The Best Glacier National Park One Day Itinerary

Straddling the border with Canada, Glacier National Park protects one million acres in Northwestern Montana. Covered in snow for a chunk of the year, it is known as the Crown of the Continent and best explored in July and August. With epic Rocky Mountain vistas, some of the best views can be found along its scenic road, Going-to-the-Sun. Visitors can go hiking, biking and take scenic boat cruises as well as enjoy wildflowers, wildlife viewing and even spot a glacier or waterfall. Part of an international peace park with  Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, visitors can even cross the border during the summer. Here is the best Glacier National Park One Day Itinerary.

Glacier At a Glance

What Makes Glacier Spectacular

Located at a convergence of the Rocky Mountain, the Pacific Northwest and the prairie ecosystems, Glacier National Park features the best of each, including wildlife and wildflowers.  From this area, rain that falls into the Triple Divide Peak can flow  into the Pacific Ocean, the Hudson Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, depending where it falls.

Its namesake, the Glaciers carved the mountaintops then gouged the valleys thousands of years ago. Visitors will see this glaciation across the park, especially the alpine region. Glacier National Park features 26 glaciers and 130 named lakes. The majestic pointed spires rise up from the alpine meadows painted with summertime wildflowers.

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How to see Glacier National Park with a One Day Itinerary

It’s a large national park though Glacier can be explored in one day with an itinerary. Things to keep in mind, visitors needs to start on side of the park and head in the other, spending the night on both sides. Reservations are essential for lodging and camping to stay in the park. For 2023, vehicle permits are required to drive the Going-to-the-Sun road.

For visitors heading into Canada after Glacier, it is best to spend the night on the western side of the park in the Apgar Village or Lake McDonald. Then drive to the eastern side before heading north into Canada.

Details on the Vehicle Permits

To enter Glacier National Park from the West Side, a 3-day vehicle permit is required. This permit is in addition for the park’s 7 day entrance fee. It must be secured in advance via Recreation.gov. Each costs $2 per permit.

Permits are required from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the busy summer season. For the west side of the park, permits will be required from May 26, 2023 until September 10, 2023. To enter the east side of the park, permits are required from St. Mary at Rising Sun checkpoint starting in July 1, 2023 to September 10, 2023.

Additionally, Two Medicine and Many Glacier entrances both require one-day vehicle passes from July 1 to September 10, 2023 to enter from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. North Fork entrance requires a one-day vehicle permit from May 26, 2023 until September 10, 2023 to enter from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For visitors with reservations inside the park, like lodging, camping and concessionaire-led tours, a permit is not required. For campers that secure a first-come, first-serve campsite, a permit can be obtained after registering.

Note: It is a different one day vehicle pass for each entrance.

ProTip: The cell coverage in Glacier National Park is non-existent so online reservations need to be made before entering the park. Glacier National Park is not a destination that you can see without advance reservations.

Top Spots in Glacier National Park

Glacier’s Visitor Centers

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Lake McDonald Valley

Logan Pass 

Many Glacier Valley 

Glacier National Parks’s Visitor Centers

Apgar Visitor Center

Most visitors stop at one visitor center during their road trip. I usually stop at all the visitors centers in the national park since each ofter different exhibits. A visitor center usually features the most equipped restrooms (think flushing) with water fountains and hydration stations.

Located 2 miles east of the West Glacier Entrance, the Apgar Visitor Center is housed in at 1929 log cabin. Inside, rangers offer tips and maps along with the National Park Service Junior Ranger booklet for kids. This is also the spot that the Ranger Led programs meet.

The Apgar Visitor Center is also one of the main stops for the Glacier National Park West Side shuttle. It is offered during the summer and travels the Going-to-the-Sun road to Logan Pass. Visitors will find one of the parking lots in Glacier located here as well.

Open daily from mid-May to mid-September and weekends only in the spring from mid-April to mid-May and in the fall from mid-September until mid-October.

Logan Pass Visitor Center

This is your destination for restrooms, a water fountain and bottle fillers in the alpine region. It offers a book store along with an interpretive area. Ranger-led activities meet at the Logan Pass Visitor Center.

Visitors will find the trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook, the opportunity to mountain goats (a symbol of Glacier Nationa Park) along with summertime wildflowers.

