Waterfalls, wildlife, and wonderful panoramic views await you. Glacier National Park and Waterton National Park is one of the most unique parks you will visit - see glaciers, walk the edge of a mountain side, and stay a night in a train car - all in the first day! These parks will not disappoint.
Get Comfy: Halfway Hotel - This appropriately named hotel sits conveniently in the middle of the East Glacier and West Glacier entrances to the park. The hotel serves as a home base over the days as you bounce between each side. The hotel sits in a picturesque valley, surrounded by mountains - so expect to unplug, as there is no service on your phone. But believe me, it’s easy to unplug here. This inexpensive stay is a peaceful experience for all!
Where to hike: Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Gorge/Avalanche Lake - Take your pick - there is no such thing as a bad trail at Glacier/Waterton! For a rapid change of scenery, try Trail of the Cedars loop. The trail starts off with an accessible boardwalk through towering (mostly Cedar) trees. As you near the middle of the loop, you begin to hear a powerful cascading sound - you have found Avalanche Gorge! This narrow jut of rocks create a terraced waterfall flowing with glacial water that is bluer than you can possibly imagine. If you want to continue after seeing the Gorge, keep hiking along the Avalanche Lake Trail. This up and down hike is full of outstanding views - from babbling creeks to snow-capped mountains peeking through the treeline. The trail crescendos with reaching Avalanche Lake. If you pack a lunch, you can sit on driftwood while gazing at the multiple waterfalls crashing down the mountain side across the lake. A must see!
Grab a Bite: Wieners of Waterton - “When in Rome”? More like “When in Canada”! If you take the time to visit Glacier National Park, you have to do yourself the favor of also visiting Waterton Park - the Canadian equivalent of Glacier. The tiny town of Waterton Park does not disappoint - explore the restaurants, bars, shops, and residential neighborhoods, all tucked into a few blocks. The backdrop of the town is stunning. And when in Canada, you have to indulge in the international food. Weiners of Waterton is the place to go. This restaurant, which sits near Upper Waterton Lake, serves up gourmet hotdogs. But you can’t leave without eating some Poutine! Hot and steaming fries, covered in gravy and cheese curds. This Canadian dish is simple. And simply amazing.
Soul Recharge: Flower Fields of Waterton - This place is so secret that you can’t even search it on Google Maps! One of the main reasons for visiting Waterton while visiting Glacier is the peacefulness that it allows. Glacier is stunning. It is also stunningly busy, depending on what time of the year you visit. By crossing the border into Canada, you are seeing the same views, with significantly less people. As you are heading into the town of Waterton (about 8km or 5 mi past the Waterton National Park gates), there is a road that turns off to the left. As you turn left, you will immediately see a field on the right. The scene is straight out The Sound of Music. The field could be full of vibrantly colored wildflowers (depending on when you visit). Behind the field is a beautiful backdrop of mountains - this is well worth the drive. So park your car, walk up to the field, and grab a seat. Remove yourself from the craziness, and immerse yourself within this quiet and overwhelmingly beautiful view. (If you are the kind of person that likes GPS coordinates for your phone, here ya go): 49°04'47.2"N 113°52'11.7"W
Best Drive: Going-To-The-Sun-Road - If you asked ten people what their top choice for scenic drive would be, chances are all ten would say “Going-to-The-Sun-Road”. This is the heart of Glacier National Park - it takes you into the wilderness without leaving the comfort of your car. One moment, you are meandering on a curvy road parallel to a stream. The next moment you are driving through a tunnel, ascending into a hairpin turn on a mountain top. Two things to keep in mind while on this road - the road is not a loop, and the road could be closed due to high elevation. Be sure to check before heading out!
See the Sun: Lake McDonald - Much like hiking, you can’t go wrong with choosing a sunrise/sunset location in Glacier or Waterton. There is a reason Montana is called “Big Sky Country” - the views just seem bigger in this area. That is no different with the sunrise and sunset! One of the underrated aspects of visiting these parks in the summer is the fact that you have long days. Sometimes the sun won’t fully fall under the horizon until after 10pm. One of the great places to watch the sunrise is at Lake McDonald, which is located on the west side of Glacier. This view is one of those places that you would see as a default background on a computer. Skip a few rocks on the crystal-clear water as the sun comes up over the piney tree line and jagged mountains.
Must-See Spot: Iceberg Lake Trail - You will have to earn this selfie. Be mindful of mountain weather - while hiking back to this lake, the weather can change from sunny and blue skies, to pouring rain, to snowing - all within an hour. The trail ranges from narrow paths through pines, to walking over creeks, to wide-open panoramas immersed within the mountains. Don’t be surprised if you spot mountain goats, moose, or even bears along the way! The hike is rewarded at the terminus: Iceberg Lake. NOTE: When you are getting towards the end, you will see a lake on the right. Do not stop! Keep walking another ¼ mile or so, and you will find Iceberg Lake. The lake, complete with floating pieces of ice, is enveloped by a tremendous wall of rock shooting toward the sky. This bowl-shaped wall is actually the Continental Divide! Unfortunately, scientists point out that the glaciers are melting by the year - so get here sooner than later. The walk is worth the picture!
Gram-Worthy: Highline Trail - There is no shortage of adrenaline-pumping activities while in these parks. If you’re looking for a rush, and want to save money while doing so, then the Highline Trail is the place for you. Park your car at Logan Pass, cross the road, and begin the trek. The trail goes along the edge of the Mountains at Glacier - there are even some spots with cables drilled into the edge of the rock wall for for added grip and assurance. This isn’t for the faint of heart - know your comfort level before embarking. The trail provides unparalleled views of the snow-capped mountain tops and valley below - just don’t look around too much (unless you are gripping onto those cables). Walking this trail is like living in a real-life Bob Ross painting!