Glacier Biking
Biking through Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks
Are you up for a remarkable vacation that takes you along soaring mountain passes in the shadow of the Continental Divide? Then join Backroads to bike through two national parks - Glacier and Waterton Lakes. See for yourself why Montana, with vast blue skies and an endless horizon, is called "Big Sky Country." Cross the Canadian border to explore Waterton Lakes National Park, a spellbinding tableau of saw-edged mountain ranges, broad lakes and rugged glacial valleys. Each day keep your eyes peeled for Rockies wildlife - moose, bear and elk - as we journey from one welcoming mountain lodge to the next.
- Bike the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road: superlative cycling and unbelievable views!
- Astonishing alpine scenery that just won't quit
- Pedal Waterton's rolling ranchland and extraordinary glacier-carved valleys
- Chances to spot mountain goats, pikas, white-crowned sparrows and more
- Raft down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 lake mcdonald
Meet in Whitefish 
On our first ride, take in stunning views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding valley.
Day 2 many glacier valley
Ascend the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, a sensational route that offers some of the world's most spectacular mountain scenery: sparkling waterfalls, expansive virgin forests, sculpted valleys and towering peaks glazed with ice Relish vistas of the Continental Divide at the top of Logan Pass before descending to Upper St. Mary Lake and the Many Glacier Valley.
Days 3-4 waterton lakes
Ride to Waterton Lakes National Park, which along with Glacier comprises an international peace park commemorating the long friendship between the United States and Canada Enjoy a picnic on the shore of Belly River before riding into Waterton 
What are you in the mood for? Optional activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding and a boat cruise.
Days 5-6 East Glacier
Pedal the roller-coaster route along the eastern perimeter of Glacier National Park against a spectacular backdrop of meadows, forests and mountains A fun-filled morning of rafting awaits on the Flathead River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way Refuel during a riverside picnic lunch.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alaska Biking Crater Lake Biking Hungary/Slovakia/Poland BikingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Another wonderful Backroads experience. Your service is first-rate and the trips well thought out and planned. The scenery was the star on this trip and the biking extraordinary. The challenge is determining when and where to go next with you!- Cambridge, MA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Glacier Biking
MOUNTAIN LODGES: Casual Inns
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald (1 night) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lodge features a large stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.
Many Glacier Hotel
Many Glacier Valley (1 night) An early-1900s Swiss chalet-style hotel set on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake amid the peaks of the Many Glacier Valley.
Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Lakes (2 nights) This historic green-gabled hotel offers vistas of the mountains reflected in glacier-fed lakes.
Glacier Park Lodge
East Glacier (1 night) Located on the park's eastern edge in Blackfeet country; immense timbers hold aloft its expansive lobby ceiling.
Glacier Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 13, 32 miles
- 750 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 40, 60 miles
- 3300 - 3800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 33, 51, 63 miles
- 1500 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Activities at Waterton Lakes National Park
Day 5
- Levels 3 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 31, 66, 77, 92 miles
- 2700 - 4350 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- White-Water Rafting 3 hours