Plowing the Going to the Sun Road
Another day of plowing
Getting closer, the bears are coming out to play
A bear and her cub on the plowed lower road
I have included two different tours that include Glacier National Park. There are others available, so if you are interested in visiting one of the most beautiful places in the United States, contact me. We can often include tours that will go into Lake Louise and Banff, Canada. Some of these tours can be customized to meet your specific ideas for vacation!
Established in 1910,Glacier National Park in Montana covers over one million acres and is home to mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes and a wonderful variety of thriving plant and animal life. Because of its vast diversity, the park is an explorer’s paradise and offers something for everyone, from those seeking to enjoy breathtaking scenery from the seat of a car or boat to those wishing to get more up close and interactive with a hike, a climb, or even a glacier walk!
While much is known about the popular park and its diverse inhabitants, here are 9 interesting things you may not know…
1. Mountain goats are the symbol of the Park
If you’re visiting Glacier National Park, it won’t be long before you spot a mountain goat, perhaps hanging out on the edge of a steep mountain cliff. The official symbol of the park due to their prevalence and perseverance in the area, the hardy animal has made a name for itself, carefully watching visitors from a safe distance or foraging for food. Their special hooves allow them to easily climb a variety of terrain, from rock to ice, with ease.
2. ‘Jammers’ are the transportation of choice
Vistors to Glacier National Park can enjoy tours of the park in style in historic red buses called ‘Jammers.’ Originally introduced to U.S. National Parks in the 1930’s in an effort to reduce car traffic, this distinctive fleet of coach cars was restored and modified in 2002, with a number converted to run on alternative fuel. Many repeat visitors to the park say their drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road in the vintage Jammer bus with the wind in their hair was the best part!
3. The park is home to 26 glaciers, but that number is shrinking
Glacier National Park is home to 26 glaciers, down from approximately 150 in 1850. That number is expected to continue its rapid decline as climate changes shrink their size, according to the US Geological Survey. Of the existing glaciers, the largest is Harrison Glacier, at 1.6 million square meters.
4. Historic structures abound
There are more than 350 structures within the boundaries of the park, including chalets, hotels, visitor centers, barracks, and more, all of which appear on the National Register of Historic Places.
5. Mountains and more mountains
There are a total of 175 mountains in Glacier National Park, the tallest of which is Mt. Cleveland at 10,448 feet. Logan Pass, the highest point on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, located along the Continental Divide, comes in at 6,646 feet.
6. Going-to-the-Sun Road is an award winner
One of the most iconic stretches of land of Glacier National Park is arguably Going-to-the-Sun Road, the 53 mile-long scenic drive that opened in 1933 and boasts some of the most breathtaking natural views in North America. The road is famous too, having received several distinctive honors, including being registered as a National Historic Landmark, a National Historic Place and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The road crosses the Continental Divide via Logan’s Pass, which can accumulate up to 80 feet of snow in the winter.
7. The park is a water lover's delight
There are a whopping 762 lakes in Glacier National Park, 131 of which are named. The largest lake in the park is Lake McDonald, at 9.4 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and 464 feet deep. While Lake McDonald isn’t considered a prime fishing lake, visitors flock to catch a sight of the many wild animals that live along its shore, including moose, black bears and mule deer. The park is also home to 2,865 miles of streams, the longest of which is Upper McDonald Creek at 25.8 miles.
8. Plants and animals are plentiful
Plant and animals species thrive in Glacier National Park, with 71 species of mammals, 276 species of birds and 1,990 total species of plants documented. Wildlife tours are popular among visitors, and sightings are frequent in the warmer spring and summer months.
9. The train takes you to the park's doorstep
Amtrak’s Empire Builder route stops at East Glacier Park station in East Glacier Park Village, just steps from the park entrance. For decades, it’s been a popular seasonal stop for the Empire Builder line, open from April to October and serving mostly visitors to Glacier National Park.
PRICES ARE CURRENT AS OF 5-24-2020 AND TRIPS AND COSTS MAY CHANGE.
10 Days from $2599
$400 Off Glacier National Park Express
For a limited time, save $400 per couple on Glacier National Park Express!
