The minimum age is suggested as 15 for this trip, and you will need to pay park entrance fees yourself. Things seem to go down hill with us because we also held up the tour at Logan Pass and again Dan was very patient and waited. For weather, lodging, campgrounds, activities, and wildlife summer offers the most reward. The guides are knowledgeable professionals, with a few handy tips to pass on if you dont have much experience. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Travel Advisory: Masks are required in all public buildings and public transportation within the park regardless of vaccination status. Meri was an excellent tour guide, providing a great deal of information about the park itself from the perspective of the Blackfeet Nation. The red buses seat 17 people, with 4 across on bench seating and 1 front passenger seat. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It is considered moderate difficulty, but no experience is necessary. We make many brief stops once in the interior of the Park, some of our most popular being the Iron Teepees, Wild Goose Island, Jackson Glacier, and Logan Pass. (2) Tell us your preferences and leave the details to us. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This scenic float along the southern border of Glacier National Park offers a restful, rejuvenating experience along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Not to mention, Glacier National Park rafting is amazing! Scenic helicopter tours are offered by Glacier Heli Tours (tel. Thank you for providing tourists with an important resource that delivers the comprehensive history of this beautiful land and the Blackfeet Nations stewardship of it. Enjoy a narrated tour around Flathead Lake to the Bison Range and back. Your local guide will lead you on an interpretive tour equipped with all the necessary transportation, snacks, equipment (and bear spray). 800/879-9310 or 406/387-4141; www.glacierhelitours.net) and Kruger Helicop-Tours (tel. Cancel within 7 days and lose the cost of the rental. With your guide paddling downstream, this is a great option for families, small children, and those with no rafting experience. Youll get to learn about outdoor ethics, as well as a bit of forest fire science and river ecology, and maybe even a spot of history of early settlers. Embark on a whitewater rafting trip that combines calm floating with class II-III whitewater rapids. West side departure points include: Apgar Visitor Center, Village Inn at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge (all inside the park), plus a couple spots near the west entrance to the park. This is a relatively easy-going, half-day trip in Glacier and is an ideal first introduction to the park for many visitors. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. Guided day hikes, backpacking trips, and drop-camp service are available in Glacier's backcountry. TOUR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK & NORTHWEST MONTANA. 800/521-7238 or 406/387-5555; www.glacierguides.com), organizes backpacking trips into the Glacier National Park backcountry. The tour starts at around 9.30 am and culminates at 1.30 pm. Half-day tours (for about half the price) are also available. The scenery and architecture is really something to behold. All rights reserved, Established in 1910, Glacier National Park is known to Native Americans as the Shining Mountains and the Backbone of the World. Discover the 26 remaining glaciers on this Glacier National Park Adventure. If so, youve come to the right place! Our full day summer tours last roughly 6 hours, and usually depart at 9 am. Meri made frequent stops for photos and sightseeing. This is a private, guided rafting trip in Glacier that accommodates up to 8 people and allows you to paddle as part of the crew on the raft if you wish, as it winds its way along 9 different rapids. The hallmark of an Austin Adventures tour is our included meals. Your guides will handle all the logistics for you as you explore the park. CA Residents Only: Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The Going to the Sun Road is the perfect path for bicycle enthusiasts. The guides prepare all meals from locally sourced and organic ingredients, and groups of 7 can be accommodated. This tour is usually available between May and late June, and occurs between the hours of 10:15 am 7:30 pm, starting from the operators office where you meet the guide. Kiddos under the age of 5 go free. You get to raft Glaciers border river in the morning, then in the afternoon, you explore on 2 wheels, with both lunch and dinner included. The scenery and wildlife in Glacier National Park provides constant amazement and inspiration, for young and old alike. This is a moderately difficult trek that usually begins on Saturdays between May and September. But dont worry, exploring Glacier National Park with experienced guides will keep you and your family as safe as possible. Glacier Park Red Bus tours depart from both the east and west sides of the park. By visiting Glacier in the incredibly majestic Montana, youll be getting away from the crowds, the cities, and the busy-ness of everyday life while submerging yourself in the great outdoors to relax and unwind. All of Glacier is bear territory! Entry into Glacier National Park or Bison Range. The local guides are highly knowledgeable and are happy to show you the ropes if necessary. We cannot guarantee that all guests in a large group will be on the same bus. Very knowledgeable, friendly, excellent driver. We had the pleasure of using your bus service to tour Glacier National Park. The North and Middle Forks of the Flathead River normally become fishable towards the end of June, and this continues into autumn. By visiting Glacier in the incredibly majestic Montana, youll be getting away from the crowds, the cities, and the busy-ness of everyday life while submerging yourself in the great outdoors to relax and unwind. Our Many Glacier Shuttle gets you from Whitefish or west side