Open daily when the road clears in the summer until end of September. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Home of the popular Logan Pass Star Parties.

ProTip: The Logan Pass parking lot fills up quickly and stays filled during the day.

St. Mary Visitor Center

Located near the St. Mary’s east entrance, the St. Mary Visitor Center features interpretive information on the American Indian Nations along with a park film. It is open daily from late May to early October.

Apgar and Lake McDonald

After stopping by the visitor center in Apgar, head to the Lake McDonald.

Lake McDonald Valley

Carved by glaciers, Lake McDonald is 10-miles long (16 km) and 500-feet deep (152 m) and is the largest lake in the park. Located near the Apgar Visitor Center, it’s a hub of activity in the summer on the western part of Glacier National Park. It is also the location of the Lake McDonald Lodge.

Visitors in Glacier for one day should head to the Lake McDonald Lodge for a quick walk through and maybe a quick to-go coffee. Then head to the lake for a look.

Lake McDonald Lodge

As a classic Swiss chalet along the shore of Lake McDonald, the Lake McDonald Lodge was built in 1913 and a popular place to visit. The three-story lodge building features historic furnishings and log-style design elements, a hallmark of historic National Park Service lodges.

Visitors can walk through and there’s even places to eat inside the lodge. Outside, there is a patio with rocking chairs overlooking the lake that is popular place for a quick break.

One of the top things to do in Glacier National Park is driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50 mile (80 km) scenic byway that travel east-west through the park. At Logan Pass, stop and enjoy the view and walk through the Visitor Center.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Completed in 1932,  it provided better access into the wilderness. The Going-to-the-Sun Road was later named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

This scenic byway travels 50 miles (80 km) east-west from the Apgar area west across Glacier National Park to the St. Mary entrance. Visitors will pass the Weeping Wall, a rock face with melting snow run-off glistening in the sun. The Garden Wall area is also visible, a rock face with plants clinging to its sides.

To drive the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road takes at least 2 hours without stopping, usually more due to summer construction delays along the way. The highest portion of the road closes for snow and usually opens in late June or early July and stay open until mid-October.

Note: Vehicles and vehicles combinations (RVs and travel trailers) must be under 21-feet (6.4m) in length. 

Logan Pass 

At 6,646 feet (2,025 m) it’s the highest point along the Going-to-Sun Road. Surrounded by peaks, it’s a popular area to explore.

Stop by the Logan Pass Visitor Center to explore the interpretive displays. This is also a popular hiking departure point for glacier hikes. It opens in late June or early July and remains open until October. 

This is good place to get out and take a quick hike.  the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. Though it might be took long to do the entire hike, take  the opportunity to mountain goats (a symbol of Glacier National Park) along with summertime wildflowers.

Continue driving Going-to-the-Sun Road to the St. Mary entrance, e eastern portion of the park. Exit Glacier National Park head north on U.S. Highway 89 to Babb. Many Glacier Hotel is located along the Many Glacier Lake. Stroll through the Many Glacier Hotel. another historic hotel. If you have the opportunity, have dinner at the Many Glacier Hotel, or nearby Swiftcurrent Inn.

To see glaciers from the Going-to-the-Sun road, the Jackson Glacier is visible from the Going-to-the-Sun overlook, 5 miles east of Logan Pass. Other glaciers are visible on the east side of the park.

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Rising Sun and St. Mary Area

After Logan Pass, the road heads back down to the east side of the park. This area is anchored by St. Mary Lake and the Rising Sun area.

Rising Sun is “where the mountains met the prairies” offers a good place for a hot meal along with lodging. It offers some signature hikes in the area along with waterfall viewing.

Top Activities near Rising Sun and St. Mary Area

Boating on St. Mary Lake 

Guided boat tours in Glacier National Park are a popular activity during the summer months. On St. Mary Lake at Swiftcurrent, guided boat tours depart on the hour until 6 p.m. Perfect for a late afternoon excursion. Advance reservations and tickets are required.

Hiking Trails near St. Mary Lake

Lace up those hiking boots, here are the top hiking trails in the St. Mary area.

St. Mary Falls—A 0.8 mile hike (one-way) with a 260-foot elevation loss.

