Many consider Glacier the most beautiful of all of our national parks. Its 1,000,000 acres of diverse habitats are home to over 70 species of mammals and 260 species of birds. The park contains 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and 6 National Historic Landmarks. Glacier, along with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, is the world’s only peace park. This designation celebrates the longstanding peace and friendship between the two nations. Our journey takes us over the continental divide through a stunning landscape of jagged peaks, rushing waterfalls and brilliant wildflowers.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Rendezvous in Whitefish for a rental bike fitting at 12:00 noon and an orientation at 2:00pm. Then we’ll enjoy a short warm-up ride along the lake shore to the Lake McDonald Lodge. Built in 1915, the lodge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 11 miles.
Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we’ll ascend the spectacular "Going to the Sun Highway". Arguably the most beautiful biking road in the country, it is considered a right of passage for any cyclist. It crosses the continental divide at the 6646’ Logan Pass. Before cycling down, you can take a break at the top for a 3-mile hike to Hidden Lake. We’ll overnight at St. Mary’s Lodge. 41 miles.
Day 3: Today we ride into Waterton Lakes National Park, which along with Glacier, make up an international peace park. It commemorates the long friendship between the US and Canada. Tucked into the southwestern corner of the province of Alberta, this is also a breathtaking part of the world like no other. The majestic Rocky Mountains rise abruptly out of the rolling prairies in a scene unchanged for centuries.
After a picnic lunch across the border, you’ll enjoy a beautiful descent and catch a first glimpse of the Waterton Parks Lakes. We’ll overnight at the Prince of Wales Hotel, one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Its soaring roofs, green gables and wooden balconies give it a stately, yet romantic feel. We’ll all feel right at home. 48 miles.
Day 4: We ride back through the Peace Park and across the border to Many Glacier Lodge today. Along the way, you’ll probably see mountain goats and big-horned sheep. Perhaps even a bear or two. The lodge is situated on Swiftcurrent Lake, and its Swiss-style construction and lobby lined with gigantic Douglas fir pillars continue to amaze visitors. 52 miles.
Day 5: At Many Glacier, we happen to be at the center of the largest network of trails in the park. On our day off of cycling, you can choose to hike into one of the five major valleys leading to glaciers, passes and lakes. You’ll see meadows filled with wildflowers, waterfalls and lots of wildlife. Or, to give your legs a break, you can choose to go kayaking or horseback riding. 0 miles.
Day 6: Today’s ride takes us 14 miles to breakfast at the Two Sisters Café. It’s known for its colorful atmosphere (see its license plate collection!) but more for its delicious homemade pie. It is also the perfect way to begin our climb to the historic Glacier Park Lodge at the foot of Dancing Lady Mountain in East Glacier. 53 miles.
Day 7: We make our way over the continental divide again on a very gradual ascent over Maria’s Pass. The pass is the lowest point on the divide in the United States at 5220 feet. The Flathead River will accompany us on the long gradual decent (with a few short uphill sections) to West Glacier and then back to where we started at the Pine Lodge in Whitefish, MT. 57 or 88 miles.
Day 8: The tour officially ends after a farewell breakfast. Then you may take the inn’s complimentary shuttle to the airport at your convenience. 0 miles.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 7 nights lodging
- 6 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 sack lunches, 5 dinners, snacks
- Park entrance fees
- Detailed cue sheets
- Van support and trained guides.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Montana
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Women Tours
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