Does Amtrak go through Glacier?

Yes! You can purchase a round trip ticket from Whitefish to East Glacier for $20 -$22 for a Coach Fare.

The Empire Builder leaves the Whitefish Train Station daily at 7:26am and arrives in East Glacier at 9:36am. The Empire Builder leaves East Glacier daily at 7:48pm and arrives back at the Whitefish Train Station at 10:06pm.

It's easy to experience the epic views of Glacier National Park without dealing with the stress of driving. Just take the train! Getting from Whitefish to West or East Glacier is a breeze on the Empire Builder, Amtrak's northernmost cross-country route.

It's easy to experience the epic views of Glacier National Park without dealing with the stress of driving. Just take the train! Getting from Whitefish to West or East Glacier is a breeze on the Empire Builder, Amtrak's northernmost cross-country route. The journey takes about two hours, and will only set you back $16.

HOW TO DO THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FROM WHITEFISH

A morning on the Empire Builder is an experience in itself. Rich in history, the line was inaugurated in 1929 by the Great Northern Railway and has since served as one of America’s most popular long-distance routes. The route runs from Chicago to Seattle and spans over 2,200 miles in its entirety.

The Empire Builder departs Whitefish every morning around 8 AM and arrives at East Glacier Park approximately two hours later. The westbound train departs every evening around 6:45 PM, making it the perfect day or weekend trip. There are plenty of activities on either side of the line so make sure to plan accordingly.

Once you arrive in East Glacier, the park is easily accessible. The East Side Shuttle runs from Glacier Park Lodge to St. Mary where you can connect to the National Park Service shuttle system, which runs the length of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Information related to the East Side Shuttle. This Shuttle only runs through September 22, 2024 when the Glacier Park Lodge Closes

Fall Reduced Service (9/5-9/17)

Fall shuttle operations start the day after Labor Day and continue for two weeks, ending in mid-September. Shuttles operate on a limited schedule.

No Express Shuttle Service available.

Shuttles arrive approximately every 40 minutes between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek, approximately every 15 minutes between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass, and approximately every 25 minutes between St. Mary Visitor Center and Logan Pass.

Last departures

Last departure from Logan Pass to Apgar Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.

Last departure from Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.

Last shuttle service from The Loop to Logan Pass departs at 4:20 pm.

https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/glacier-national-park/east-glacier/east-side-shuttle/#tab_east_side_shuttle_northbound

Why should I drive the Highway 93?

Not only is Highway 93 the easiest route from Whitefish, Montana into Canada, but it’s also one of the most scenic drives in the state. Dotted with the quaint towns of Olney and Eureka, it offers a great day trip for those looking to explore off the beaten path.

Whether you want to drop your canoe in a quiet lake near the highway, shop the charming stores in Eureka or meander the miles of untainted trails in the Kootenai Forest, Highway 93 offers something for everyone.

Where does Highway 93 north begin and end?

Begin your drive in Whitefish, where Highway 93 starts to cut northwest towards the Canadian border. The two-lane highway cuts a swathe through Kootenai National Forest, the Tobacco Valley and runs parallel to beautiful Lake Koocanusa.

How long does the take to drive?

From Whitefish, the Roosville border crossing into Canada is 61 miles. Depending on how many stops you make along the way, the trip should take a couple of hours.

What will I see along the way?

On your way out of Whitefish, the dense pines of the Koontenai Forest to the west and the Flathead Forest to the east flank Highway 93 north as you drive onto to the small town of Olney. There isn’t much to see in town, but there’s a restaurant to grab some breakfast or lunch.

As you leave Olney, the highway bends west through the Upper Stillwater Lake area and visitors will be surprised by how many shimmering water holes are spotted from the road. Upon passing Dickey and Murphy Lakes the highway heads into the Tobacco Valley just south of Eureka.

Visitors should take advantage of another scenic drive and take Route 37 to the shores of Lake Koocanusa. Route 37 snakes on for miles along the lake, but for a just sweet sojourn follow the road to Rexford and take in the views.