Sun Point Nature Trail—A 0.8 mile hike (one-way) with 250-foot elevation loss.

Where to Eat on the East Side of Glacier National Park 

Since there is few food options in the Logan Pass area, visitors should be prepared to picnic for lunch. Picnic tables are available at Avalanche Creek, Rising Sun and the Sun Point Nature Trail.

For a hot meal, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins offers the Two Dog Flats Grill with American favorites like build-your-own burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Open daily at 4 p.m. for dinner during the season.

Rising Sun Motor Inn

Built in 1940 and renovated in 2015, the Rising Sun Motor Inn is West of St. Mary Visitor Center. It offers 72 motor lodge rooms along with cabins. Guests will find a restaurant and a general store in the complex.

Open seasonally from mid-June to mid-September. Reservations required.

Night Sky Viewing in Glacier

With dark skies overhead, Glacier National Park is an International Dark Skies Park. It offers night sky programming during the summer at the Logan Pass Star Parties. Check in at the visitor centers for more information on seasonal ranger programing.

Kids in Glacier National Park

The Junior Ranger Program is the go-to program for families to learn more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s free and takes about two hours to complete. My kids love the badges that the Rangers present them after completing their booklet. 

Pick up a booklet at any visitor center then complete the age-appropriate activities. Return for a souvenir badge and certificate. 

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History of Glacier National Park

European trappers arrived in the late 1800s after the Louis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806. Interest in preserving the area came early, before the formation of the National Park Service in 1916. 

George Bird Grinnell hired a guide for a hunting trip in 1885. Soon after he and railroad president Louis Hill proposed the area be protected a national park. The Boone and Crockett Club helped secure the national park status in 1910 by President William Howard Taft. 

The Great Northern Railway

In 1891, the Great Northern Railway crossed the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, just south of Glacier National Park. Shortly after in 1910, the area was dedication a national park. 

The Great Northern Railway started construction on lodges and chalets to promote tourism and train travel to the area. Nine chalets were constructed and only three remain, Belton, Sperry and Granite Park. Great Northern Railway built several lodges, all utilizing design cues from Swiss architecture, including Many Glacier Hotel and Glacier Park Lodge.

Since it shares a border with Parks Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park, the two countries agreed to manage the land in collaboration. Created in 1932 this area became the first international peace park in the world. 

Additionally, Glacier National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. It is also an International Dark Skies Park, offering dark skies for night sky viewing along with light mitigation.

The People of Glacier National Park

People have been recorded in the area of Glacier National Park for over 10,000 years. The mountains of Glacier divided people since it’s snowbound for the majority of the year.   

The Blackfeet 

Located on the eastern side of Glacier National Park, the Blackfeet Nation lived in the grasslands and prairies. Today, the Blackfeet Nation lives in the 1.5-million acre reservation, the largest in Montana. The Blackfeet people own and operate several tourism-based businesses on the eastern portion of the park.  

The Flathead 

Located on the western side of Glacier National Park, the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai lived on the more forested western portion. Today, descendants live on the 1.3-million acres confederated Salish and Kootenai Flathead reservation, along the Flathead River. 

The Civilian Conservation Corps

A group of young men arrived at Glacier National Park in 1933. Part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Program, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked on conservation projects across the U.S. 

During their tenure, the eight CCC camps were established in the park. They worked on clearing the debris from forest fires in 1929 and 1936. The CCC also laid telephone cable to Logan Pass. Additionally they developed camp grounds within the park. 

An International Peace Park

Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park was created in 1895, just north of Glacier National Park. In 1932 the world’s first International Peace Park.

In 1995, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique landscape. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park features its own seasonal border crossing. Located along the Chief Mountain Highway and open from June 1 to end of October from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Horseback Riding in Glacier National Park

For another way to see the Crown of the Continent, visitors can take a horseback ride in Glacier National Park from Lake McDonald and Apgar. Find rides from 1 hour to all day. All day horse back rides to Sperry Chalet also available.

