Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Casual Hotels
Glacier & Waterton Lakes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Casual Hotels
2026: Jul-Aug 2027: 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 through old-growth forests, along wildflower-dotted meadows and across vast golden prairies
- Sit back and take in the sights along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, where towering peaks, plunging waterfalls and spectacular vistas unfold at every turn
- Splash with the kids in the chilly, crystal clear waters of pristine mountain lakes
- Paddle down Glacier's Flathead River in family-friendly white water rafts led by expert guides
- Hike through spectacular alpine landscapes, following clear streams 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
Set on the shore of Lake McDonald, this historic lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a massive stone fireplace in the lobby. Public spaces include a broad lakeside terrace that looks out across the water toward the surrounding peaks. The atmosphere emphasizes classic park architecture, simple comfort and a strong sense of place.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
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
Best known for its early-1900s Swiss chalet-style architecture, Many Glacier Hotel is a classic example of the park’s historic lodge-building era. Overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake and the surrounding peaks, the hotel pairs historic character with simple comfort and a strong connection to nature.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
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
Set within Waterton Lakes National Park, this historic, green-gabled hotel overlooks Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains, with public spaces and guest rooms that reflect its early‑20th‑century character. Large windows and comfortable seating are oriented to the views, reinforcing the hotel’s long‑standing emphasis on scenery. The atmosphere is quiet and traditional, and afternoon tea remains a well-known part of the experience.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
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
Immense timber columns (a hallmark of its early park-era design) are the defining characteristic of the expansive lobby of Glacier Park Lodge. Set on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park in Blackfeet country, the hotel reflects the region’s cultural and architectural history. The hotel design focuses on scale, simplicity and shared spaces.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
Backroads is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Our kid-friendly route options are shorter and have minimal elevation gain, with rides primarily on bike paths or in dedicated bike lanes. Alternate kids’ activities are offered on days with longer routes.
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
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.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
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