lodging all the way over to Many Glacier and back in one day. Enjoy comfortable, private transportation and a knowledgeable, experienced local guide. Glacier National Park has approximately 750 miles of maintained trails, exceptional for hiking and biking. Ranger-guided activities and evening campfire and slide-show programs run daily throughout the park. She did a tremendous job of making sure that everyone was involved in the tour. Once we started on the GTS road, we were so grateful that it was Meri driving and not us. Our Guides are life-time residents of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and possess extensive knowledge in many facets of Tribal History, culture, and lifestyle. If you would like to receive updates regarding added tour availability, tour routes, and all things Sun Tours, please sign up for our brand new email list! They provide an all-encompassing history and experience surrounding the landscape of Glacier National Parks inhabited areas: Park history; animal species; common plants and roots used for nutrition and medicine; and the Blackfoot spiritual and philosophical perspectives/stories of life in the Buffalo Days as well as modern times. The best tours in West Glacier according to Viator travelers are: What tours in West Glacier are taking additional safety precautions? You will need a Glacier National Park Pass. By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy. Your itinerary starts at 8 AM with a pickup from your arrival hotel. . Participants are driven into Glacier National Park via the West Glacier entrance, 1 mile from the guides office. Once GTS road was completed, we wrapped up our trip in St. Mary and enjoyed a nice lunch at the lodge. Paddle along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, enjoy a thrilling 8-mile (13-kilometer) route including Class II and II rapids, and admire stunning views of the John Stevens Canyon and the surrounding Glacier National Park. 406/892-2525; www.glacierparkinc.com). This half-day rafting trip can be either a white water adventure or a scenic float, depending on which you prefer. Cancellation Policy- Tours: We go rain, snow, smoke or shine! if you would like to have this 1% fee removed, please call in to make your reservation. The park also presents the adventurer with some mean rafting opportunities, and wildlife enthusiasts find themselves well catered for in this haven for grizzly bears and other native animals and birds in the wild, dense mountain forests. Some of the best Glacier National Park Tours will allow you to cover some of the highlights, although the choice of things to do and see is broad. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 4170 US-2, Kalispell, MT 59901, Included With Every Glacier Park Adventure Vacation. These "scenicruises" combine the comfort of an hour-long lake cruise with a short hike or picnic. Enjoy the scenery as you float and, with luck, spot some wildlife along the way. We believe summer is the best time to visit glacier national park. Hike, raft, hike, and more on this Glacier National Park Family Vacation. Created with Sketch. 800/220-6565 or 406/387-4565; www.krugerhelicopters.com). We highly recommend travel insurance as we strictly enforce our cancellation policy regardless of cancellation reason. Your group will have 6-7 hours to explore the Many Glacier Valley on a variety of trails. On the west side departure points tour participants can take in the Apgar Visitor Center, the Village Inn at Apgar and Lake McDonald Lodge. I am happy to write a posting on Trip Advisor recommending your organization. He gave us volumes of information, far more than we could remember in a professional and folksy way. This full day tour is quite the excursion. Kimma provided great history of the park and local wildlife and vegetation as well a Native American perspective that enthralled our group. All equipment is provided unless you want to use your own. If you prefer taking things in at a slower pace and think that going on foot is the best way to experience the park then this one-day, custom hike is for you! On this 8-day guided tour, you will hike the Teton range, explore Yellowstones Hot Springs, and discover Glacier National Parks massive ice fields. Youll still need to bring a daypack to carry your own water bottle, camera/phone, binoculars, raincoat, fleece, a Glacier National Park Pass and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This full day option gets your group all the way over to East Glacier and the Two Medicine Valley. Tours will go rain or shine and if the full tour is not available due to the Going-to-the-Sun Road closures, alternate routes will be provided. 406/755-1211; www.glacierinstitute.org), conducts summer field classes that examine the park's cultural and natural resources. Resting at the base of Bearhat Mountain, Avalanche Lake has an elevation of 4,031 feet and is surrounded by 500-year-old trees and grizzly bears. Its the best combination of perks from across seasons. Special Notes: Each bus can accommodate a maximum of 17 passengers plus one driver. Wildlife viewing is the highlight of this trip (although sitings are not guaranteed). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If you would like more information about the history and tumultuous beginnings of Sun Tours, and its founder Ed, please click below. Enjoy private transportation and a knowledgeable guide on this full day tour. We look forward to accommodating you on Going to the Sun Road this summer! What I really would like to stress is what a great tour guide Dan is. Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. Save your favorites. The Going to the Sun Road is the perfect path for bicycle enthusiasts. Learn more by exploring your chosen trip itinerary. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Unwind and take in the views as you floatand challenge yourself on Class II and III rapidson the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which borders Glacier National Park. We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours. Enjoy West Glacier & Polebridge with your private guide on this full Glacier tour. The red buses facilitate 17 people, and the daily tours usually sell out quickly. Glacier National Park vacations are the ultimate getaway. Again cheers from our whole group for Kimma. This is flexible though and can be tailored to your hiking abilities and points of interest. Lester, our guide and driver, was absolutely fantastic. The famous red vintage buses that are a familiar sight in the park and also part of its heritage serve as an ideal way to get around and learn more about the locality. This relaxing and rejuventating tour takes place on the boundary to Glacier National Park. 800/786-9220; www.glaciersuntours.com). After touring the range, enjoy lunch (included in the tour) at one of the many local stops on your way back to Whitefish. For detailed information on the schedule and routes, visit the park's website or check the insert in the Glacier Visitor Guide. Along the way, youll get to learn something of the history and culture of the Blackfeet Nation from a couple of tribal elders. Kalispell Montana Our East Glacier & Two Medicine Tour is a fantastic way to explore the east side of Glacier National Park. You dont even have to worry about parking! For kids, there is a Junior Ranger program with an activity book; backpacks with kid-oriented naturalist activities can also be checked out at the Logan Pass, St. Mary, and Apgar visitor centers. Hike, bike, and raft through the mountainous scenes of Glacier National park on this action-packed, small group adventure. Where to fly in for your Glacier Park Vacation Our RadPower bikes are good for groups of all sizes, as well as kids over the age of 10. Our guides will help pack your bags into the van and take you to your select hotels for the tour. 2022 marks our 30th ANNIVERSARY SEASON of providing visitors like yourself firsthand cultural knowledge of a place we have inhabited for over 10,000 years! You can fish on either the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River, on waters that are federally protected, and contain Rainbow and Brook trout. The trips usually run between June and September, depending on guide availability. If so, we would love to accommodate your needs and be happy to provide a special experience as you visit the Crown of the Continent, and the Backbone of the World! This Glacier National Park river lies on the western border and contains native Westslope Cutthroat, Rainbow Trout, and Brook trout. This overnight trip includes camping riverside at night, and organic meals prepared from locally sourced ingredients are provided. This contribution supports programs through explore whitefish. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Various stops along the way for photos, bathroom breaks, and scenic viewpoints. You can swim, hike, explore, kayak, and marvel at our countrys natural beauty at its most raw and palpable. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Our Flathead Lake & Bison Range Tour is a fantastic way to a large section of northwest Montana. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. So whether you visit the park to marvel at the scenery like the snow-capped peaks reflected in glassy lakes, or get involved in some serious physical pursuits, finding a tour to suit your itinerary will help you get the best of this vast landscape. This cruise is provided by Lake Day Montana which offers the most seamless boating experience on Whitefish Lake. Its not purely saddle-work on this trip though and youll also get to do a little rafting along the scenic Flathead River, and indulge in a spot of trekking and a picnic by the shore of Two Medicine Lake. East side departure points include: Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Hotel and Rising Sun Motor Inn (all inside the park), various spots in the town of St. Marys, Johnsons (for their hotel guests only) and at the Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier (all outside the park). My partner Jeff and I reserved this tour specifically because we were interested in learning more about the regions tribal history. We both learned a great deal and visited the tribal museum in Browning the next day, which was excellent as well. Rates start at $40 for a 4-hour trip and $75 for a full day. This is a full day option, lunch is included. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Montana with this full-day floating and rafting tour from West Glacier. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. Sun Tours is currently owned and operated by Ed & Toni DesRosier. This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. No frills with this shuttle. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It also puts you in the direct vicinity of over a million acres of forests, alpine lakes, rugged mountains, and wildflower meadows. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. We had a great tour with Sun Tours during our August trip to Glacier. North Americas Rock Mountains rise thousands of feet out of the western prairies diving the continent and providing some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. Here you can explore the 26 remaining glaciers, or journey along the famous 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is built into the cliff sides of the Rocky Mountains and is a biking enthusiasts dream. Visitors simply park their cars at the Apgar Transit Center on the west side or the St. Mary Visitor Center and take the shuttle to about 20 stops throughout the park, most of them on Going-to-the-Sun Road. A visit to Glacier National Park is certainly something that leaves its mark on any adventurer so lets take a look at some of the best Glacier National Park Tours on offer. It's recommended that guests pack a lunch for the trip. Water/beverages and light snacks. (The pricier classes include lodging.) Frommer's EasyGuide to National Parks of the American West. Her