At a Glance
Revitalize your sense of adventure as you discover the immense beauty of nature from Montana to Alberta. Submerge into the majesties of towering mountains and glistening snowfields, to picturesque lakes and sublime wildlife as you venture from Montana Glacier National Park to the Canadian Rockies on this 6-day walking voyage.
A voyage through stunning national parks and across two countries where your scenery is as diverse as the wildlife encounters at every turn. Your hiking adventure begins in Whitefish, Montana, where you will shuttle to the impressive Glacier National Park. Adore the views of the spectacular Avalanche Gorge as you hike through the Trail of the Cedars. Enjoy the smooth scenic ride along the famous Going-to-the-Sun-Road as you shuttle to Logan Pass. Spot the unique resident wildlife including bighorn sheep, mountain ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- All meals as specified
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Short orientation in Whitefish on Day 1
- 5 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
 |
Level 3, Approx. 9km (5.8 miles), Elevation Gain: 213m (700 ft) On this day, meet up with your tour leaders at 9 am, in the lobby of the Grouse Mountain Lodge, Montana. Make sure to arrive dressed in your hiking clothes, bring a daypack, rain gear, and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). After meeting in Whitefish, we hop in the van for our smooth journey into Glacier National Park. Enjoy the views of the stunning Lake McDonald, the park's largest lake with a length of 16 kilometres, and a width of about 2 kilometres. On a calm day, you can see the reflection of the surrounding mountains on its glassy surface. Arriving at the trailhead, set off with your tour leaders along the mostly level Trail of the Cedars. Move through a shaded red cedar forest till you cross the Avalanche Creek, where your sight will be blessed with an amazing view of Avalanche Gorge, a popular site for photographers. Following that, hike steadily to Avalanche Lake, which was named by Dr. Lyman Sperry in 1895 after he noted large avalanche tracks down the walls of the ravine surrounding the lake. During spring and early summer, the snow from winter turns into scores of waterfalls that surge from the highest peaks. The lake's beach is the perfect spot to have lunch. |
|
 |
In the evening, settle into your first night's accommodation, Lake McDonald Lodge. A cozy, rustic Swiss style retreat offering stunning views of the lake. Unwind at the waterfront pool and spa and absorb the serenity of its surroundings. Later, gather for a welcome reception and dinner at the lodge's restaurant. Savor the taste of fresh, delicious American meals. |
Lake McDonald Lodge, West Glacier, MT
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: This morning, we shuttle along the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, tagged as the most beautiful 50-mile stretch of road in the world. This road was carved out of solid rock and is the only path connecting the park's east and west entrances. It crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass and offers a breathtaking panorama of the park's diverse scenery. Our panoramic hike follows one of the first trails in the park, perfect for spotting wildlife, especially mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and ground squirrels. Follow the path to an open alpine hillside, partly forested by evergreens. The trail continues towards Haystack Butte as the mountains of the Continental Divide known as the Garden Wall, tower above on your right, and the trio of Mount Oberlin, Mount Cannon, and Heaven's Peak to your left. A short trip from Haystack Butte offers an amazing panorama looking down into Many Glacier Valley. Getting to Logan Pass, we shuttle down the eastern side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and then north to the Canadian border. We drive down to Waterton Lakes National Park, part of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park celebrating the lasting friendship between the United States and Canada. |
|
 |
You’ll stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in North America. A rustic 37 metres tall lodge with its beautiful setting where the mountains and lake meet the prairie. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your own leisure. You can choose to dine at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant or venture into town and eat at one of Waterton’s many restaurants. |
Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton, ABBreakfast, Lunch |