Back on Highway 93 north be sure to stop in Eureka. Once known as the Christmas Tree capital of the world, Eureka features miles of trails and a lovely walk along the Tobacco River, which winds through the town. There are some quaint shops and delicious food joints here, so take some time to walk around town.

https://www.allwhitefish.com/scenic_drives/highway_93_north.php

Afternoon Tea At Prince of Wales Hotel

Take part in a time-honored Waterton tradition with Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Inspired by British tradition, Afternoon Tea features a selection of quality teas and a variety of delectable sandwich squares and pastries.

Tea is served in the Royal Stewart Dining Room which overlooks Waterton Lake for some of the most spectacular views around. Join us for this unique experience daily from 12 PM to 4 PM during the summer operating season.

Prince of Wales Hotel is located in the township of Waterton inside Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta. At the junction of Provincial Route 6 south, and Provincial Route 5 north, turn onto (or continue on) Provincial Route 5 (heading southwest) towards Waterton. Proceed approximately 0.8 km (0.5 mi) and enter Waterton Lakes National Park. From the ranger station, proceed approximately 7.3 km (4.6 mi) to the hotel turn off. You will see a small sign and turn left into the hotel's extended driveway. The front entrance is ahead to your right for check-in.

Note that Hotel parking space is limited and is charged at a nightly rate of $12/day for overnight guests and $10/day for day guests.

Note: Approximately 3 hr 21 min (187.3 mi) via US-2 E from Whitefish. Recommend adding this as part of touring Going to the Sun Road.

Polebridge Mercantile

"The Merc" is a one stop shop for locals and visitors alike and is famous throughout the state and region for its freshly baked goods, sandwiches and authentic personality.

Location: 265 Polebridge Loop

Polebridge, MT 59928

https://polebridgemerc.com/

Northern Lights Saloon & Cafe

This rustic out-of-the-way restaurant is in tiny Polebridge, at the west border of Glacier Park. Popular with both serious outdoor folks about to tackle Glacier Park, and locals from the surrounding area. Expect to find a fun atmosphere, a good burger or pot of stew, and a sample of the local micro-brews.

Location: 255 Polebridge Loop, Polebridge, Montana 59928

https://www.facebook.com/thenorthernlightssaloon

Thousands of years ago, the glaciers that carved the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park pushed their way down into the modern-day Flathead Valley and sculpted the terrain that includes Flathead Lake. The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake sits in northwest Montana and is a sprawling blue jewel at the base of the Swan and Mission mountain ranges. Encompassing nearly 200 square miles, the lake has 185 miles of shoreline and a depth of 370 feet.

Day Trips to Flathead Lake

From Kalispell, it’s easy to get to Flathead Lake for a day trip or an afternoon adventure. A 10-mile drive south will take you to the northern end of Flathead Lake and the start of a round-the-lake day trip. Begin by traveling south along the west side of the lake on Highway 93 and once you get to Polson, return north along the east side of the lake on Highway 35 for a full loop tour.

The scenic drive will take you to breathtaking views and charming small towns that sit along the lake. When planning your day trip, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to check out restaurants, museums, galleries and watering holes (like craft breweries, distilleries and wineries), as well as several Montana state parks that provide access to water recreation, camping, boating and more. As you continue your road trip, be sure to keep an eye out for lakeside orchards that grow a variety of fruits, including Flathead cherries. In May, the cherry trees are in full bloom, while July and August bring roadside stands around the lake where you can pick up locally grown cherries and fruit.

https://discoverkalispell.com/place-to-go/flathead-lake-play-on-montanas-flathead-lake/

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight not to be missed during your Glacier visit.

Connecting West Glacier and St. Mary, the 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road takes travelers along rolling foothills and past glacial-carved terrain before cresting the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot Logan Pass. An engineering marvel and National Historic Landmark, the road provides travelers with stunning views of waterfalls, snowy mountain peaks and opportunities to view mountain goats, bears and bighorn sheep. While it’s the most popular attraction in Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is also one of the most scenic drives in the nation. Private vehicles can travel the road, while Glacier National Park Lodges and Sun Tours offer guided tours.

https://www.glacierparkcollection.com/plan-your-trip/going-to-the-sun/

A fare-free shuttle is available along Going-to-the-Sun Road on a first-come, first-served basis.

From Whitefish: Travel to Apgar Visitor Center: The Apgar Visitor Center is the main hub for transit functions on the west side of the park. At the Apgar Visitor Center, you will be able to find park rangers to assist you in planning your day in the park. If you are visiting for the day, park your car here and hop on the shuttle to access different locations on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Fall Reduced Service (pending 2024 fall dates)

Fall shuttle operations start the day after Labor Day and continue for two weeks, ending in mid-September. Shuttles operate on a limited schedule.

No Express Shuttle Service available.

Shuttles arrive approximately every 40 minutes between Apgar Visitor Center and Avalanche Creek, approximately every 15 minutes between Avalanche Creek and Logan Pass, and approximately every 25 minutes between St. Mary Visitor Center and Logan Pass.

Last departures

Last departure from Logan Pass to Apgar Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.

Last departure from Logan Pass to St. Mary Visitor Center is 5:00 pm.

Last shuttle service from The Loop to Logan Pass departs at 4:20 pm.

Glacier Ziplines

406-892-8020

glacierziplines@gmail.com

7840 Hwy 2 E

Columbia Falls, Mt 59912

Enjoy the well-trained, fun, and friendly staff at Glacier Ziplines – Northwest Montana’s premier ziplining course! Glacier Ziplines offers a 7 Zipline tour in the canopy of the trees.

Glacier Ziplines is located just west of Glacier National Park in Montana. We offer spectacular views of the Flathead River, Great Northern Railway, Badrock Canyon, as well as an occasional yeti sighting!

With unforgettable views as you zip through the trees, this is an adventure ride of a lifetime you won’t want to miss.

Tour Highlights

Ziplining off our 80-ft. tower

Climbing our sky ladder

Walking on a sky bridge for a closer look of the Flathead River

Ziplining from platform to platform – no hiking involved!

https://glacier-ziplines.com/canopy-tour/

Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge

Kootenai Falls is one of the largest free flowing waterfalls in the northwest. The calm river suddenly gathers momentum surging first through China Rapids and then over the falls, dropping 90 feet in less than a mile. The main falls is 30 feet high and can be viewed from a “swinging bridge” that crosses the river.

Getting There

Located 12 miles west of Libby and 6 miles east of Troy on US Hwy 2, the falls parking area is on the north side of the highway at the 21 mile marker.

Facilities

The Lincoln County Parks Dept. has created a picnic area just off the Falls parking area with picnic tables, barbeque cooking areas, and restroom facilities. A concession service is available at the Falls parking lot from May through September with food services, souvenirs, and visitor information.

The Trail

The trail to the swinging bridge is approximately 1/2 mile long. The falls overlook is closer at about 1/3 mile. The first 500 feet of the trail is fairly level, allowing for handicapped access to an overlook where one can get a glimpse of the falls or relax in the shaded picnic area maintained Lincoln County Parks. Beyond this over-look the dirt trail can be rough and rocky descending to an overpass over the railroad tracks.

The overpass exits onto a 3 tier metal staircase with 64 expanded metal steps. The overpass and stairs are not dog friendly. The trail continues toward the river with the falls overlook upstream and the swinging bridge downstream.

The Swinging Bridge

The first bridge was built by the Civilian Conserva-tion Corps in 1937 to improve access for fire fighting. The bridge was destroyed by flooding in 1948. In the 1950’s, the bridge was rebuilt on concrete towers. The bridge was reconstructed on the existing cables and supports in 1993.

The Swinging Bridge and Kootenai Falls are a very popular attraction and usage of the bridge has in-creased substantially over the past decade. In 2018 the Forest Service determined that reconstruction of the bridge would be necessary to improve public safety.

