Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
2026: Jun-Aug
Epic National Parks in Montana & Alberta
Journey through two magnificent parks in the US and Canada. Travel across Montana’s legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, then venture to Wild Rose Country, capping off full fun days at enchanting mountain lodges.
Highlights
- Bike beside sprawling pristine forests, vast prairies and wildflower-strewn meadows
- Discover Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, a World Heritage site spanning the US-Canada border
- Splash in the invigorating waters of crystalline mountain lakes
- Paddle in white-water rafts down Glacier's Flathead River with expert guides
- Hike along alpine streams and below towering Rocky Mountain peaks
Start/End Whitefish
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Raft the crystal-clear waters of the North Fork of the Flathead River, where sharp-eyed guides reveal secrets of this wild corridor • Soak up scenic views of a sculpted landscape carved 10,000 years ago by retreating glaciers • Cap off the day with an invigorating plunge in Lake McDonald.
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
Wind your way along the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, where sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls mark every turn • Hike through a regenerating forest awash in fireweed and aspens to reach panoramic views of sparkling blue St. Mary Lake • Take in the grandeur of Many Glacier Valley, where jagged summits tower above alpine meadows.
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! • Adults bike north through ranchland and glacial valleys to Waterton Lakes National Park while kids saddle up for a horseback adventure guided by local wranglers • Choose your adventure: glide across Waterton Lake by boat, kayak its calm waters, wander alpine trails or saddle up for a horseback ride • Stroll the charming streets of Waterton Village, where family-run shops and local treats await—think homemade pies and huckleberry sweets.
Nights 3-4
This historic green-gabled hotel offers vistas of the mountains reflected in glacier-fed lakes.
Days 5-6
Pedal a roller-coaster route through the Alberta plains where golden grasses wave in the prairie breeze • Kids join our Kids Adventure Leader to uncover nature’s secrets on the Running Eagle Nature Trail while adults bike into the iconic Two Medicine Valley • Feeling brave? Celebrate a thrilling week with a plunge in the chilly waters of peaceful Two Medicine Lake.
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 Hotel
This historic green-gabled hotel offers vistas of the mountains reflected in glacier-fed lakes.
Night 5
Casual Hotel
Located on the park’s eastern edge in Blackfeet country; immense timbers hold aloft its expansive lobby ceiling.
Gallery
Share Your Adventure!
Tag @backroadstravel or use #MyBackroadsTrip to submit your photos.
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
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Lightweight titanium frame
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
- Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture it's own line of kid's bikes.
- Features smaller wheels -- the perfect choice for kids.
- On our Family Trips, you'll find 20"" and 24"" bikes.
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.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.