Glacier Montana Tour

Glacier Family Multisport

Biking, Hiking & Rafting in Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks

Montana's Glacier National Park possesses an untamed beauty with majestic ever-changing views. Sharply etched mountains tower above evergreen forests, glacier-carved valleys, alpine meadows and deep blue lakes. The incredible scenery, combined with inspiring biking, exhilarating hiking and a fun-filled rafting excursion down the Flathead River, create a truly rewarding family multisport adventure. Trek past glacier-fed lakes in the shadow of towering peaks. Travel into the heart of the park on Going-to-the-Sun Road, which, according to Outside magazine, "provides a year’s worth of extraordinary mountain scenery in one trip." And enjoy the unique camaraderie among fellow travelers that comes from sharing tales of the day’s adventures around a crackling campfire.

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The Day-to-Day Itinerary

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.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

I'm a great fan of Backroads, and your Trip Leaders are what differentiates you from other active travel companies.
Barbara Sidor - Palo Alto, CA All Guest Reviews

For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.

Glacier Family Multisport

Deluxe Camping

Apgar Campground
Apgar Campground

West Glacier (1 night) Situated near Lake McDonald and within easy walking distance of Apgar Village.

Johnson's Campground

St. Mary (1 night) Aspen trees encircle the meadow we call home for the night.

Waterton Townsite Campground

Waterton (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.

Glacier Family Multisport

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
Kid-Friendly Routes
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 8, 14, 21, 27  miles
  • 500 - 1400 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 (Adults)
  • 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, 35 miles
  • 400 - 3300 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • White-Water Rafting 3 hours
Please note: On this Family Trip, liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Deluxe Camping Trip Price*
  • $1,898 pp dbl. occ.
  • (Call for trip pricing.)

Special Kids Prices

Trip Notes

All meals included

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Whitefish, Montana

Special Interest

Boat, Canoe, Geological Wonders, Golf, Horseback Ride, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Raft, Swim

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading


* Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Contact Us, call: 800-462-2848 or 510-527-1555, Fax: 510-527-1444, E-mail us or contact your travel agent