Planning a trip to Glacier National Park is exciting, though it can feel overwhelming. I know this because that is how I felt, even as an experienced traveler planning a visit for my family. Questions I puzzled out included when to visit, where to stay, how to get there, and how to spend our time best.
To help others enjoy this epic Montana gem to the max, I crafted a series of in-depth articles to answer these essential questions. This article covers the many amazing things you can see and do in the Glacier National Park area in the summer and early fall. Between hiking, biking, boating, horseback riding, driving, adventure activities, and day trips, the Glacier area serves up such a wealth of things that you could fill an entire season of fun.
Though—if your visit cannot last that long—whose visit can? Instead, use this comprehensive list of Glacier activities to figure out how to make the most of the time you do have. Then, if you want more specific guidance, check out what our family did during our four dreamy summer days in Glacier, including where we hiked, stayed, and ate in this 4-day guide. Enjoy your planning and your trip!
In Glacier National Park: 17 best things to do & see.
To help you find the information you need faster, I organized this article into two sections—activities inside the park (shared below) and outside it. So, jump in and see what you want to do most. After scanning all the options, you may even want to extend your Montana getaway. Or realize you need to plan a repeat visit!
Here are five categories of things you can do inside Glacier National Park. Click on each to see more details. See what you can do outside the park here.
- Hiking (5)
- Biking (1)
- Sightseeing & learning opportunities (7)
- Water activities: boat tours, rentals, & fishing (3)
- Horseback riding (1)
Hiking.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Glacier National Park, and for good reason. With over 700 miles of trails to explore that range from strolls to challenging multi-day treks, the park offers hiking options for all skill levels.
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Day hikes.
On our 4-day visit to Glacier, we spent most of our time hiking or driving to our next hike. As an active outdoor lover, it was the way I wanted to experience the park most.
Here are the hikes we did:
- 5.9-mile Avalanche Lake trail, which included the interpretive Trail of the Cedars.
- 3.1-mile St. Mary and Virginia Falls trail.
- 2.0-mile Twin Falls trail via the west-end boat dock at Two Medicine Lake.
- 7.6-mile Grinnell Glacier trail via the Lake Josephine boat dock.
Given more time, I would have liked to hike the 14.9-mile Highline and 5.1-mile Hidden Lake trails. Get a detailed overview of these trails, with suggestions for more great options, in this article covering the ten top day hikes in Glacier.
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Backcountry hiking.
In addition to day hiking, Glacier offers experienced hikers the chance to take multi-day backcountry hikes with stays at remote campsites. This type of trip is known as wilderness camping. If you already have the right gear and backcountry safety knowledge, you can do these overnight hiking trips affordably and independently. Learn more about reservation lotteries for backcountry sites here.
However, if you prefer to go into the backcountry guided—I can relate. As an avid day hiker without the right gear and deep safety know-how, I feel more comfortable going guided. Glacier Guides, an official park concessionaire, offers guided group or private backcountry backpacking trips.
Hike-in overnight chalet stays.
A special treat for hikers in Glacier National Park is an overnight stay in one of two full-service historic backcountry chalets. Although booking an overnight reservation which includes your meals and bed—is difficult due to limited spots and a short season, the effort is worth it. Be prepared to reserve your stay at the in-demand Granite Park Chalet or the Sperry Chalet on the precise date registration opens—typically in January of each year.
However, if you miss the reservation window and have some buffer room in your budget, know you can still buy a spot. Glacier Guides offers guided chalet trips for set dates. Buy a space on one of these trips before they are gone.
Combination boat and hiking experiences.
One of my favorite under-the-radar Glacier experiences is booking a combination boat and hiking trip with another official park concessionaire, Glacier Park Boat Company. Reserve and purchase tickets for their Two Medicine boat ride to hike to Twin Falls, which we did. Or take their Many Glacier ride across two lakes to shorten the hike to Grinnell Lake or Grinnell Glacier, which we did as well. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
During the busy summer season reserved tickets for a boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company will allow you to bypass the need for a vehicle reservation to restricted areas, such as Many Glacier or West Glacier. You will show your prepaid boat tickets to the rangers at the gate to gain entry.