Background

In the early 1800’s David Thompson, a Canadian explorer and employee of the Northwest Company, traveled into the Kootenai River region using the Kootenai River as a navigational guide. He and his men portaged around the falls on a trail 300 feet above the river. Thompson’s journal describes the trail: “The least slip would have been inevitable destruction, as the steepness of the rock allowed no re-turn; or, in once falling, to stop till precipitated into the river”.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/kootenai/home

**NOTE: We are pending confirmation of when summer season officially ends on the Mountain. The Resort has indicated that "most" activities should still be available when we are there in September. They did stress "weather permitting". In addition, they have indicated that passes will be available for purchase in April. We will test as many of the activities as possible and update this section if we believe an activity is either available or closed for the season.

Scenic Lift Rides: $25 Single Ride (Round Trip)

Ranked #1 among Whitefish attractions on Trip Advisor, Scenic Lift Rides are a must-do in the summer. Choose from an enclosed gondola or an open chairlift, then sit back and enjoy the mountain scenery as well as views of Whitefish Lake, the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park on the ride to the summit. Once at the summit, enjoy 360-degree views before returning down the mountain, or spend some time at the Summit House shopping at Summit Gifts or enjoying the view with a beverage from the Summit House Bar. Dining available until 3pm the days the Scenic Lift is operating.

Allegiant Zip Line Tours: $87

All participants must disclose heart conditions, artificial joints, recent or recurrent back, neck, and shoulder injuries, mental or physical conditions or any other disorder that could compromise their safety or the safety of others on the course. If there is any doubt, a medical professional should be consulted prior to participation.

Soar high above ski slopes, over ravines and through the trees on Montana’s longest lift-served zip line tour. Experience six separate lines stretching as long as 1,900 ft. across and up to 300 ft. above the forest floor. If the exhilaration doesn’t take your breath away, the views will. Tours are led by two guides who ensure that each flyer is soundly secured for each flight and who facilitate fun from start to finish. It involves a moderate amount of hiking and is about ~2 hours long.

Alpine Slides: $12 for 1 Ride

Ride a sled down dips, around banked turns, under bridges, and through a tunnel while controlling speed with a hand brake. Each lap down includes a free chairlift ride on Chair 6 back to the top of the slides.

Aerial Adventure Park: $56

We call it “the happy place” because we see so many people overjoyed with excitement and a sense of accomplishment here. We also call it “an obstacle course in the trees” because there are five courses of various ability levels, each featuring different elements for getting from tree to tree. Traverse from tree to tree by crossing cable bridges, climbing rope ladders, swinging on a trapeze and more. The park is a great activity for families, friends and team building.

NOTE: Make sure you have bear spray with you!

Trail Descriptions

It is important to know that all hiking trails except the Danny On, East Rim and Flower Point are “multi-use” meaning that mountain bikers also are allowed to use them. While hikers do have the right-of-way, it is often easier for the hiker to stop and give way to a mountain biker. Be aware that you may encounter mountain bikers at any time on multi-use trails, please be considerate and remember to share the trail.

These hiking trail classifications are based on the time for an average hiker to complete the trail.

EASY TRAILS:

Arnica Ridge:

.6 miles. Family-friendly hike to Jumping Rainbow Pond that features early-season berry picking.

Speedwagon/Van Hagar:

1.6 miles. Hike between the Base Lodge and West Village. Connects to Van Hagar.

Crosstown Traffic/Slow Ride: 1.1 miles. These two trails run parallel across the lower mountain above the Base Lodge area.

MODERATE TRAILS: Lower Mountain (45 Minutes to 2 Hours)

Journey: 2.7 miles. Old road loops around Stoltze’s Knob ending at Jumping Rainbow Pond. Connects to Bob Cedar.

Styx: .4 miles. A singletrack trail “shortcut” on Journey.

Bob Cedar: 2 miles. Old road with beautiful views, creek crossings and cedar trees.

Moderate – Summit

East Rim: 1 miles. Loop hike around the East Rim ridge offering views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley.

Flower Point: 3.6 miles. Loop hike through meadows and dense forest to Flower Point for views of the North Fork of Glacier National Park.

Difficult (2+ hours)

Danny On: 3.8 miles. Hike up or down. Our signature hiking trail and the most popular hiking trail in the Flathead National Forest.

Danny On with Flower Loop: 5.6 miles. Gain mileage and take in a few more views.