Wildlife Viewing in Glacier National Park

• Bears—Grizzly and black 
• Beaver
• Big horn sheep 
• Elk
• Lynx
• Mountain goats—the park symbol
• Mountain lions
• Wolverines 

Bears in Glacier 

Glacier National Park is home to the largest grizzly bear population in the continental U.S. Though encounters are rare, Park Rangers offer some guidelines to reduce bear encounters:

• Remain observant. 
• Hike in groups.
• Keep campsites clean.
• Make noise while hiking by wearing bear bells and talking.
• Don’t approach bears or let bears approach you. 
• If a bear notices you, you are too close. Back away slowly and if attacked, fight back. Don’t play dead.

Where to Eat in Glacier National Park

Lake McDonald Lodge 

Jammer Joe’s Grill & Pizzeria serves a lunch buffet, soups, salads, sandwiches and create-your-own pizza. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the season. 

Lucke’s Lounge offers a bar menu burgers, sandwiches, salads along with appetizers. Find a full bar along with regional wines and micro-brews. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the season.

Russell’s Fireside Dining Room serves a breakfast buffet along with continental options. Find a lunch and dinner menu infused with local flavors, like elk burgers. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the season. 

Apgar Village 

Since 1946, Eddie’s Cafe and Mercantile has offered Glacier classics breakfast, lunch and dinner with Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the season.

Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins 

Two Dog Flats Grill serves up American favorites like build-your-own burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Open daily at  4 p.m. for dinner during the season. 

Many Glacier Hotel

Heidi’s Snack Shoppe brews up espresso drinks along with several grab-n-go items like baked goods and sandwiches. Open daily during the season.

Swiss Lounge features a small plates menu with salads, sandwiches and burgers. Enjoy a cocktail, wine or micro-brew from the full bar. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the season.

Ptarmigan Dining Room starts the day with a continental or deluxe breakfast buffet. Find a lunch and dinner menu stocked with local flavors, like smoked trout and bison short ribs. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the season.

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins

Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Restaurant serves up American breakfast favorites, like eggs dishes and cereal. Lunch and dinner menus feature burgers, wraps, pizzas and salads. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the season.

Picnicking in Glacier

On the West Side, picnickers will find developed picnic areas with tables are located at Apgar Village, Avalanche Creek, Sprague Creek and Fish Creek. Visitors will find general stores located at Apgar’s Eddie’s Mercantile and Lake McDonald’s Lodge campstore.

Since there is few food options in the Logan Pass area, visitors should be prepared to picnic for lunch. Picnic tables are available at Avalanche Creek, Rising Sun and the Sun Point Nature Trai.

Where to Stay Inside Glacier National Park

Each of the lodges and motor inns offers activities, like hiking or organized tours. Properties near lakes offer boating. True to National Park lodging, the properties in Glacier National Park do not offer TV and air-conditioning. 

Apgar Village Lodge and Cabins

Just inside the West Entrance of Glacier National Park, Apgar Village offers motel rooms and equipped cabins for budget travelers. Each cabin is unique and some off equipped kitchens with refrigerators, ranges and coffee makers. Motel rooms feature one or two queen beds. 

Open seasonal from mid May until early October. Reservations required.

Village Inn Motel

Located a few miles inside of the west entrance in the Apgar Village, Village Inn motel was built in 1956 and renovated in 2015. Find units equipped with basic kitchens as well as family units that accommodate five or six people. 

Open seasonal from mid May until late September. Reservations required.

Motel Lake McDonald

Located 10 miles inside Glacier’s west entrance, Motel Lake MacDonald is along the shores of the largest lake in Glacier. It offers basic motel rooms with one or two double beds with private bathrooms.

Open seasonal from early June until mid-September. Reservations required.

Lake McDonald Lodge

A classic Swiss chalet along the shore of Lake McDonald, it was built in 1913 and features a three-story lodge building with lodge rooms. The interiors feature historic furnishings and log-style design elements. 

Also find cabins, a hostel-style dormitory and Cobb House, a collection of suites. This property underwent a renovation in 2015. 

Open seasonal from early May until late September. Reservations required.

Many Glacier Hotel 

Built by Great Northern Railway in 1914 and 1915, it’s the largest property in Glacier National Park. Inside of its central lobby, find National Park Service Parkitecture elements throughout, like rough-hewn logs used for columns. 

The Many Glacier Hotel features 205 guest rooms, two suites and seven guest rooms. All rooms offer a private bathroom. 

