Glacier National Park, which is located in the untamed splendor of Montana, attracts with its unspoiled wildness and spectacular vistas. What if, though, your exploration goals extend outside the park itself? Thankfully, there are some delightful locations close to Glacier National Park that have their own special charm. These local locations, which range from quaint mountain communities to undiscovered treasures in the forest, provide both adventure and relaxation. So let’s set out on a quest to see the fascinating locations that balance Glacier National Park’s magnificence.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Whitefish Exploration
- Arrive at Glacier International Airport and reach the town of Whitefish, located just outside the park.
- Spend the day exploring downtown Whitefish, shopping at local shops, and enjoying the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
- In the evening, dine at one of the town’s excellent restaurants and savor some delicious local cuisine.
Day 2: Flathead Lake and Bigfork
- Drive south to Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Enjoy the scenic drive along the lake’s shoreline.
- Stop at the charming town of Bigfork, known for its art galleries and boutiques. Take a stroll along the Swan River or visit the local museum.
- Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake.
- Return to Whitefish in the evening and relax at your accommodation.
Day 3: Polebridge and North Fork
- Head north to the remote town of Polebridge, located on the western edge of Glacier National Park.
- Stop at the historic Polebridge Mercantile and indulge in their famous huckleberry bear claws and other baked goods.
- From Polebridge, venture into the untamed wilderness of the North Fork area, where you can hike, fish, and spot wildlife.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch in the serene surroundings of the North Fork.
- Return to Whitefish in the evening and enjoy a leisurely evening in town.
Day 4: Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
- Cross the border into Canada and drive to Waterton Lakes National Park, a sister park to Glacier National Park.
- Explore the park’s beautiful trails, such as the Red Rock Canyon or Crypt Lake Trail, known for its stunning views and unique features.
- Take a boat tour on Upper Waterton Lake to experience the park from the water and spot wildlife like bears, moose, and bighorn sheep.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s scenic beauty.
- Return to Whitefish in the late afternoon and reflect on the incredible beauty you’ve experienced.
Day 5: Glacier National Park’s Eastern Side
- Today, venture into the eastern side of Glacier National Park.
- Drive along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, marveling at the majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls.
- Take a short hike to Avalanche Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled amidst towering peaks.
- Visit the historic Many Glacier Hotel and enjoy a meal with a view of the breathtaking scenery.
- In the afternoon, go on a scenic boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake and explore the area on foot.
- Return to your accommodation and reminisce about the incredible places you’ve visited.
Day 6: Departure
- On your final day, savor a leisurely breakfast in Whitefish and take some time to explore any remaining attractions or shops.
- If time allows, consider visiting the Whitefish Mountain Resort for mountain biking, zip-lining, or scenic gondola rides.
- Depart from Glacier International Airport with memories of the beautiful places you’ve explored near Glacier National Park.
Let us go over the places one after the other.
Whitefish
Whitefish is a lovely hamlet around 25 kilometres from Glacier National Park. It is a favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts because it has beautiful scenery, world-class skiing, and plenty of hiking, bicycling, fishing, and boating activities. There is also a lively downtown area with stores, restaurants, and breweries.
Ski or snowboard: Whitefish Mountain Resort has over 3,000 acres of terrain and is a world-class ski resort. In the winter, the resort also provides cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides.
Explore the Flathead Valley: Hiking, biking, fishing, and boating are all popular outdoor activities in the Flathead Valley. The Flathead National Forest, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and Hungry Horse Dam are also nearby.
Shop & dine: Whitefish boasts a busy downtown area filled with stores, restaurants, and breweries. In Whitefish, you can get everything from handcrafted trinkets to great dining.
Take a beer tour: Big Sky Brewing Company, Glacier Distilling Company, and 406 Brewing are among the breweries in Whitefish.
Flathead Lake and Bigfork
The largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River is Flathead Lake. It is a popular boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing destination. The lake also has several islands, one of which is a state park called Wild Horse Island.
Bigfork is a lovely hamlet on the shores of Flathead Lake. It is a popular shopping, dining, and outdoor activity destination. Bigfork also has several art galleries and museums.
