Know Before You Go

The summer season is the most typical time to visit Glacier and Waterton because of the fair weather and the clear trails. Also, the wildlife becomes more active at this time of year. In the early summer, wildflowers rule the open meadows and bears forage in the forests throughout lower elevations. In midsummer, as the weather warms, bears and other wildlife are taking advantage of longer days and warmer temperatures, feeding in open fields and hillsides. And in late summer, from mid-August through September, bears have returned to the lower meadows to forage and fill up on the bounty of summer berries before retiring for their winter slumber. Bighorn sheep can be seen at this time congregating on windswept slopes grazing on grasses while other areas are dusted in snow.

Average daily temperatures in late spring are in the high 70s, with lows in the 40s or 50s. In July and August, the average highs are in the mid-80s with lows around 50. In September the average highs are in the mid-70s with lows in 40s. Keep in mind that temperatures can reach into the 90s on the hottest days and dip into the 30s at night. Days are typically sunny with some wind, and there are often afternoon showers and, on occasion, even some snow. Weather in the mountains can be quite variable, and about half the days get a bit of precipitation.

During your stay in Glacier National Park, keep an eye out for grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes and more than 200 unique bird species.

The alpine heights of the Continental Divide are home to an abundant black and grizzly bear population. On the many nature walks during this trip, keep a sharp eye out for both adults and cubs roaming the forest. It is possible that we will have multiple bear encounters.

Because this experience is 100% wild, all wildlife encounters are uncontrolled, allowing for the possibility that we may view animals from a distance and from close range. Our expertly trained guides seek out sightings of the region’s most impressive species, as these encounters are an important part of our entire nature experience.

Waterton National Park is Glacier’s sister park located in Alberta, Canada. It borders Glacier and shares its ecosystem, as well as its joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status. These parks became the first International Peace Park in 1932, and though Waterton is a continuation of Glacier’s vast mountainous landscapes, fewer people visit the Canadian side, which allows us to have a more removed, private national park experience.

From Whitefish, Montana, we’ll be driving to various destinations within the park. Our group of 12 guests maximum will travel in two 12-passenger vehicles, so each guest gets a window seat and plenty of space for relaxing and for taking photos.

The weather in the parks can change by the hour, so we recommend bringing various layers to keep you comfortable regardless of temperature. Rain gear is essential given that it can rain at any time, and it’s a good idea to pack warm gear including a fleece, long pants, hat and gloves. We will be walking and hiking during the day, so wear comfortable, breathable layers close to the skin plus sturdy shoes. Check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

The group caps out at 12 guests traveling in two 12-person vehicles (each with a maximum of six or seven guests and its own Expedition Leader), guaranteeing plenty of room for a personal nature experience.

Glacier and Waterton National Parks are among the most beautifully scenic places in North America, and each day we will have opportunities for hikes and walks that journey from 1 to several miles, sometimes over rough or varying terrain on slight inclines. All hikes and walks are optional, but guests should come prepared if they want to take advantage of everything this trip has to offer. Please click here for the explicit physical requirements of our Glacier and Waterton National Park adventure.

We’ll be staying at hotels and lodges located in beautiful areas close to or within the parks. Some are large national park hotels and others are private facilities set in logistically beneficial locations for us to access natural areas. All hotels are quality properties with private facilities, dining rooms and various other amenities, selected to add to the authentic nature focus of our itineraries.

The altitudes of areas we will visit will be between around 3,000 feet and 7,000 feet.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport for the Glacier/Waterton departure. If you are traveling from outside the United States or Canada, you will need a valid passport for both countries.

Reliable Internet access will be available at some of the lodges, while others have slow service. Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent throughout the parks, so don’t expect to rely on cell phones for communication. Nat Hab discourages the use of phones during all group activities and encourages guests to “unplug” from technology to fully enjoy the immersive nature experience.

The required minimum age for this adventure is 10 years old. Nat Hab asks any families bringing children to ensure that their children behave in a respectful manner that does not disrupt other guests or the wildlife. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children, teens and families, check out our collection of Family Adventures to Churchill, the Galapagos Islands, Africa and more.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for making their own travel arrangements from their home city to Kalispell, Montana. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for details on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Whitefish serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park and offers a combination of nature trails, restaurants, shops and museums for visitors and locals alike. Well-known museums in nearby Kalispell include the Hockaday Museum of Art showcasing the works of Montana artists, the Conrad Mansion Museum, and the Museum at Central School. Lone Pine State Park offers scenic trails, horseback riding and bicycling, and snowshoeing in the winter. Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island State Parks are easily accessible from Whitefish, and both are great destinations for trail exploration and scenic views. There is plenty of shopping in downtown Whitefish as well as a wide array of restaurants. Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you in Whitefish before your Glacier National Park tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking.