Glacier Family Multisport
Bike, Hike & Raft in Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks
Bring the family to Big Sky Country for a multisport adventure in Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, where jagged peaks soar skyward, vibrant wildflowers carpet valley floors, black bears munch huckleberries in the afternoon sun and bald eagles soar overhead. From pedaling along mountain roads and horseback riding to walking through a valley to a spectacular glacier-fed lake, kids and adults alike will find plenty of ways to discover this unique landscape. When you’re ready to cool off, turquoise lakes and crystalline rivers are perfect spots for water play - be it swimming or rafting. Mountain goats, bighorn sheep and bald eagles are our frequent companions during this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Trip Planning Links
- Discover Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park - a joint World Heritage site shared by the U.S. and Canada
- Incredible biking amid alpine streams, towering mountains, and wildflower-strewn meadows
- Ride horses and have a cookout at a historic ranch
- Splash in the chilly invigorating waters of mountain lakes - if you like
- Rafting down the Flathead River - an exciting end to an incredible trip
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Lake McDonald
Meet in Whitefish 
Bike to Lake McDonald Lodge, stopping to take in stunning views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding valley from McGee Meadow Overlook.
Day 2 Many Glacier
Travel along the celebrated Going-to-the-Sun Road Plunging waterfalls, vast virgin forests, towering peaks and glacier-carved valleys greet you at every turn Hike to the floor of the St. Mary River Valley and admire the vivid turquoise color of glacier-fed St. Mary Lake.
Days 3-4 Waterton Lakes
While the younger crowd enjoys a day of special kids-only activities - including horseback riding and a cookout lunch - adults pedal northward to Canada’s stunning Waterton Lakes National Park Activity options abound: take a boat cruise on Waterton Lake, browse the shops of Waterton Townsite, explore the trails by foot or on horseback, or just relax at the hotel.
Days 5-6 East Glacier
Bike through the sweeping prairies and plains of Glacier's eastern border and into Two Medicine Valley, where you're greeted by mountain vistas Perhaps you'll opt for a swim in the brisk waters of Two Medicine Lake A fun-filled morning of rafting awaits on the Flathead River with expert river-rafting guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way Enjoy a farewell 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 Multisport Candian Rockies Multisport Bryce/Zion/Grand Canyon MultisportOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
It was a fabulous trip. Our guides were outstanding, and were particularly great with the children. The biking was amazing, with gorgeous scenery at every turn. It was definitely one of our best vacations, and we’re already talking about which Backroads adventure we want to do next year!- San Carlos, CA 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 multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. 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
RUSTIC COMFORTS: Casual Inns
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald (1 night) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lodge features a massive stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.
Many Glacier Hotel
Many Glacier (1 night) Completed in 1915, this Swiss-style chalet sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Lakes (2 nights) This historic green-gabled beauty in Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the most photographed hotels in North America.
Glacier Park Lodge
East Glacier (1 night) Completed in 1913, this impressive timbered abode, nestled at the foot of Squaw Peak Mountain, has welcomed presidents, princes and kings; kids will certainly welcome the swimming pool.
Glacier Family Multisport
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 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
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 14, 34 miles
- 500 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.7, 5.9, 7.1
- 200 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 21, 33, 50 miles (Adults)
- 900 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids)
Day 4
- Optional Activities
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 26, 46 miles
- 400 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- White-Water Rafting 3 hours
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.