Chicago to Glacier National Park ending in Seattle
Trip Overview
This 10-day trip onboard Amtrak from Chicago to Glacier National Park to Seattle is one you won't want to miss! Your tour kicks off in Chicago, where you'll enjoy an architecture sightseeing cruise of the Chicago River. Next up is Glacier National Park! Savor its breathtaking beauty and fresh mountain air while touring its most stunning peaks and valleys. Then it's on to Seattle! The gleaming “Emerald City” is sure to delight! A timeless journey awaits you!
Sightseeing architecture cruise of Chicago
Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise of Glacier National Park*
Big Sky Circle Tour of Glacier National Park*
Admission to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden & Glass Exhibit
Sightseeing city tour of Seattle
PACKAGE ALSO INCLUDES:
One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Glacier National Park and Glacier National Park to Seattle onboard the Empire Builder®
7 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights' onboard Amtrak
1 meal included (1 dinner)
*Seasonal activity: Glacier Park Two Medicine Valley Boat cruise runs early June to early September and Big Sky Circle Tour runs mid-June to mid-September.
DAY 1: Chicago
Welcome to Chicago! Spend some free time exploring all this amazing city has to offer. Take a walk down the Magnificent Mile for world class shopping, dining, and attractions. Head to the architectural wonder Millennium Park. Stop by Navy Pier for tasty food and great views of the city. The Windy City is truly one of a kind. (Overnight in Chicago)
DAY 2: Chicago
Enjoy a sightseeing architectural cruise of the Chicago harbor. Experienced and entertaining tour guides will recount the dramatic story of Chicago's rise from the Great Fire of 1871 and how the Windy City became the home of the skyscraper and the cradle of modern American architecture. Enjoy your included dinner this evening at a popular Chicago restaurant. (Overnight in Chicago) D
DAY 3: Overnight onboard AMTRAK®
Today, you will travel to Chicago’s Union Station and board the Empire Builder®. Traveling daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, the mighty Empire Builder takes you on an exciting adventure through majestic wilderness, following the footsteps of early pioneers. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
DAY 4: Glacier National Park
Welcome to Glacier National Park, home to two different mountain ranges, 130 lakes, 1,000 species of plants, and 16,000 square miles of protected land. Enjoy the mountain air during your short walk to the iconic Glacier Park Lodge, where you can settle in for a good night’s rest. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)
DAY 5: Glacier National Park
Today, you’ll explore the serene sights of Glacier National Park on a scenic boat cruise of Two Medicine Valley. Enjoy a relaxing cruise while listening to the Blackfoot Indian folklore surrounding this gorgeous area. The Two Medicine Valley boat cruise will take your breath away! (Overnight in Glacier National Park)
DAY 6: Glacier National Park
Today, you will continue exploring Glacier National Park on the Big Sky Circle Tour. Drive over the breathtaking Maria’s Pass. Enjoy the local wildlife at Goat Lick. Venture along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a windy-mountain thoroughfare that spans 50 miles through the park. After your tour, you’ll return to Glacier Park Lodge for your final night's stay. (Overnight in Glacier National Park)
DAY 7: Overnight onboard AMTRAK®
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the Glacier Park Lodge before transferring on your own to the East Glacier Station and boarding Amtrak to Seattle. (Overnight onboard Amtrak)
DAY 8: Seattle
Welcome to Seattle! Get to know the “Emerald City” on a multi-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour. This fully-narrated tour features famous landmarks, including Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Seattle’s Great Wheel, the waterfront, and many more popular destinations. Feel free to hop on and off at any stop to further explore any of the sites at your own pace. (Overnight in Seattle)
DAY 9: Seattle
Continue your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Seattle and explore any of the famous landmarks you didn’t get a chance to see yesterday. Today, also includes admission to the Space Needle Observation Deck and Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. The Space Needle is the most iconic structure in the city and from the 520-foot high observation deck, you’ll get stunning views of Mt. Rainier, the lights of downtown Seattle, and Elliott Bay. (Overnight in Seattle)
DAY 10: Your Journey ends in Seattle
$5,295.00 per person
Join a naturalist and search for bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats in Glacier National Park.
Ascend the Going-to-the-Sun Road and go rafting on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River.
