for your trip
Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?
Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.
Where does the trip start?
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge at 8am or the Pine Lodge at 8.15am. You are welcome to stay at any hotel in Whitefish for your pre-night, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
What flights would you recommend?
Where does the trip end?
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Glacier International Airport (FCA) at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Whitefish around 12:30pm
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Kalispell/Whitefish, Montana at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start. Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Glacier International Airport (FCA) after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
What should I bring with me on the first day?
When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.
What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?
You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada) All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.
How do rooming arrangements work?
Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travellers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travellers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travellers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.
For Family Vacation bookings, families
consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:
Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However,
families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room
The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests. Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.
General Trip Information
You can find details on recommended flights and fitness,as well as trip start and end in the 'Useful Information' section above.
Accommodation
You’ll love the interesting places we’ve discovered over the years. You’ll visit really spectacular and off-the-beaten track locations and stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges, apartments and hotels for the most part. Keep in mind the most remote locations have limited accommodation options, but 5- star scenery!
Included
• Professional guides
• Accommodation throughout your trip
• All meals as listed in the itinerary
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained
• All transportation from trip start to end
• All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
• Park and other entry fees
Outdoor Experience
Our trips allow you to make the most of the backcountry, whether you’re relatively new to hiking or a seasoned trekker. Our highly trained and experienced guides will be at your side, safely guiding you to magnificent places you wouldn’t get to on your own. The challenges are there, if you’re looking for them All we ask is that you're energetic and in reasonable shape and we guarantee you’ll have an incredible time. You don’t need experience kayaking to enjoy paddling on the water and you don’t need to be a serious biker to enjoy the rides we do. In fact, we have so many options available you don’t need to paddle or ride at all if you’d rather hike or just laze around!
Not Included
• Travel insurance
• Air and land transportation to/from host cities
• Pre- and post-trip accommodations
• Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities
• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides
