Glacier & Waterton Photo Expedition

A very important feature of our Photo Expeditions is the limited group size, since nature and wildlife encounters are greatly enhanced when fewer people are present. Groups are split between two vehicles, with one Photo Expedition Leader per vehicle, so you’re assured plenty of space and personalized attention when you need it. With a small group, we maintain the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions in a way that maximizes photo opportunities—we'll depart early in the morning to chase the best light, remain at a site of interest to fully explore its potential, or move on to a new destination. Our expert naturalist-photographer guide is always available to answer your questions, offers tips and share techniques, and help you better understand and photograph this stunning natural region.

Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local staff, transportation in Nat Hab's North America Safari Cruisers and other vehicles, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), optional travel protection and medical evacuation insurance.

Moderate
This adventure does not require a particularly high degree of physical fitness, and included hikes are easy to moderate in terms of physical exertion. However, please be aware that hiking is the main activity on this trip, with two or three excursions per day taking place at an altitude of 4,000-7,000 feet above sea level. In order to participate, travelers should be able to walk unassisted for at least three miles over rough terrain and inclines, with some gain in altitude (no more than 600 feet) required in certain locations. Our days generally start quite early and are very full with activities, including a few long drives. Note that all hikes/activities are completely optional, and travelers should only participate in those activities in which they feel comfortable. While travelers are not required to participate in all activities, should you opt out of the day’s scheduled activities, we cannot always guarantee that alternatives will be available. Those travelers who would like to take longer or more strenuous hikes may have opportunities to do so at their leisure.

On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

This exhilarating adventure explores one of North America’s most magnificent natural areas, exploring readily accessible parts of Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes that are nonetheless often missed by the casual tourist—with views that are typically enjoyed only by hardy backcountry hikers! It sometimes happens that we cannot book specific dates with the national park hotels until August, for the following year. Trip dates listed are thus likely to change slightly and will be confirmed at that time. Depending upon availability, itineraries may run in a different order.

We recommend that you arrive in Kalispell by 4 pm on Day 1 in order to join your group orientation at the hotel at 5 pm. You are free to depart any time after 12:30 pm on the final day.