One of the best-kept secrets in North America - Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park across the boarder in Canada - is also one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring natural wonders with a spectacular array of glaciers, hundreds of lakes, waterfalls, trout streams, cliffs, forests, wildflowers, animals and mountains. Glacier National Park was established in 1910 to protect the area's spectacular geologic features of the Rocky Mountains and valleys and the native plant and animal life. The park encompasses approximately 1.4 million acres of wilderness and has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the western United States.
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Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Tuesday, 3 July - Arrive Kalispell, Montana; Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrive Glacier Park International Airport no later than 1:00pm. We will gather the group at the airport. From there we will drive east to Glacier National Park, one of the United States’ most treasured natural landscapes with glacially carved valleys and dramatic mountain peaks. Glacier has the most intact natural ecosystem left in the lower 48 states, and we’ll have abundant opportunity to view many of the species that call it home, including the mountain goat, the park’s emblematic animal. After checking into the hotel, take some time to get acquainted with your new surroundings before enjoying our welcome dinner. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge - 2 nights
Wednesday, July 4 - Museum of the Plains Indian; Boat Tour; Easy Hike; Free Time (B,D)
Museum of the Plains Indian presents a rich collection of historic arts created by tribal people of the Northern Plains. We will then visit Two Medicine Valley, an area rich in Native American history. The valley borders the Blackfeet Indian reservation. We will discover a spectacular side of the Park not visible from the road. Our exploration begins with a scenic boat ride across Two Medicine Lake to reach the trailhead for our hike. We will then walk through forests and alpine meadows on our way to the double cascades called Twin Falls always being alert to spot the wildlife that frequents the region. This evening we'll get together and have dinner at a casual dining restaurant in the local area.
Thursday, July 5 - Going to the Sun Road Tour; Free Time (B)
One of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park is a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the park's wild interior with some of the best sights in northwest Montana. Our tour will highlight Glacier's natural features relevant to the Blackfeet Nation, past and present. Spiritual and philosophical perspectives are interpreted in Blackfoot life and commonly used plants and roots for nutrition and medicine are pointed out. Our guides are life residents of the reservation, knowledgeable in many facets of Blackfeet tribal history and culture. You will have some free time after the tour.
Overnight: St Mary's Lodge and Resort
Friday, July 6 - Waterton Lakes National Park; Cameron Lake Activities (B,L,D)
We will spend two days at the Canadian side of Glacier National Park known as Waterton Lakes National Park. In 1932, these parks became the first ever International Peace Park (a World Heritage site). Waterton is where the Canadian mountains meet the vast rolling prairies, so there's an incredible variety of flowers and animals. The area is a haven for moose, elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep, and both grizzly and black bears are found in the park. Nestled in a glacial basin, Cameron Lake is a hidden jewel high in the Canadian Rockies. Cameron Lake offers fishing, hiking trails for all skill levels, boating and breathtaking views. We will spend the night at the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Saturday, July 7 - Red Rock Canyon; Return to Kalispell; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
To really experience why Waterton is "where the mountains meet the prairies" you will need to see the winding, rolling wonder of the Red Rock Parkway. This drive to Red Rock Canyon abounds with colorful roadside wildflowers and views of hanging valleys, alpine meadows, and jagged mountain peaks. The layers of red and green colored minerals offer a brilliant contrast to each other and the lush surroundings. Short self-guided hikes explain some of the ancient history of mountainous native civilizations, as well as the unique formation of Red Rock. The Canyon Loop walk around the site offers fantastic views of the colorful rock. Walk a little further on a short but scenic hike to Blakiston Falls to get an impressive birds-eye view of the water cascading over the deep-red rocks. This area has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We will return to Kalispell in the afternoon, relax and then have dinner together. Overnight Hampton Inn Kalispell
Sunday, July 8 - Return Home (B)
Schedule your return flight at your convenience. The hotel offers an airport shuttle.