Open seasonal from early June until mid-September. Reservations required. 

Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Located within a mile of Many Glacier Hotel, find 95 cabins, some historic, and motel rooms along with  restaurant and camp store. This property was recently renovated. 

Open seasonally from early June until mid-September. Reservations required. 

Rising Sun Motor Inn

West of St. Mary Visitor Center, Rising Sun Motor Inn was built in 1940 and renovated in 2015. It offers 72 motor lodge rooms along with cabins. Find a restaurant and a general store in the complex. 

Open seasonally from mid-June to mid-September. Reservations required.

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When to Visit Glacier National Park

The park is open year-round though the Going-to-the-Sun Road  remains closed until late June most years.. Since it’s closed from Lake McDonald Lodge to St. Mary, I suggest visiting Glacier no earlier than late June.

Tours, lodging and activities begin in June too. If avoiding crowds, consider visiting Glacier in September before the snow falls and the seasonal lodging closes.

Weather in Glacier National Park

Winter: Highs 30s F (single digits C), Lows teens (-single digits C)

Spring: Highs 50s F ( teens C), Lows 30s (single digits C) 

Summer: Highs 70s F (20s C), Lows 40s (single digits C) 

Fall—Highs 40s F (single digits C), Lows 20s (-single digits C)

Precipitation average between one and three inches year-round. Snow can fall at anytime of the year. On average, temperatures are 10 to 15F degrees cooler at higher elevations. 

Glacier Gateway Towns

It’s always best to load up on essentials before heading into a national park. Gas is not for sale in Glacier National Park so top off your tank before heading into the park. 

West Glacier 

Find a host of lodging just outside of the west entrance of Glacier National Park, like the historic Belton Chalet along with RV parks. West Glacier offers an assortment of dining along activities including golf and outdoor outfitters. 

St. Mary

Located on the eastern side of the Glacier National Park, find lodging, RV parks along with gas stations and small grocery store. St. Mary is the smaller of the two main gateway towns. 

Glacier National Park Shuttle

During the summer, Glacier National Park operates a seasonal shuttle with numerous stop at popular destinations. With limited parking at some areas, the shuttle offers a popular option for hikers. 

Find shuttle stops at Visitor Centers, Campground, Lodges along with popular hiking trails. Check in with the Visitor Center for most up-to-date shuttle information. 

Where’s Glacier National Park

Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) Kalispell, Montana is the closest airport to Glacier National Park. It is serviced by Alaskan Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. 

Take the Amtrak to Glacier National Park on the Empire Builder line that travels from Chicago to Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon. Find Amtrak stations at West Glacier and East Glacier and Amtrak offers vacation packages.  

Glacier National Park is open 365-days a year and 24-hours a day. Use an America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) or other annual pass. Purchase a 7-day pass for $35 per vehicle for a 7-day summer pass (May 1 until October 31) or $20 per vehicle for a 7-day winter pass.

Glacier National Park offers two main entrances. The west entrance near Apgar Visitor Center and the east entrance near the St. Mary Visitor Center offer lots of travel services.

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Note about Bear Safety:

Two types of bears live in Glacier National Park, black bears and Grizzly bears. Since each species uses different behavior to communicate, knowing the difference is important.

I suggest attending a ranger program to learn more about bears in Glacier National Park. I did and my boys loved the bear program and I felt more confident afterwards.

Park Rangers offer some guidelines to reduce bear encounters:

• Hike in groups of 4 or more.
• Keep a clean campsite.
• Make noise while hiking by wearing bear bells and talking.
• Carry bear spray. Keep it accessible when you hiking and know how to use it.

Know Before You Go

• Make reservations as early as possible.
• Lodging reservations are available 13 months in advance.
• Visit popular spots early or late in the day since parking is limited.
• Don’t feed wild animals and give them space. The NPS recommends 25 yards between you and most animals and 100 yards for bears.
• Bring food and refillable water bottles for your visit.
• Dress in layers and carry a rain jacket, even in the summer.
• Most parks allow adults to complete the NPS Junior Ranger booklets for the same badge or patch.
• The cell coverage limited to Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers and the Lake McDonald Lodge.
• No Wi-Fi in Glacier National Park.