Cross over the border to spend a day amid the stunning mountains of Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife—including birds, elk, moose, and bear—while enjoying a variety of spectacular hikes.
Day 1: Kalispell, Montana/Whitefish
Arrive in Kalispell and transfer to the town of Whitefish, located in the heart of the northern Rocky Mountains.
Accommodations: Grouse Mountain Lodge
Day 2: Big Mountain/Flathead River
Designated a national park in 1910, Glacier National Park was named for the ice masses that carved these valleys roughly 20,000 years ago. This wilderness boasts some of the most stunning scenery in North America: snowcapped peaks and high alpine meadows, emerald-hued glacial lakes and rushing rivers, and numerous species of mammals and birds. Today begins at Big Mountain—as locals call Whitefish Mountain Resort—for a ride to the scenic summit. From the top, set off on a short hike overlooking Flathead Valley, Whitefish Lake, and Glacier National Park. After a picnic lunch, take to the waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River on a fun float trip. As we float along the southern border of Glacier National Park through steep-walled canyons, keep an eye out for birds, elk, and other wildlife. This evening stay at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, built in 1913 along the shores of the park’s largest lake, and enjoy a welcome dinner at the Belton Chalet.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Lake McDonald Lodge
Day 3: Lake McDonald Vallay/West Glacier National Park
Spend today exploring Lake McDonald Valley on the west side of Glacier National Park. Choose from a variety of trails, including a scenic hike to Avalanche Lake, which passes through hemlock and cedar forests and brings us to the shores of a beautiful, mirror-like lake. We’ll be joined on our hiking excursions by local guides, who lead us along scenic trails and glacially carved valleys, illuminating the park’s wildlife and natural history along the way.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Lake McDonald Lodge
Day 4: Going-to-the-Sun Road/Many Glacier Valley
Take the iconic Red Jammers along the unforgettably scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road—a 50-mile feat of engineering which crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Take in awe-inspiring vistas of waterfall-laced mountains and valleys, and look for mountain goats and bighorn sheep foraging on the slopes. As we make our way to the east side of the park, we'll stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center for a chance to roam the high Alpine environment. This afternoon, arrive in Many Glacier Valley, home to abundant wildlife and some of the park’s last visible glaciers. Continue to Many Glacier Hotel, a national historic monument situated on Swiftcurrent Lake. Settle into your room and enjoy some free time to explore the lodge’s rustic architecture or relax on its expansive lakefront deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Day 5:Many Glacier Valley
Watch the rugged, picturesque mountains of Glacier light up with the rising sun before setting out on a full-day excursion to the Many Glacier area. Begin with a scenic cruise across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes aboard a classic wooden boat. Then set out to experience the spectacular scenery of Many Glacier Valley, choosing from a variety of shorter or longer hikes. Trace the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, spotting birds and wildflowers. Or embark on a more vigorous hike on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, ascending through a series of switchbacks to be rewarded with incredible views of alpine lakes, soaring mountains, and one of the parks's remaining glaciers. Keep an eye out for the numerous wildlife species that reside in the valley, including bald eagles, moose, and bears. Return to the hotel this evening to enjoy sunset over the lake and dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Day 6: Many Glacier Valley/Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
In 1932, Glacier National Park was combined with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada to form the world's first International Peace Park - dubbed the "Crown of the Continent" with Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks representing the crown's shining jewels. Heading north into Alberta, Canada to explore Waterton Lakes National Park and its remarkable ecosystem of prairies, forests, and glacial landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the grand hotels built by Louis W. Hill of the Great Northern Railway in classic Swiss-chalet style. Explore the grounds and enjoy lunch at the hotel, situated on a bluff overlooking Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes. Then take a boat ride on Upper Waterton Lake, whose emerald waters stretch southward into Montana. As we cruise beneath the soaring Rockies, view striking geological formations and waterfalls, and watch for osprey, mountain goats, and bears along the shores.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Many Glacier Hotel
Day 7: Kalispell
Linger over breakfast this morning, enjoying our last views of the mountain peaks beyond Swiftcurrent Lake before saying goodbye to Glacier and returning to Kalispell for afternoon flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast