Glacier National Park West Side Driving Tour with Lunch

Hotel Pickup

Your day begins with a complimentary shuttle pickup at your hotel or a designated meeting location in Kalispell, Whitefish, or Columbia Falls around 9:00 AM. Exact pickup time and location are confirmed the day before. Your guide greets the group and provides an overview of the day's route as you head toward Glacier National Park.

South Fork of the Flathead River

The drive toward the park follows the South Fork of the Flathead River, where your guide points out the surrounding mountain landscape and shares the natural history of the Flathead Valley. Depending on conditions and the season, the route may include a stop at Hungry Horse Dam, a 564-foot concrete arch dam on the South Fork, or at Shepard Spring, a natural spring near the park boundary.

Huckleberry Land

Before entering Glacier National Park, the tour stops at Huckleberry Land, where you can sample huckleberry treats, a regional specialty of northwest Montana. The wild huckleberry grows in the forests around the park and is a staple of local cuisine.

West Glacier and Belton Bridge

The tour enters Glacier National Park through the West Glacier entrance. Your guide shares the history of the park, which was established in 1910 and encompasses over one million acres of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Crossing the historic Belton Bridge, you enter the heart of the park's west side.

Apgar Village

At Apgar Village, located on the southwestern shore of Lake McDonald, you have time to explore the small collection of shops and visitor facilities at the edge of the lake. The views across Lake McDonald toward the snow-covered peaks of the Continental Divide are among the most photographed in Glacier National Park. Your guide points out the famous colorful rocks visible through the clear water and explains how glaciers carved the lake basin thousands of years ago.

Lake McDonald Lodge

The tour continues along the shore of Lake McDonald to Lake McDonald Lodge, a historic Swiss chalet-style lodge built in 1913. You have time to walk inside and admire the lobby's massive stone fireplace, hand-painted lanterns, and rustic wood architecture. Your guide shares the lodge's history and its place in Glacier National Park's early tourism era. The lakeshore near the lodge offers opportunities for photos and short walks.

Lunch

Your guide serves a full-service lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients at a scenic location in or near Glacier National Park. Hot drinks, snacks, and water are provided throughout the day.

Wildlife Viewing and Return

Throughout the tour, your guide watches for wildlife along the route. Common sightings in Glacier National Park include white-tailed and mule deer, elk, moose, bald eagles, ospreys, loons, and signs of bear and mountain goat activity. Your guide points out tracks, habitat, and seasonal behavior patterns. After the final stops, the shuttle returns you to your hotel or meeting location.