Guided hiking.
Although we found our Glacier day hikes straightforward enough to do on our own, especially given the well-maintained trails, clear signage, and consistent foot traffic, you may feel more comfortable going guided.
There are many reasons to do this. Going guided means you can outsource the logistics, such as parking, which can be a congested pain in the high season, to a professional. Additionally, you can feel safer hiking in bear country with a group and a guide trained in bear safety. Finally, you can tap into your guide’s knowledge. Many guides are deeply familiar with the biology and history of the area and share this with their guests.
Here are three options for guided hiking inside Glacier National Park:
1. Ranger-led hikes. Hikes led by park rangers are often free, and many require no reservation. Check weekly programming on the Glacier online calendar to learn where and when to catch a ranger-led hike. Or stop by one of three Glacier Visitor Centers to pick up a schedule for the week and talk to a ranger about the best hike to join. To give you an example of the options for a random Sunday in July, in checking the calendar, I can see at least six ranger-led hiking options for that day alone.
2. Glacier Guides. Join for a day or overnight guided group hike with outfitter and park concessionaire Glacier Guides. Hikes range from easy nature walks to rugged multi-day overnight camping adventures. If you are traveling with a group or have a limited schedule, consider booking a private guided hike.
3. Glacier Institute. I did not learn about this incredible educational non-profit until after my trip. With them, you can sign up for guided day hikes to learn about wildflowers, birds of prey, or alpine mammals, among other topics. Or you can join a multi-day hiking program, like their 6-day guided hike or 3-day fall photography program. Some experiences are restricted to members only. Buy memberships via the website. Additionally, and for families, the Glacier Institute offers one to five-day hiking and wilderness camps for kids.
Biking.
A must-do activity for cycle lovers is biking Glacier’s iconic Going to the Sun Road in the spring before it opens to vehicular traffic. Experience it solo, using Glacier Guides’ biker shuttle to get you back and forth to the best part of the road. And use their rental bikes if you aren’t bringing your own.
Alternatively, and especially if you feel less confident about hitting the road alone, join one of their guided day trips on a regular rental bike or e-bike. The shuttle and bike tours operate until the Going to the Sun Road opens to vehicles. For experienced cyclists, Glacier Guides also offers an in-season multi-day cycle trip, requiring more fitness and skill.
Sightseeing & learning.
In addition to hiking and biking, Glacier offers many more activities to take in its grandeur and learn about its ecology and storied history that require less physical exertion. Check them out below.
Self-guided driving.
For Glacier National Park visitors who love exploring on two wheels—driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a top-ranking activity. This scenic road stretches for 50 miles and offers breathtaking views of the park’s mountains, lakes, and valleys. While on it, stop at Logan Pass and the Jackson Glacier Overlook for some of the park’s most iconic vistas.
Consider purchasing an audio tour of Glacier National Park from Guide Along to make the most of your drive. We listened to this audio guide and found it to be top-notch—equal parts educational and entertaining. Also, and on the less fun side, if you plan to drive, expect congested parking during the height of the summer season, especially in the busiest months of July and August. Begin your day early to snag spaces at the most popular pullouts and Logan Pass.
Is it nerve-wracking to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road? Learn more here.
Guided driving tour.
However, if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, catch a narrated tour on the iconic Red Jammer Bus Tours or with Sun Tours on a more traditional minibus. Be sure to book these in advance—they will sell out.
Visitor centers.
Along with free expert on-site help with travel planning from park rangers at one of three Glacier visitor centers, you can also explore indoor and outdoor educational exhibits about the park. Or you can shop its bookstores to pick up souvenirs.
In addition to the Apgar Visitor Center, the closest to the busy gateway of West Glacier, Glacier has visitor centers at Logan Pass and in the east at St. Mary. See this page of the NPS website for information on locations, services, and hours.
We stopped by the Apgar Visitor Center on the first day of our Glacier trip. Standing in line outside and under its shaded awning, we asked a park ranger for his advice and guidance on the best hikes for our family and tips for getting around. We followed his recommendations, adjusting our plans to accommodate trail closures and to avoid parking congestion.