Today, create your own adventures at Waterton National Park! There are several activities to choose from, you can even decide to relax instead. You may get a new perspective on the landscape by taking a cruise, paddleboarding, or kayaking on the nearby lakes, looking out for birds such as kingfishers, spotted sandpipers, Red-naped sapsuckers, and white-crowned sparrows. Or try your luck in fishing (at own expense). Alternatively, hike to Bertha Lake, Crypt Lake, or Rainbow Falls, riding horseback through the meadows decorated in wildflowers. For a little shopping therapy, head into Waterton Village to scout for souvenirs. This area is one of enthralling peaks, broad lakes, and rough glacial valleys. (Please note that these optional activities are at your own expense. Park regulations restrict our tour leaders from guiding hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park. If you choose to hike, you'll be on your own. But your leaders will provide maps, directions, and terrain information). This evening, delight your tastebuds at one of our favorite local restaurants bursting flavours of Waterton local cuisine. |
Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton, ABBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Start the day with views of the beautiful Waterton Lake and a wholesome breakfast before going out on one of the most scenic trails in Waterton, the Carthew-Alderson Trail. This cloud-capped adventure takes you through a cross-section of various Waterton landscapes and vegetation and through the remnants of the 2017 Kenow fire that threatened the townsite. While passing through prolific forests, past several alpine lakes, and beneath the towers of Mount Alderson and Carthew is breathtaking, reaching the summit is definitely worth the extra effort. Relax and enjoy the stunning views of Waterton Lakes National Park and the secluded northern wilderness of Glacier National Park. After getting back to Waterton Townsite, we journey to Many Glacier Valley, an area originally tagged America's Little Switzerland. You'll understand why when you look out over the Swiftcurrent Lake to the towering mountain peaks. |
|
 |
We make our way to our next lodge for the next two nights, Many Glacier Hotel. A renowned Swiss Chalet style hotel perched on the east shore of Swiftcurrent Lake surrounded amid majestic mountains of the Many Glacier Valley. After settling in your deluxe room at your new home. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your leisure in the hotel’s Ptarmigan Room. Savor the taste of French-American cuisine. |
Many Glacier Hotel, Browning, MTBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Wake up to the awe-inspiring vistas of Mount Grinnell reflecting in Swiftcurrent Lake and enjoy a filling breakfast before our thrilling hike to the stunning Iceberg Lake, set against a backdrop of Mount Wilbur to the south and the Ptarmigan Wall to the north. Surrounded by wildflowers, hike to the lake (containing icebergs) where your sights will be blessed with views of Swiftcurrent Pass and the neighboring peaks that make up the Many Glacier Valley. While relaxing at Iceberg Lake, keep an eye out for bighorn sheep. As we leave the lake, we're treated to jaw-dropping views on the return route. At night, we celebrate our adventures with a toast at a farewell reception followed by an exquisite dinner at the hotel. |
Many Glacier Hotel, Browning, MT Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Level 1, Approx 5km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 61m (200 ft) You can spend your last morning in Glacier by taking a stroll and soaking in the quaint views in the park around Swiftcurrent Lake. Or you can relax in the hotel, and take in the panoramas from the deck of the hotel or over breakfast in the Ptarmigan Dining Room. Saying our goodbyes to Glacier National Park, we drive through the open prairie of the Blackfoot Nation's land and then follow the Flathead River, stopping along the way for a farewell lunch. After lunch, we go on to Glacier International Airport and to Whitefish hotels and continue our separate journeys. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Whitefish, Montana
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Whitefish Montana. The closest major airport is Glacier Park International Airport which is in Kalispell, Montana and is 12 miles from the center of Whitefish, MT.
Summer temperatures in western Montana and southern Alberta are usually pleasant and warm during the day, becoming chilly at night. Afternoon thunderstorms are always possible, especially at higher elevations. High winds are common close to the Continental Divide and can rapidly bring colder temperatures and clouds. (Waterton Lakes is the second windiest place in Alberta.) Please come prepared with waterproof breathable rain gear (jacket and pants) and warm clothes. Knit or fleece hats and mittens are also handy on cooler evenings. Remember that at higher altitudes, the weather is unpredictable and can change from sunny and warm to rainy and cold in a matter of minutes.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
