Glacier & Waterton Lakes Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
Glacier & Waterton Lakes Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Casual Hotels
2025: Jun-Sep
Epic National Parks in Montana & Alberta
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. From unforgettable hiking trails, follow the flight paths of eagles and osprey high above. Then go with the flow as you paddle white-water rapids on Glacier's Flathead River. By bike, on foot or over water, and from one enchanting mountain lodge to the next, this national park adventure will move you.
Highlights
- Discover 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
- Embark on incredible biking and hiking routes amid rushing streams, towering peaks and wildflower-strewn meadows
- Raft down the Flathead River and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—an exciting end to an incredible trip
Start/End Whitefish
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Witness alpine scenery that just won't quit as you bike a scenic route with vistas of Lake McDonald, formed by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago • Cycle past wildfire-altered landscapes and stop at unique viewpoints along the way • End the day with a dip in Lake McDonald, if you dare!
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
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 mesmerizing turquoise color of glacier-fed St. Mary Lake be for real? • Soak up the views of the surrounding peaks from the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake.
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
Pedal north into Canada, through ranchland and U-shaped valleys • Pause to take in the vistas 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 • Activity options abound: take a boat cruise, explore the trails by foot or on horseback, or just relax at the hotel.
Nights 3-4
This historic green-gabled hotel offers vistas of the mountains reflected in glacier-fed lakes.
Days 5-6
The sweeping prairies and plains of Alberta provide the perfect backdrop as you pedal a roller-coaster route toward lunch • Tour the gorgeous and less-visited Two Medicine Valley • Maybe you'll spot mountain goats, pikas, white-crowned sparrows and more • Feeling brave? Perhaps you'll opt for a swim in the chilly waters of Two Medicine Lake • Our 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 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
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
- 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
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
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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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