Stargazing.
Glacier park rangers also lead in-season free nightly stargazing sessions called “Half the Park Happens After Dark” on both the west and east sides of the park. In the west, you can join rangers on clear nights for telescope viewing from the Apgar Visitor Center parking lot. On the east, meet at the St. Mary Visitor Center parking lot. Check the online Glacier calendar to get information. Or pick up a schedule from a visitor center.
Additionally, rangers hold a Logan Pass star party a few times a year, where ticketed participants can look through telescopes. Learn dates and get tickets here.
Ranger & expert talks.
More ranger expertise to the rescue! Catch an evening park ranger talk at a campground or the Many Glacier Hotel about the natural or cultural history of the park. Or learn more about the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as part of Glacier’s Native America Speaks program. Check Glacier’s online calendar for times and dates. Or pick up a schedule from a visitor center.
Historic hotel tour.
Are you curious about the historic Many Glacier Hotel, with its unreal views and Swiss chalet appeal? It is the crown jewel of places to stay inside Glacier National Park. And you can take a guided tour of it.
Join a ranger-led tour daily at 4 PM to learn about “the history, traditions, and restoration” of the hotel from mid-June through mid-September for free, no reservation required. Meet in the Many Glacier Hotel lobby. Reconfirm details on Glacier’s online calendar or at a visitor center.
Glacier Institute.
In addition to offering educational guided hikes mentioned above, the Glacier Institute, a non-profit dedicated to outdoor instruction, offers day programs about birding and fall mushroom foraging, among other topics. There is even a fly-fishing session just for women. Some experiences are restricted to members only. Buy memberships on the Institute website.
Water activities: boat tours, rentals, & fishing.
If you love the water, boating or fishing on one of Glacier’s pristine lakes or rivers is a beautiful experience. The park is home to over 130 lakes, many of which stunningly reflect the surrounding mountains, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for visitors.
Boat tours.
Enjoy a group boat ride on Lake McDonald, Saint Mary Lake, Two Medicine Lake, or in the Many Glacier area on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine with the Glacier Park Boat Company. See its website for boat tour options. If you are a hiker, consider booking one of its combination hiking and boat tours, like we did.
Watercraft rentals.
Glacier Park Boat Company also offers watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald Lodge, Apgar at Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, and Many Glacier. Available rentals depend on the lake and could include—paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, or motorboats. Reserve and learn more on its website under the Rentals header.
During the high summer season, reserved and prepaid tickets for a boat ride with Glacier Park Boat Company can double as a vehicle reservation. Use your booking to enter restricted areas, like Many Glacier and West Glacier. Show your prepaid boat tickets to the rangers at the gates to gain entry.
Fishing.
A fishing license is not required to fish inside the Glacier National Park boundaries. I am not (yet?) a fisherwoman, so I cannot speak from experience. However, know you can get all the information you need regarding limits, locations, and regulations, including dates for the fishing season—generally mid-May through the end of November—on this page of the Glacier website.
Horseback riding.
Experience the majesty of Glacier National Park on horseback. Book your spot on a group ride ranging from one hour to all day with Swan Mountain Outfitters, another official park concessionaire. Or arrange for a private guide. Choose rides from one of three in-park corrals—Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, or Many Glacier. Learn more about in-park ride options here. Or join a ride outside the park.
Outside Glacier National Park: 20 fun things to do & see.
If you plan to stay in lodging outside the park as we did, you may be inclined to explore beyond the national park borders. If you do, you will be well-rewarded for your effort. Choose from more hiking, rafting, animal experiences, and adventure that you or the group you are traveling with will love.
Here are ten categories of things you can do outside Glacier National Park. Click on each for more details. See what you can do inside the park here.
- Hiking (2)
- River activities: rafting, kayaking, & fly fishing (3)
- Horseback riding & Goats of Glacier (2)
- Ziplining
- Huckleberry picking (in-season summer only)
- More activities for families (& fun-loving adults) (3)
- Skydiving & helicopter tour (2)
- Golf
- Trying all the food
- Day trips (4)
Hiking.
