Glacier National Park Area Itineraries
Glacier National Park Area Itineraries
Can't decide what to do first?
We've put together a few favorite itineraries to help you make the most of your stay.
Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or planning a week-long vacation, these ideas combine Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Hungry Horse, Columbia Falls, and some local favorites that will work for family and friends alike.
Feel free to mix and match activities to create your perfect Montana getaway. Download the itineraries or check with our Concierge Service for a more customized experience.
🌞 3-Night Summer Getaway
Thursday | Arrival & Montana Sunset
Afternoon
Arrive at Glacier Gateway Lodge and settle in.
Stock up on groceries at Canyon Foods or Hungry Horse Market if needed.
Dinner
Tex & Jerry's Eatery for burgers and local favorites.
Evening
Head back to the lodge and ease into vacation.
Soak in the hot tub
Relax in the barrel sauna
Fire up the Traeger grill if you prefer dinner at home
End the evening around the fire pit under Montana's incredible night sky
Friday | Glacier National Park
Breakfast
Coffee on the deck overlooking the mountains before heading out.
Morning
Spend the morning inside Glacier National Park.
Apgar Village
Lake McDonald
Scenic stops along Going-to-the-Sun Road (season permitting)
Lunch
Grab lunch near Apgar or enjoy a picnic beside Lake McDonald.
Afternoon
Hike the Avalanche Lake Trail.
Dinner
Backslope Brewing in Columbia Falls.
Evening
Movie night in the private theater with popcorn before another soak in the hot tub.
Saturday | Adventure Day
Breakfast
Outlaw Diner.
Morning
Choose your adventure:
Glacier Ziplines
Whitewater rafting
Golf at Meadow Lake
Lunch
Barclay's Burgers.
Afternoon
Explore downtown Whitefish.
Boutique shopping
Local coffee shops
Art galleries
Dinner
Southfork Saloon.
Evening
Return to the lodge for one last relaxing evening with the sauna, hot tub, and mountain views.
Sunday | Before You Head Home
Enjoy one last cup of coffee on the deck before departure.
If time allows:
Huckleberry Patch for fresh pie
Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center
Leave refreshed and already planning your next trip.
🌞 7-Night Summer Vacation
Day 1 | Arrival
Arrive, unpack, and let the kids explore the house.
Dinner at Paul Bunyan Bar & Grill.
Finish the evening with family games, the theater room, and s'mores around the fire pit.
Day 2 | Glacier National Park
Spend the day exploring:
Apgar Village
Lake McDonald
Apgar Nature Center
Scenic overlooks
Dinner back at the lodge on the Traeger grill.
Evening in the hot tub.
Day 3 | Family Adventure
Breakfast at Outlaw Diner.
Morning at Glacier Highline Adventure Park.
Lunch in Columbia Falls.
Afternoon shopping for huckleberry treats and Montana souvenirs.
Movie night in the theater.
Day 4 | Water Day
Relax around Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Choose kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the scenery.
Dinner at Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant.
Evening around the fire pit.
Day 5 | Whitefish
Spend the day in Whitefish.
Browse local shops.
Ride the Whitefish Mountain Resort gondola (summer season).
Enjoy lunch downtown.
Return for an evening barbecue at the lodge.
Day 6 | Local History
Visit:
Hungry Horse Dam
Columbia Falls Historical Society Museum
Glacier Carvings
Lunch at MudMan Burgers.
Relaxing evening with the sauna and hot tub.
Day 7 | Easy Montana Day
Sleep in.
Visit Huckleberry Patch.
Take a scenic drive through Flathead National Forest.
Enjoy one final family dinner together at the lodge.
Departure Morning
Coffee on the deck.
Take in the mountain views one last time before heading home.
❄️ 3-Night Winter Getaway
Thursday | Cozy Arrival
Arrive and settle in.
Dinner at Gunsight Saloon.
Spend the evening enjoying:
Hot tub
Barrel sauna
Fire pit
Theater room
Friday | Ski Whitefish
Early breakfast.
Spend the day skiing or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Lunch on the mountain.
Après ski at Backslope Brewing.
Relax at Glacier Gateway Lodge with the sauna and hot tub.
Saturday | Winter Montana
Breakfast at Nite Owl.
Morning snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at Glacier Nordic Center.
Lunch in Columbia Falls.
Browse downtown Whitefish shops before dinner at Southfork Saloon.
Finish with movies and cocktails back at the lodge.
Sunday
Slow breakfast.
Visit Huckleberry Patch for pie before heading home.
❄️ 7-Night Winter Vacation
Day 1 | Welcome to Montana
Arrive and settle in.
Pizza and games at the lodge.
Day 2 | Whitefish Mountain Resort
Spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or tubing.
Hot chocolate before returning home.
Family movie night.
Day 3 | Glacier Winter Scenery
Take a scenic drive through Glacier National Park (roads permitting).
Wildlife viewing.
Warm up with lunch in West Glacier or Columbia Falls.
Evening in the hot tub.
Day 4 | Museum Day
Visit:
Northwest Montana History Museum
Glacier Art Museum
Dinner at Paul Bunyan Bar & Grill.
Day 5 | Family Fun
Cross-country skiing at Glacier Nordic Center or snow play around Hungry Horse.
Spend the afternoon back at the lodge enjoying:
Theater room
Board games
Fire pit
Sauna
Day 6 | Whitefish
Browse downtown Whitefish.
Shop for gifts and local art.
Enjoy coffee, bakeries, and casual dining before returning to the lodge.
Day 7 | Relax Before Heading Home
Sleep in.
Visit Huckleberry Patch.
Take one final scenic drive through Flathead National Forest.
Prepare dinner together at the lodge and enjoy your last Montana evening around the fire.
Departure Morning
Enjoy a quiet breakfast while watching the mountains wake up.
Take one last family photo before heading home with memories that will last long after your vacation ends.
Looking for a Place to Stay?
Our vacation homes are located near many of the attractions featured in this guide, making it easy to plan and enjoy your trip.
Direct Booking Policies:
100% refund until 24 hours after booking accepted
100% refund until 30 days before check-in
50% refund until 7 days before check-in
Call: +1-334-235-7498
Email: [email protected]