knowledge of the area is unparalleled, and we felt so fortunate that we were able to spend the day with her. The fishing is done from a dory and can accommodate 3 people, including your guide. Glacier National Park has approximately 750 miles of maintained trails, exceptional for hiking and biking. Wear comfortable walking shoes and expect a variety of terrain- pavement, gravel, dirt, etc. Whitefish outfitters collects a voluntary 1% fee for the community sustainability fund. Our driver was Kimma. This trip is ideal from July onwards until early September, depending on guide availability, and is best suited to no more than 2 people. If you think that possibly the best way to get around any natural, outdoor expanse is by bicycle, then this could be for you. Ticket prices top out at $23. Our premier and most popular tour is our full day tour that begins on the East Side of Glacier National Park on the Blackfeet Reservation. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. This is a day full of fly fishing that is suitable for any level. Glacier Park awaits you and your family on this epic kid-friendly adventure. Meet our Trip Guides here: Meet our Trip Guides. That's 3 of YOUR guests- our tours are private to your group. Relax as Austins signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service takes care of the little stuff so you can savor the majestic wonders of this spectacular National Park. 541 Spokane Avenue, Whitefish, Montana 59937, United States. Copyright 2021 Whitefish Trail Shuttle, LLC - All Rights Reserved. After the trip, well drop you off at a nearby hotel of your choice or the Kalispell Airport on the final day of the 6-day tour. Prices start at $115 per person for four people for a half-hour trip. First, youll get kitted out with the necessary safety equipment, and helmets and life jackets are mandatory. Dress in layers for the weather. Finally, you arrive at the North Fork of the Flathead River, from which youll take another short, easy walk, 1-mile round trip. Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. After looping through the southern portion, we accessed the West Side of GNP and started on Going to the Sun Road. For your Glacier Park vacation please plan to arrive in Kalispell MT one day prior to your multi-day tour. These overnight or 2-3day fly fishing trips are centered on the scenic and remote North Fork of the Flathead River. We offer guided sightseeing and driving tours of Glacier National Park & the Flathead Valley. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Don't stress about renting a boat - spend an hour and a half cruising around Whitefish Lake checking out the amazing scenery and beautiful homes. Take to the water for an adrenaline-fuelled white-water rafting excursion in the Glacier National Park. These West Glacier experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: What tours in West Glacier are good for avoiding crowds? Established in 1910, Glacier National Park is known to Native Americans as the Shining Mountains and the Backbone of the World. Discover the 26 remaining glaciers on this Glacier National Park Adventure. Prices range from $65 to $500 per course. This full-day tour is another combination, this time involving a raft and a bicycle. Most programs are free; there may be a minimal charge for some of the American Indian programs and those including boat trips. See Glacier National Park in a way that few people get to with this half-day whitewater rafting tour. We can make it happen in 2 easy steps: (1) Contact one of our Glacier National Park vacation planners by calling (800) 661-9073. Local tribal members provide programs highlighting American Indian culture and history. In fact, the vintage 1930s buses are part of the human history and heritage of the park. Contact the institute or visit the website for a listing of the current catalog. *Note we are required to take Highway 2 NOT Going to the Sun Road to get there*. East Glacier Park, MT 59434 Glacier Park International Airport Have some ideas in mind for the perfect Glacier Park vacation? Snacks, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, refreshments, are included in your itinerary (except one dinner on your own). These hidden gems in West Glacier may have limited interaction with crowds: See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure, Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch, Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner, Half Day Scenic Float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, West Glacier & Polebridge Full Day Tour from Whitefish, East Glacier & Two Medicine Tour from Whitefish, Flathead Lake & Bison Range Tour from Whitefish, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. Cancellation Policy- Rentals: Cancel outside of 7 days and forfeit 50% of the booking rate. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Whitefish Outfitters reserves the right to cancel and reschedule based on hazardous conditions. During the day, you'll make a stop to refuel with a barbecue lunch on the riverbank. Xanterra offers tours on Glacier's fleet of historic red buses. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"Austin Adventures","aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","bestRating":5,"worstRating":1,"ratingValue":4.8,"reviewCount":249}}, Copyright 2022 Austin Adventures. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The classroom is Glacier National Park and other areas in northwest Montana; courses cover wildflowers, grizzlies, weather systems, and nature photography. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more. Explore nearby with Yellowstone Tours and Grand Teton Vacations. To learn more, click here. He is a walking talking Glacier guide book and he has a great laugh and told entertaining stories. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These 1- to 4-day courses include instruction, transportation, park fees, and college credit. The Glacier Institute, 137 Main St. (P.O.