Glacier Family Multisport
- Spectacular views along Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Kids ride horses and have a cookout at a historic ranch
- Cozy campsites in awe-inspiring settings
- Unforgettable biking and hiking amid alpine lakes, peaks and glacier-carved valleys
- Rafting down the Flathead River - an exciting end to an incredible trip
Watch a Video
Biking, Hiking & Rafting in Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks
You know the sun sets every day. Lakes, they're not rare. Neither are mountains. There are plenty of mountains around. And sky. Sky is not a limited resource. But somehow, in Glacier, the combination of these common things is uncommonly spectacular. Every activity you'll share from simple hikes along the St. Mary River Valley to rafting the Flathead River will be epic, unforgettable. Every bird could be a bald eagle. Every movement in the distance, a rare glimpse of a black bear. It'll be just you, your family and the perfect combination of very common things.
Day 1 Astonishing alpine scenery that just won't quit
Pedal a scenic route along the shore of Lake McDonald, formed by retreating glaciers ten thousand years ago Cool off with a dip in the chilly lake - if you're feeling brave!
Day 2 Travel along the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road: you'll hardly believe the views Plunging waterfalls, vast virgin woodland, snowcapped peaks and glacier-carved valleys greet you at every turn Hike through a shady forest of spruce and fir before descending into St. Mary Valley Can the stunning turquoise color of glacier-fed St. Mary Lake be for real?
Days 3-4 Welcome to Canada! Adults pedal through ranchland and U-shaped valleys to spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park while kids are treated to a horseback ride and cookout What's your pleasure? Take a boat cruise across Waterton Lake and hike to Rainbow Falls or Kootenai Lake, explore the trails by foot or on horseback, browse in the shops of Waterton Townsite or simply relax at the campground.
Day 5 Chances to spot mountain goats, pikas, white-crowned sparrows and more Enjoy spectacular views of the sweeping prairies and plains of Montana as you pedal a roller-coaster route along the eastern border of Glacier into Two Medicine Valley.
Day 6 Raft down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
I'm a great fan of Backroads, and your Trip Leaders are what differentiates you from other active travel companies.- Palo Alto, CA
Deluxe Camping
Apgar Campground
Lake McDonald (1 night) Situated at the foot of Lake McDonald and within easy walking distance of Apgar Village.
Johnson's of St. Mary Campground
St. Mary (1 night) Aspen trees encircle the meadow we call home for one night.
Waterton Townsite Campground
Upper Waterton Lake, Canada (2 nights) Set at the edge of Upper Waterton Lake amid a landscape of jagged peaks.
Lodgepole Gallery & Tipi Village
Browning (1 night) Located on 200 acres of pristine prairie on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Montana: Glacier Multisport
Adventure Unleashed in Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks
Family:
Wyoming: Yellowstone & Tetons Multisport New!
Family Biking, Walking & Kayaking in the Wyoming Wilderness
Family:
Canadian Rockies Multisport New!
Biking, Walking & Rafting in Banff & Jasper National Parks
Family:
Canadian Rockies Multisport New!
Peaks, Glaciers & Wondrous Wildlife in Banff & Yoho National Parks
Family:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 12, 24, 30 miles
- 750 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.7, 5.9, 7.1 miles
- 200 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 18, 29, 49 miles
- 900 - 2300 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids) 2 hours
Day 4
- Optional Activities in Waterton Lakes National Park
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 15, 34 miles
- 400 - 3500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- White-Water Rafting 3 hours
More Recommended Trips
Other Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Montana tour experts. See our award-winning USA multisport tours, USA biking tours and USA walking and hiking tours.
