Things to Do in Glacier National Park
Interested in visiting the Glacier National Park area of Montana? We have everything you need in one place to start planning the ultimate vacation. Browse our Glacier resources to get started! If you need additional assistance, please contact Stay Montana—we’re happy to help you.
Glacier is a premier travel destination in every season. In the warmer months, lace up your boots for iconic hikes like Highline Trail or Avalanche Lake, paddle or boat on Lake McDonald, or enjoy scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road. When the snow arrives, explore the quiet side of Glacier with snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or cozy evenings by the fire taking in the mountain views.
There are so many things to do, see, and explore in and around Glacier National Park! Any time of year, spend time along the shores of Lake McDonald, visit nearby gateway communities for dining and shopping, or simply relax at your vacation rental and soak in the sweeping alpine scenery. From wildlife viewing and photography to leisurely strolls and lakeside picnics, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy this spectacular corner of Montana.
When to Visit Glacier
Glacier National Park is buzzing in the summer. With long daylight hours, open high-country trails, and many park services fully operating, it is a popular time to visit, so guests who prefer fewer crowds often choose the shoulder seasons of late spring or fall. Fall is an ideal time to explore Glacier, with cooler temperatures, changing foliage, and typically quieter trails and viewpoints.
In winter, be ready for snow! The region can see early and frequent snowfall, which transforms the park into a peaceful winter wonderland—perfect for skiers, snowshoers, and winter sports enthusiasts who enjoy uncrowded landscapes and crisp mountain air.
There are several options when traveling to Glacier National Park. From regional airports to ground transportation, you can choose the route that best suits your plans. If you need assistance arranging transportation, be sure to contact our office for guidance.
Getting to Glacier
Glacier National Park is surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, glacial valleys, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes that define northwest Montana’s rugged beauty. With warm summers and cold, snowy winters, the area boasts lush vegetation in the warmer months and striking snow-covered peaks in the colder season, plus notable day‑to‑night temperature swings year-round.
In northwest Montana, July 2026 will bring limited weekday operations at Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell due to a scheduled runway rehabilitation project, so some guests may prefer to arrive via Missoula Montana Airport instead. From Missoula, it is roughly a two‑ to three‑hour scenic drive to the Glacier area, with routes that showcase Montana’s mountains, forests, and lakes along the way.
Below you’ll find our most frequently asked questions about visiting Glacier National Park.
