Best Glacier National Park Tours & Holidays 2023/2024 |

Welcome to the Crown of the Continent

Perched high on the border of northwestern Montana and Canada, with a dramatic landscape carved and shaped by the Ice Age, Glacier National Park is nothing short of majestic. Living up to its royal nickname, the park boasts an impressive amount of jewel-toned lakes, jagged, towering mountains, shimmering waterfalls and, of course, glaciers. Exploration in the park is seemingly endless, and from the hair-raising Going-to-the-Sun Road to the 1,100 km of hiking trails to the valleys teeming with free-roaming wildlife, it's an outdoor lover's bucket list just waiting to be ticked. What are you waiting for?

Our Glacier National Park tours & holidays

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Highlights of Glacier National Park

A view that looks down the Going to the Sun Road with mountains on one side and valleys on the other

Drive the Going to the Sun Road

Known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the US National Parks system, the Going-to-the-Sun Road takes you into the heart of Glacier. The 85 km route travels over the Continental Divide, with a stop at Logan Pass, the highest drivable point in the park. Jaw-dropping views, waterfalls and wildlife will be on full display, so look out for mountain goats, bighorn sheep and even the occasional grizzly bear.

One of Glacier National Park's bright red old school touring vehicles cruising on a road

Let someone else take the wheel

If the idea of driving on steep cliffs makes your palms sweat, leave the hard work to the pros and hop on a Red Bus Tour. The historic Red Jammers have been navigating Glacier since the 1930s, and the guides are seasoned park veterans (read: they know these roads like the back of their hands). This fleet of historic buses are some of the oldest touring vehicles in the world, and their roll-back tops are perfect for getting full 360° views.

A turquoise glacial lake sits underneath a glacier in Glacier National Park

Learn about Glacier's glaciers

The awe-inspiring landscape of Glacier National Park was carved by ice thousands of years ago, and today, 25 active glaciers still remain in the park. Unfortunately, the effects of climate change are plentiful within the park, and the glaciers are rapidly shrinking. The NPS is putting forth the effort to reduce its contribution to climate change, but you can always do your part by staying on established trails, carrying a refillable water bottle and, as always, leaving no trace.

Two hikers winding their way up a trail under a cloudy sky

Hike at your own pace

Glacier has over 1,100 km of hiking trails within the park, so whether you're an expert trekker or an outdoor newbie, there will be a trail for you. More popular routes include the easygoing Trail of the Cedars and the moderate Iceberg Lake Trail, which can end with a chilly plunge into the pale blue iceberg-dotted waters if you're daring enough. Experienced hikers might want to conquer the challenging Grinnell Glacier Trail to get up close to the park's most famous glacier.

Glacier National Park tour reviews

Glacier National Park FAQs

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to join a trip in Glacier National Park?

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Where is Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is located in Montana, in the northwestern portion of the United States.

How do I get to Glacier National Park?

If you’re travelling from other states or from overseas, the park conveniently has its own airport — Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, MT. Just a handful of cities in the US have direct flights to FCA (Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver and Phoenix, to name a few), but park visitors can still easily reach the airport from other major cities with a layover or two. The airport is expanding its range of direct flights as the park's popularity continues to grow.

If a road trip is more your vibe, Glacier NP is about a 10-hour drive from both Seattle and Portland, 4 hours from Spokane, and 3 hours from Calgary, AB.

For the most scenic route to the park, you can hop aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder train that travels from Chicago to Seattle, stopping in East Glacier, West Glacier and Whitefish.

When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?

The best time to visit Glacier National Park to experience the widest array of activities is between July and September. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is typically fully open by early to mid-July, and most of the hiking trails will be accessible and snow free. Wildflowers bloom in August, giving the mountainsides a vibrant wash of colour.

What should I pack for a trip to Glacier National Park?

If you plan on hiking in Glacier, you'll need a sturdy pair of well-fitting hiking boots, a mixture of waterproof layers, a water bottle or bladder and a camera. The area has an abundance of refreshing lakes, so if you plan on taking a dip, add a swimsuit and a pair of sandals to your packing list.

Before embarking on an active outdoor adventure, make sure to read the Essential Trip Information section of your itinerary for a better idea of what's provided and what you'll need to bring.

Read our Ultimate Packing List

What kind of wildlife is in Glacier National Park?

Glacier's diverse ecosystem is home to dozens of species, but the most popular animals to spot are bighorn sheep, mountain goats and moose. Glacier also has one of the largest populations of grizzly bears in the contiguous United States, so be sure to brush up on bear safety before hitting the trails. It's always good practice to stay alert, keep bear spray handy and secure your food and garbage.

Is Glacier National Park accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid