When preparing for your trip to Glacier National Park and Northwest Montana, there are a few tips to keep in mind. From construction to new entry guidelines at Glacier National Park this year, below are our best travel tips to help you have the very best getaway.

It’s less complicated than you believe to get here. And, you can fly direct. Kalispell is home to Glacier Park International Airport (airport terminal code FCA). And, not only does the airport have stunning sights of the Swan Hills, it has routine flights from major carriers across the nation. 7 airlines serve here: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country, United & Avelo. For airline and airport information, please visit HERE

Of course, you can certainly drive here too. What a scenic way to see Montana! This is an experience to be enjoyed. And, it doesn’t matter how you get here, as long as you do. The wide open spaces, breathtaking views, fresh air and unsurpassed scenery are just waiting for you. However, that doesn’t even begin to start the list of activities you can do. (Or, where you can eat! And, our list of great restaurants is superb!)

Now, be sure to book your rental vehicle early. The rumors regarding a national automobile rental scarcity are true, and Montana is no exception. Book your car rental as soon as possible. In any case, we recommend making that reservation now. Also, if you aren’t discovering availability online, try calling the rental firms directly. Needless to say, this is a great tip for the summer busy season when they do book out early. 

If you’re planning to drive Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road during the peak summer period, pack your patience. Of course, you are going to need it. It does get very very busy. Did we say very enough?  All auto traffic needs to acquire a vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork & Polebridge, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier entrance. For information on the reservation, please click HERE or click on the graphic below.  You can always access it after the posted reservation hours but it can get crowded. 

For More Information About the Vehicle Reservation System, Click on This Graphic

Due to raised interest in our national parks and the limited ability along the roads and in parking areas, we could recommend taking your Montana getaway beyond peak season. Of course, this means avoiding the months of July and August. Rather than smoke season or crowds, consideration a beautiful autumn journey to Glacier National Park. Here, you’ll see the spectacular colors, active animals enjoying a quieter time. Or, maybe choose a winter month where the tranquility of fresh snow will make you wonder if you’re in a snowglobe.  Trying snowshoeing along Lake McDonald. Also, you could try your first Fat Tire biking excursion. 

But if you still plan on coming in the summer, we don’t blame you. Summer is beautiful. However, make sure to prepare in advance. And, be versatile, have a backup strategy, and be open to discovering unbelievable areas outside the park’s boundaries.

Expect delays. In Montana, the warm-weather home window is quite tight, which means that the majority of construction work takes place throughout the summer. See our link HERE for roadwork updates in GNP. 

Where Do You Want To Go Today?

Also, be sure to play beyond Glacier National Park. We have a whole amazing state that is open for you to explore. And, there is so much to do in Northwest Montana. Don’t get frustrated if one area is overly crowded. Be the first to say you tried something new. You want your memories to be happy and not for frustrating reasons.  Read our blogs and explore. After all, Montana is about adventuring and exploring. 

Rent a bike and set out on bike paths, shop in our unique one-of-a-kind boutiques or check out the dynamic farm-to-fork restaurant scene. 

Tubing on Flathead Lake, Bigfork, MT

The largest all-natural freshwater lake in the West. 10 minutes from the heart of Kalispell is Montana’s largest unidentified treasure that covers almost 200 square miles. Of course, we mean Flathead Lake. It’s calm bays, islands and expansive water that is ideal for boating, swimming, angling and kayaking. This is a great recommendation we suggest you put on your list for a hot summer day! 

Northwest Montana is privileged to have experienced outfitters who can take you on unbelievable experiences and keep you as risk-free as possible. Take a guided hike in Glacier National Park, set out on a horseback ride in the Flathead Valley, explore the hills on a guided snow sled scenic tour. Or, cast an angling line on a blue-ribbon trout stream. But, make certain to make your reservations early.

A great winter activity is snowmobiling near Glacier National Park

Discover how to recreate responsibly too. Montana is an area that teems with awe-struck wonders, glacial-fed lakes and public lands that are wild and beautiful. In addition, these wild area are entrusted with finding out exactly how to recreate sensibly while seeing to it to leave them better than you discovered them.

And, when you’re ready to stay in Northwest Montana, be sure to research our beautiful vacation properties. From luxurious ski chalets on Big Mountain to stunning new townhomes near downtown or if you need a great location inside Glacier National Park, Whitefish Glacier Vacations, can accommodate your getaway plans and guests. Click HERE to see our wonderful listings.

BOOK YOUR VACATION GETAWAY IN ONE OF OUR STUNNING PROPERTIES.