Expand your hiking horizons by exploring the nearby Jewel Basin Hiking Area, a 15,000-acre hiking and camping area halfway between Glacier and the town of Bigfork on the northeastern shore of Flathead Lake. Top post-snowmelt day hikes include the 6.2 out-and-back Birch Lake Trail and the 6.0-mile Mount Aeneas Summit Trail.
Or, check out the trails around Whitefish or further south in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, which includes the Great Bear, the Scapegoat, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
River activities: rafting, kayaking, & fly fishing.
Indulge in your River Runs Through It Montana moment by experiencing the gob-smacking beauty of Big Sky Country from its riverways. The three top local outfitters for rafting, kayaking, and flying fishing, include Glacier Guides, Great Northern, and River Wild.
Rafting: Whitewater and scenic floats.
The number one thing I wanted to do, given more time in the Glacier area, was book a spot on a whitewater rafting trip on the Flathead River. Local outfitters Glacier Guides, Great Northern, and River Wild offer half-day, full-day, and overnight rafting trips. However, if you prefer your river adventures to be milder, opt for a scenic float trip to experience the beauty of rugged Montana without the extra adrenaline. Or explore area rafting options, where you can check out reviews from past guests, on an activity booking site like Viator.
Kayaking (and funyaks).
Alternatively, skip the group raft and go solo. Or with a willing partner. Great Northern and River Wild offer inflatable kayak or funyak half-day adventures on single and double craft. Glacier Guides offers multi-day combo trips that include some kayaking.
Want to build your skills? Great Northern also offers classes in whitewater kayaking, SUP, and whitewater and river skills youth camps.
Fly fishing.
Join a guide to discover the best fishing spots on a half-, full-, or multi-day fly fishing excursion with Glacier Guides, Great Northern, and River Wild. Or book a skills clinic. Rates are usually pricey and per boat, so it pays to bring a friend, partner, or family member to split the cost.
Horseback riding.
In addition to horseback rides inside Glacier National Park, Swan Mountain Outfitters offers 1-hour to all-day rides on US Forest Service trails out of their West Glacier corral. Guests check in at the Crown of the Continent Discovery Center, which also serves up the best under-the-radar pizza in the area.
Want to learn about more Glacier dining options? Get a comprehensive list of places to eat inside and out of the park here.
Goats of Glacier.
Perfect for animal lovers and city slickers looking for a US western farm experience. Visit the Goats of Glacier, a working farm just south of West Glacier in Coram, to feed goats and spend time with the mini highland cows, alpacas, and chickens. You can even get your Om on the range on by signing up for a goat yoga session.
Ziplining.
If you think hiking in grizzly country or shooting the rapids on the Flathead River will not activate your adrenaline, head south of West Glacier to Glacier Highline in Coram. Once there, try its “50 different highline and ropes course activities,” including ziplines, giant swings, and log and net walks. Make the most of your visit with a 2-hour adventure pass. Or head further south to Columbia Falls for a 7-zipline tour at Glacier Ziplines.
Huckleberry picking.
Planning to visit during Montana’s huckleberry season, generally mid-to-late July through early September? Then, you will want to seek out this tart berry that grows wild at low to mid-elevations. Similar in shape to a blueberry with a color ranging from reddish to blue, we tasted huckleberries plucked fresh from the trail while hiking with a local friend who knew where to look.
However, if you do not know a Montana insider, consider visiting Whitefish Mountain Resort, just under a one-hour drive from West Glacier. Once the season bursts into full swing, check this page of its website for its Huckleberry Report, sharing where to find the berries.
More activities for families and fun-loving adults.
Check out these three options in and south of the West Glacier area for some old-fashioned summertime fun.
Golfing to the Sun Mini-Golf.
Stretch your legs after all that Glacier drive time and perfect your hole-in-one on quirky Glacier-themed Golfing to the Sun Mini-Golf in West Glacier. Then, once you work up an appetite, indulge in pastries, ice cream, and coffee at its shop.
Amazing Fun Center.