Here are some activities available in Flathead Lake and Bigfork:
Visit Flathead Lake, where you may boat, fish, swim, waterski, or simply relax on the beach. You can also take a lake cruise or visit one of the islands.
Bigfork features a quaint downtown area filled with stores, restaurants, and art galleries. The Bigfork Museum, the Hockaday Museum of Art, and the Great Northern Railway Depot Museum are well worth a visit. Hike or bike: The Flathead Lake State Park Trail and the Bigfork Point Trail are two hiking and riding paths in the vicinity.
Polebridge and North Fork
Polebridge and the North Fork are two remote places in Glacier National Park’s northwestern region. They can only be reached by unpaved routes.
Polebridge is a small village of approximately 50 inhabitants. The Polebridge Mercantile, a general store that has served the neighbourhood since 1914, is located there. Hikers and campers frequent the store, which also sells a variety of locally created products.
The North Fork is a lovely valley with a fascinating history. It was previously the site of several homesteads, and the region is now littered with abandoned cabins and other relics from the past. The North Fork also has several hiking paths, including the Polebridge Loop Trail and the Kintla Lake Trail.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park is a national park in Alberta, Canada, located in the southwest corner. It is adjacent to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. Waterton was Canada’s fourth national park, established in 1895 and named after Waterton Lake, which was named after the Victorian naturalist and conservationist Charles Waterton. Its range extends from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies. This park encompasses 505 square kilometres (195 square miles) of rough mountains and wilderness.
Here are some activities available at Waterton Lakes National Park:
Hiking: The park has a variety of hiking paths ranging from easy to difficult. The Crypt Lake Trail, Red Rock Canyon Trail, and Cameron Falls Trail are all popular hikes.
Boating: You can boat on Waterton Lake, Cameron Lake, and Red Rock Lake. There are also a number of boat tours available.
Fishing: A variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, and whitefish, can be found in the park. You can fish from the beach or from a boat.
Camping: There are several campsites in the park, both within the park and on private property.
The park is home to a variety of animals, including bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Wildlife can be seen from the trails, the lake, or by car.
Visiting the Prince of Wales Hotel: The Prince of Wales Hotel, located in Waterton Park Village, is a historic hotel. The hotel, first opened in 1927, is a renowned tourist site.
Glacier National Park’s Eastern Side
The eastern part of Glacier National Park is recognised for its rocky mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. Bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats are among the animals that may be found in the area.
The Blackfeet Indian Reservation borders Glacier National Park to the east. The Blackfeet have resided in this area for millennia and continue to have a strong presence.
Some of the more popular attractions on Glacier National Park’s eastern side include:
St. Mary Lake: This enormous body of water is famous for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Two Medicine Lake: Surrounded by mountains, this smaller lake is home to a multitude of paths.
Chief Mountain: One of Glacier National Park’s most recognisable features is Chief Mountain.
Many Glacier Hotel: Located in the Many Glacier Valley, this historic hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
East Glacier Park Village: Located near the eastern entrance to Glacier National Park, this small village is a popular starting place for exploring the area.
Avalanche Lake
About 4 miles from the village of West Glacier, Avalanche Lake is situated in the western region of Glacier National Park. The gentle 2.2-mile roundtrip climb up the lake’s route gains 575 feet in elevation. The Avalanche Gorge Trailhead, which is reachable by automobile from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, is where the trek begins.
Scenery and Wildlife
Travelers love to go hiking, camping, and fishing at Avalanche Lake. The lake is renowned for its gorgeous mountain backdrop, pure waters, and a variety of fauna. A variety of bird species as well as moose, deer, bears, and other wildlife may be visible to lake visitors.
Viswanath Alikonda (Viswa) is a techie, passionate traveler, writer, and adventurer who believes that life is best experienced through the exploration of new places and cultures. With a deep love for adventure and a curiosity that knows no bounds, Viswa has embarked on journeys to various corners of the globe, from the New York to Bay Area.
His travel experiences have not only broadened his horizons but have also given him the opportunity to share stories, insights, and travel tips with a global audience. Viswa’s travel blogs aim to inspire fellow wanderers, offering a glimpse into the beauty of our world and providing practical advice for planning unforgettable adventures.