Glacier Family Multisport
- Discover Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park, a joint World Heritage site shared by the United States and Canada
- Incredible biking and hiking amid alpine streams, towering mountains and wildflower-strewn meadows
- Kids ride horses and have a cookout at a historic ranch
- Splash in the chilly invigorating waters of mountain lakes
- Rafting down the Flathead River - an exciting end to an incredible trip
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Adventure Unleashed in Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks
Things feel different here. Vast. Limitless. Pure. I feel different here. Humbled before those immense mountains. Under that endless sky. But also strong. Alive. Inspired. Can't remember the last time I felt so clear-headed - must be the fresh air and exercise - or when we had so much fun together. Look at the kids smile. As they saddle up with cowboys. Swoosh over river rapids. And spot a real live mountain goat. This place redefines "alpine beauty." Puts things into perspective. How deeply one can breathe. How many wildflowers a meadow can hold. How cozy a lodge can feel. How happy a family can be.
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 Get an eyeful of the surrounding valley from McGee Meadow Overlook.
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! While the younger crowd enjoys a day of special kids-only activities - including horseback riding and a cookout lunch - adults pedal north through ranchland and U-shaped valleys to stunning Waterton Lakes National Park Activity options abound: take a boat cruise, explore the trails by foot or on horseback, or just relax at the hotel.
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 Feeling brave? Perhaps you'll opt for a swim in the chilly waters of Two Medicine Lake. 
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 love Backroads! It is a fabulous way to travel. Backroads takes all the stress out of the word "vacation." Your routes are carefully chosen with very appropriate activity ranges, from the children to the adults. You can enjoy your family, without the stress of wondering where you are going to eat dinner, find a hotel, or how you are going to get to the next event. The itineraries are well thought out. The guides are truly wonderful. They are professional, kind, and do an excellent job of making sure you enjoy yourself, while they take care of all the details. Their knowledge of the area, the routes, even of the menus if so helpful. I don't think I would ever be able to replicate a backroads trip. The experience your company puts into each itinerary is invaluable.- Wauwatosa, WI
The trip exceeded all expectations. We had fun experiencing new activities, i.e., biking, rafting, mountain biking. We loved the games of football, volleyball, Taboo and just talking with and getting to know the group. Our leaders were very informative, fun to be with, and made the whole experience relaxed and organized.- Midland, TX
The entire trip was extremely well organized and the leaders were very efficient in moving things along on schedule, while still allowing some flexibility if needed. I liked that we ended most days in the mid-afternoon with plenty of time to relax and enjoy our accommodations/ surroundings. I truly enjoyed staying in the historic lodges; it lent a great deal to the whole experience.- Saint Petersburg, FL
Casual Inns
Lake McDonald Lodge
Lake McDonald (1 night) Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a large stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.
Many Glacier Hotel
Glacier National Park (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, Canada (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. (pool, spa, golf)
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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 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 12, 32 miles
- 750 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.7, 5.9, 7.1 miles
- 200 - 700 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 21, 32, 50 miles
- 900 - 3000 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids) 2 hours
Day 4
- Optional Activities
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 26, 46 miles
- 400 - 3800 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- White-Water Rafting 3 hours
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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.
