We’ve got you covered! Here’s a sample schedule of things you can do in Glacier National Park, Whitefish and nearby communities. Now, this is not a complete list by any means. Of course, there is so much more! Here, we’ll give you some great suggestions and an idea of what activities may cost.
But, please check with the companies as costs could change. There are many free or inexpensive things you can do. So, please do not break the bank by choosing things outside of your budget. We just hope this gives you a sampling of where you can spend a full day versus a half day.
First, let’s start with a map. Surely, you need to get familiar with the region. Notice Whitefish, West Glacier and Flathead Lake/Bigfork form a kind of triangle. If you continue north on Hwy 93, you’ll eventually come up to Canada. Second, let’s get on with your trip planning! Third, we made it easy for you. All you need to do is click on the company name to be taken to their website. Phone numbers are provided too. Happy planning!
Day 1 – Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun-Road … but, from East to West. You can avoid the Vehicle Reservation system by going THIS route.
Map of Glacier National Park
Take Hwy 2 South. If you haven’t eaten, you can swing by the Izaak Walton Inn for brunch or lunch. They’re located at 290 Izaak Walton Inn Drive, Essex, MT 59916. Phone 406-888-5700.
And, if you drive a little further, you’ll come up to the Goat Lick Overlook. Hopefully, you’ll see what it’s known for mountain goats enjoying the natural salt licks.
Mountain Goats Can Often Be Seen At Goat Lick Overlook
Now, continue on and you’ll come up to the Continental Divide at Marias Pass. Click HERE to learn more about the Continental Divide in GNP.
Hidden Lake. A Moderate Hike From the Logan Pass Visitor’s Center
Be sure to stop at Logan’s Pass. There’s a nice Visitor’s Center here and if you’re up to it, you can take the moderately challenging Hidden Lake hike. It’s about 5.4 miles round trip but the Lake Overlook is 1.35 miles in.
Continue further and stop at the Trail of the Cedars for a lovely and very easy stroll that’s less than a mile long. It’s ideal for young kids, seniors or persons with disabilities because of its boardwalk trail. It’s a stunning hike and one everyone should enjoy.
If you want to go from West to East, you WILL need a vehicle reservation if it’s during the hours of 6am – 3pm daily. Click HERE for those reservations.
Day 2 – Glacier National Park
Enjoy Two Half Day Adventures:
- Half-Day Rafting or Float Trip on Flathead River ($55 for kids/$77 adults)
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- Glacier Highline Ropes Course Near Glacier National Park
- Half-Day Family Time for kids at Glacier Highline for ziplining, rope courses and inflatable water slides ($25-$65)
Both activities can be packaged ($102 – $126)
Also, there is an onsite restaurant called The Glacier Highline Tower Grill. To see their menu, click HERE
Alternative Half-day Activity
- Half-Day Horseback Riding in Glacier with Swan Mountain Outfitters ($95 for one hour $140 for 2 hours or $225 for half day)
Glacier Raft Company 406-888-5454
Glacier Highline Adventures 406-885-6900
Swan Mountain Outfitters 406-387-4405
Big Mountain Scenic Lift Rides
Day 3 – Whitefish
Spend the whole day on Whitefish Mountain
Scenic Lift Ride up the Mountain ($19 – $29 Round Trip or $65 – $115 Unlimited/Season)
Zip Lining ($89)
Try Alpine Carts ($13 Per Ride/$39 for 4 Rides)
And, Alpine Carts & Ziplining Package ($115)
Alpine Carts on Whitefish Mountain Is a Great Summertime Family Friendly Activity
Afterwards, head down the mountain 12 minutes to downtown and enjoy a little shopping and dining. See our restaurant blogs for tempting recommendations.
Whitefish Mountain Activities 406-862-2900
Day 4 – Glacier National Park
Half-Day at Apgar & Lake McDonald
Spend the morning at Apgar Village & Lake McDonald
(No Vehicle Reservation needed to get to Apgar, only Park Pass)
There are some great hiking and biking trails out of this area and you can go as long or short as you want. You can rent e-bikes or kayaks in Apgar ($38-60) and enjoy this area. Or just enjoy easy hikes along the close trails. Just be sure to inhale the wonderful alpine scents of the trees. Stop at Eddy’s Cafe for lunch Huckleberry Ice Cream!
Hungry Horse National Forest & Reservoir
Hungry Horse Reservoir is a Hidden Gem near Glacier National Park. Hiking, boating, fish and swimming
Half-Day – This is a hidden gem of a ride! The Hungry Horse Reservoir is 34 miles long and 23,800 acres for your fishing, water skiing and swimming needs. Now you know why it’s a hidden gem!
So, pack a lunch and take a very scenic drive along the blue waters and mountains. (FYI – it’s an unbelievably beautiful drive in the Fall!). There are trails for hiking. Also, be sure to take the FREE TOUR at the visitors center and walk along the visitor’s sidewalk along the dam. It’s a unique and quite fun activity to explore this area. Spend a half or full day here!
Hungry Horse Dam 406-387-5241
Day 5 – Bigfork & Flathead Lake
This is another hidden treat that only 45 minutes away. You’ll loop the lake on this day trip.
Stop at Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster for about an hour of fun riding in your own coaster sled Parents, you can ride with your child ($18 one ride or $38 for 3 non-shareable rides)
Flathead Alpine Coaster Near Bigfork, Montana. This exhilarating ride is so much fun because you get your very own coaster sled and you control your speed
Rent Jet Skis or boats at Flathead Boat Company at the south end of the lake in Polson
($100 jet ski to $320 Deck boats up to $725 for pontoons based 4-8 hour blocks.
Continue around the lake and come up on the east side to Bigfork for dinner afterward. Great little shops here too
Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster 406-730-1018
6808 US 93 South, Lakeside Montana
Flathead Boat Company406-883-0999
50230 Hwy 93 South, Polson, Montana
Day 6 – UTV Rides in Olney, MT – about 30-45 min North of Whitefish
4 Hour or Full Day UTV Rides (guided or unguided (easy to guide yourself with their maps)
Choose 2, 4 or up to 6 person UTV from $375. Fuel prices are extra. If you want guided, it’s an extra $175+) Note: they offer great snowmobiling trips in the winter too!
UTV Rides from Northwest Montana Adventures is a great way to experience the outdoors. A short drive from Whitefish, Montana
And, there are lakes in this area so you can rent fish gear or boats from them too.
Northwest Montana Adventures 406-881-2525
1071 Upper Whitefish Road, Oleny, MT
And, don’t forget to book your accommodations soon! Get the dates you want for your vacation! Stay with us on Whitefish Mountain at Glacier Bear Condo or enjoy staying INSIDE Glacier National Park at our cabin location in Apgar at West Glacier Bear Cabin. (Or stay in both for a great discount!)
PS Don’t forget to download an app for alerts for Northern Lights. If you’re staying in the Park, Lake McDonald is a place you can catch the aurora views. To learn more: see our great aurora blog by clicking HERE
*Courtesy reprint from www.WhitefishGlacierVacations.com