











Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
From $4,299 /person
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
2024: Jun












Epic National Parks in Montana & Alberta
Gather your family for an inspiring journey in Glacier and Waterton Lakes. Cross the Continental Divide on Montana's legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road. Bike over the border into Canada and discover Alberta's iconic peaks and stunning valleys. Follow the flight paths of eagles and osprey high above from unforgettable hiking trails. Then go with the flow as you paddle white-water rapids on Glacier's Flathead River. Over water, on foot or by bike, and from one enchanting mountain lodge to the next, this national park adventure will move you.
Highlights
- Explore Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park, a joint World Heritage site shared by the United States and Canada
- Splash in the chilly invigorating waters of alpine lakes while taking in majestic mountain scenery
- Raft down the Flathead River and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—an exciting end to an incredible trip
- Bike and hike amid rushing streams, towering peaks and wildflower-strewn meadows

Start/End Whitefish
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Day 1
Witness astonishing alpine scenery that just won't quit • Pedal a scenic route with views of Lake McDonald, formed by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago • Get an eyeful of the surrounding valley from McGee Meadow Overlook.

Night 1
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a large stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.

Day 2
You'll hardly believe the views as you travel along the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road • Snowcapped peaks, glacier-carved valleys, plunging waterfalls and vast virgin woodland greet you at every turn • Hike through a shady forest of fir and spruce before descending into St. Mary Valley • Can the stunning turquoise color of glacier-fed St. Mary Lake be for real? • Take in the spectacular mountain peaks that surround Many Glacier Valley.

Night 2
An early-1900s Swiss chalet-style hotel set on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake amid the peaks of Many Glacier Valley.

Days 3-4
Welcome to Canada! • Pedal through ranchland and U-shaped valleys and pause to take in the views of Chief Mountain, one of the most sacred areas of the park to the Blackfeet tribe • Enjoy a thrilling descent to Waterton Lakes National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with dramatic mountains and a chain of dazzling lakes • Exciting options abound: take a boat cruise, explore the trails by foot or on horseback, or just relax at the hotel.

Nights 3-4
Conveniently perched on the shore of magnificent Waterton Lake, this quaint property offers spacious and comfortable rooms.

Days 5-6
Take in 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 • Maybe you'll spot mountain goats, pikas, white-crowned sparrows and more • For the brave: opt for a swim in the chilly waters of Two Medicine Lake! • Your family adventure concludes with a splash during a guided rafting trip on the Flathead River as it flows along the southern boundaries of the park.

Night 5
Located on the park's eastern edge in Blackfeet country; immense timbers hold aloft its expansive lobby ceiling.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While the accommodations on this trip reflect the natural surroundings of the national parks and provide unparalleled access to the best activities in the area, they are much simpler than is typical of Backroads lodging. Many buildings date back to the turn of the century and have only been minimally renovated, in accordance with park regulations. These historic hotels have basic guest rooms that are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning. Overall, the service standards can seem slow and casual when compared with the hospitality found on other Backroads trips. Please note that internet and cell phone service are extremely limited throughout the parks.
The properties we use on this trip are chosen for their character and ideal location—they are not known for their food. Meals can be simple and menu options tend to lack variety. Please be aware that options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb meals will be especially limited and substitutions are rarely available.
Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks are special places where four seasons can occur in one day. For that reason, our itinerary may change based upon road and trail status due to weather (including snow) or animal activity. The opening of Going-to-the-Sun Road is determined by snow levels and weather. The road often opens by the third week of June, but some years it does not open until early July. If the west side of the road is not open, we will shuttle 2½ hours to our trailhead (instead of 1½ hours). Status of Going-to-the-Sun Road can be checked on Glacier National Park’s website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Night 1
Casual Hotel
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with a large stone fireplace in the lobby and a terrace overlooking the lake.

Night 2
Casual Hotel
An early-1900s Swiss chalet-style hotel set on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake amid the peaks of Many Glacier Valley.

Nights 3-4
Casual Plus Hotel
Conveniently perched on the shore of magnificent Waterton Lake, this quaint property offers spacious and comfortable rooms.

Night 5
Casual Hotel
Located on the park's eastern edge in Blackfeet country; immense timbers hold aloft its expansive lobby ceiling.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only

Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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