Glacier National Park: The Ultimate Family Adventure for Little Explorers

Note: Don’t forget to get your vehicle reservation! Because of the popularity at Glacier NP, a vehicle reservation is needed the majority of the peak season in order to cross Going to the Sun Road. While other areas of the park are still accessible without a pass, you can drive around to reach the other side. Going to the Sun Road is the most direct route, and includes stops along the way that you cannot miss.

Hiking

Trail of the Cedars: No trip to Glacier with young kids is complete without walking the Trail of the Cedars! This stroller-friendly 0.6 mile walk, partially on a raised boardwalk, is a beautiful jaunt among 80-foot cedars, but get here early as this is a popular hike and the trail can get crowded. Fun Factor: Keep an eye out for Mule Deer as you walk!

Avalanche Lake: This hike is 4.5 miles, round-trip, on moderate terrain and is accessed via the Trail of the Cedars. The views are stunning and the beach area once you reach the lake is a great spot to enjoy a packed picnic! Fun Factor: Take off your shoes and socks and dip your toes into the crisp mountain lake and look out for chipmunks along the tree line!

Hidden Lake Overlook: Start this 2.8 mile, easy hike from Logan Pass Visitors Center. The walking path winds through meadows that burst with wildflowers in the spring, and rewards you with expansive views from the highest point in the park. If you’re lucky, you may be joined by fluffy white Mountain Goats! Get here early — the lot can fill up fast. Fun Factor: Logan Pass marks the continental divide. Before venturing up, take note of what direction the toilet water spins after you flush. After crossing over the Continental Divide, check again!

St. Mary Falls: This 1.7 mile hike is an easy walk through a winding path that bridges over mountain streams and rewards you with stunning waterfalls. This area was previously hit by wildfires, which gives it a very different look from many other areas of the park.

Water activities

Rent a kayak or jon-boat at Lake McDonald and soak in the views that surround this mountain lake retreat.

Hop on a kayak from Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake. Take in the views of the historic hotel and its one-of-a-kind surroundings, affectionately referred to as “The Switzerland of North America”.

Unique opportunities

Do not miss the historic Red Bus Tour, which offers different routes throughout Glacier NP. You will ride in one of the vintage busses (with a roll-back top!) that have been running tours here since the 1930s! The route along Going to the Sun Road will get your heart rate pumping, but seasoned drivers will maneuver you safely while covering history and fun facts about the park, and pointing out any visible glaciers along the way.

Park at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot, and take the 0.6 mile Swiftcurrent Pass Trail to Fishercap Lake, for a chance to see Moose cooling off or grazing in the lake. Get here early, or come later in the evening for your best chance to catch moose.

Llama Trek: A unique adventure that includes an easy hike with your own llama courier who carries your picnic supplies to a scenic spot where you will enjoy food and drink in the company of your family and new llama friends.

Note: If wildlife is what you seek, the Eastern side of the park may be your best bet! Due to the lower crowds, your chances of seeing anything from a grizzly bear crossing the road to a moose cooling off in a lake are much greater!

Day trips

Waterton Lakes National Park: This sister park combines with Glacier NP and makes up the Greater Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The world’s first international peace park. You will have to cross into Canada to visit this park, so be sure to have your passport! Rent a Surrey bike from Pat’s Waterton that will fit the whole family and explore the town! Don’t forget to seek out some Poutine: a cozy Canadian concoction consisting of French fries covered in gravy and cheese curds. Consider a tour of the Prince of Wales Hotel that dominates the views from atop the hill at Waterton.

Note: Many restaurants close during the winter season and may show as “Temporarily Closed” when searching online.

Breakfast

• Great Northern Railway Cafe (West Glacier): Located in a stand-alone red caboose, this restaurant serves fantastic breakfast sandwiches, burritos and coffee to go!

Lunch and dinner

• Sunflower Cafe: Located inside Glacier Campground, this charming outdoor cafe serves up incredible BBQ.

• Johnson’s of St. Marys: A family-style restaurant serving up the most comforting meal of your stay.

• Rising Sun Pizza: Simple and delicious wings and pizza!

• No trip to Glacier is complete without a sampling of Huckleberry ice cream! Since this berry thrives in mountainous conditions between 2,000 and 10,000 feet, it is a popular treat in this part of the country. Variations can be found almost anywhere you will find food and drink.