Montana has its fair share of impressive scenery and landscape by way of its national parks. Glacier National Park is one such region that allows you to escape into the vast expanse of the outdoors, away from crowds and cities.
It also puts you in the direct vicinity of over a million acres of forests, alpine lakes, rugged mountains, and wildflower meadows.
Glacier National Park was established in 1910 and contains somewhere in the region of 700 miles of well-maintained trails, which provide endless hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Some of the best Glacier National Park Tours will allow you to cover some of the highlights, although the choice of things to do and see is broad.
Here you can explore the 26 remaining glaciers, or journey along the famous 50-mile ‘Going-to-the-Sun’ Road, which is built into the cliff sides of the Rocky Mountains and is a biking enthusiast’s dream.
The park also presents the adventurer with some mean rafting opportunities, and wildlife enthusiasts find themselves well catered for in this haven for grizzly bears and other native animals and birds in the wild, dense mountain forests.
So whether you visit the park to marvel at the scenery like the snow-capped peaks reflected in glassy lakes, or get involved in some serious physical pursuits, finding a tour to suit your itinerary will help you get the best of this vast landscape.
A visit to Glacier National Park is certainly something that leaves its mark on any adventurer –so let’s take a look at some of the best Glacier National Park Tours on offer.
10 Of The Best Tours In Glacier National Park
1. Red Bus Tour
The famous red vintage buses that are a familiar sight in the park and also part of its heritage serve as an ideal way to get around and learn more about the locality. The buses have roll-back tops which allow full views of the surrounding scenery.
The guides on the buses are seasoned veterans with much to share. Obviously, the seats are not quite up to modern standards, but maybe this adds to the authenticity. The red buses facilitate 17 people, and the daily tours usually sell out quickly.
The Glacier Park Red Bus Tours are all-round trips and set off from both the east and west sides of the park. Trips from the east side cover features such as Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel, and Rising Sun Motor Inn inside the park, as well as some of St. Mary’s.
On the west side departure points tour participants can take in the Apgar Visitor Center, the Village Inn at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge.
2. 6-Day/5-Night Bike Tour
If you think that possibly the best way to get around any natural, outdoor expanse is by bicycle, then this could be for you. On this 6-day tour, you will get to ride along the cyclist’s dream, the ‘Going-to-the-Sun Road’ and you’ll soon realize why it is considered one of the most scenic roads in America.
It’s not purely saddle-work on this trip though and you’ll also get to do a little rafting along the scenic Flathead River, and indulge in a spot of trekking and a picnic by the shore of Two Medicine Lake.
Then there is a boat ride and hike to Grinnell Lake in the midst of Glacier National Park’s peaks. Along the way, you’ll get to learn something of the history and culture of the Blackfeet Nation from a couple of tribal elders. The trip also includes a few days in the western town of Whitefish, for yet more riding and rafting through the Flathead Valley.
3. Custom Guided Day Hike
If you prefer taking things in at a slower pace and think that going on foot is the best way to experience the park – then this one-day, custom hike is for you! This is a private tour for 1 to 5 provided by local guides and they can help you decide which route will best suit your requirements.
The guide can meet you at your hotel or camp if you are staying in Glacier National Park, and the day hikes usually cover 8 to 12 miles. This is flexible though and can be tailored to your hiking abilities and points of interest.
For instance, if you want to bring children on the hike the guides may put together 2 or 3 smaller hikes over a larger area, and can be easy, moderate, or advanced in difficulty according to your preferences.
4. Half-Day Guided Rafting Trip
This half-day rafting trip can be either a white water adventure or a scenic float, depending on which you prefer. The scenic float trips are available between May and mid-October, while the white water adventures usually occur between May and early September, according to the level of the rivers.
This is a private, guided rafting trip in Glacier that accommodates up to 8 people and allows you to paddle as part of the crew on the raft if you wish, as it winds its way along 9 different rapids.
Unless you would rather sit back and take in the scenery, as it stretches for 8 miles of picturesque viewing, that is. For the rafting experience, the difficulty is rated as easy or moderate, and is considered family-friendly.
The trips last for anything between 2 and 4 hours, according to the level of the river. Private transportation to and from the river is included, as is all necessary safety equipment, and guide services.
5. Half-Day Nature Walk Tour