Find more outdoor entertainment south of West Glacier in Coram at the Amazing Fun Center. Buy a pass with access to a 3D labyrinth maze, more mini golf, bumper boats, and a go-cart track.
Big Sky Waterslide.
Cool off and jump in at Big Sky Waterslide, a waterpark in nearby Columbia Falls. After sampling all seven slides, you can picnic, mini-golf, or crash about in bumper cars.
Skydiving.
For the brave and bold—if you’ve ever considered jumping from a plane, why not do it in a spectacular place like Montana? Book a tandem jump with Skydive Whitefish, based in Whitefish, Montana, a 40-minute drive from West Glacier.
Helicopter tour.
However, if you prefer to stay inside your flying vehicle instead of thrusting yourself out of it, catch the same fantastic views without the freefall. Consider arranging a private helicopter tour for panoramic vistas of the Flathead Valley, including views of Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park, and its tallest peaks. Learn more and book tours with Red Eagle Aviation or Glacier Aviation Services.
Golf.
Craving tee time with a view? One of the country’s best golf courses borders Glacier National Park. Hit 18 holes at the Glacier View Golf Club during a public tee time. Can’t find availability? Discover more courses in the neighboring communities of Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Kalispell.
Try all the food.
Enhance a full day of activities with deliciously filling food options. Get the skinny on the best dining spots inside and outside Glacier National Park in this comprehensive guide. Learn where to find the best restaurants, grab-n-go food options, and hidden gems that will satisfy your palate and win over your traveling companions.
Day trips.
Check out nearby communities and tourist attractions with these four day trips.
Hungry Horse Dam.
Drive 15 miles south of West Glacier to take a guided tour of the massive concrete Hungry Horse Dam to learn about hydroelectric power and area history. Along with generating power, the dam, which sits on the South Fork of the Flathead River, helps control flooding. Head to its Visitor Center to join a tour. While in the area, pair this visit with ziplining, a waterpark, or a stop at the Amazing Fun Center—all either en route or within a 15-minute drive.
Whitefish & Whitefish Mountain Resort.
A 40-minute drive from Glacier’s main West Glacier entrance, the scenic town of Whitefish offers a walkable and picturesque downtown area. On the southern shore of 5.2-square-mile Whitefish Lake, visitors enjoy top-notch dining and outdoor activities, like boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. While here, include a visit to Whitefish Mountain Resort. It is a ski mountain in the winter and an outdoor playground for lift rides, ziplining, alpine sliding, downhill biking, hiking, and even huckleberry picking (in-season) in the summer.
Bigfork & Flathead Lake.
A 50-minute drive south of West Glacier, find Bigfork, Montana, an attractive western lakeside town on the northeast shore of Flathead Lake. Head to town for dining, shopping, and boating. Consider booking a kayak tour with Sea Me Paddle, like their Wild Horse Island Excursion. Or do it yourself with kayak, SUP, and mountain bike rentals from BaseCamp Bigfork.
Visit Canada!
The stunning topography that makes up Glacier National Park continues north of the border into Canada, becoming Waterton Lakes National Park. If you want to expand on your Glacier experience and have your passport handy, drive just over one hour north from the Many Glacier entrance into Canada to reach Waterton Lakes. While there, stop in the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel, go hiking, or book a boat tour.
Related reading.
If you are planning a Glacier trip, check out these related articles. Get more information, ideas, and resources to plan better travel and get out the door with less hassle.
- How to Plan a Glacier National Park Trip: 17 Essential Tips
- The Best Of Glacier NP: An Action-Packed 4-Day Itinerary
- Glacier Reservation & Pass: How to Enter This National Park
- Glacier NP: Ultimate Guide Where to Stay Inside the Park
- The Best Places to Stay Near Glacier National Park
- 10 Glacier National Park Hiking Trails You Will Love
- The Best Places to Eat Around Glacier National Park
- What to Pack for Glacier NP: You’ll Love This Checklist
- 39 Amazing Ideas for Things to See & Do in Missoula
- How to Make the Most of Missoula in 3 Days
- Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack
Feedback & questions.
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