Glacier National Park: it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier offers some truly stunning scenery. If you’ve ever driven into the park and glanced up, suddenly, to find yourself face-to-face with the continental divide and Going to the Sun Road, you know what we mean.
Beyond the beauty, though, there are dozens of reasons to plan a vacation in GNP this year. Here are a few of our favorites.
Glacier National Park offers truly stunning scenery. Spanning more than one million acres along the northern edge of Montana, the park is a place where ancient history, vibrant wildlife, and genuine adventure all converge. Beyond the beauty, though, there are dozens of reasons to plan a vacation in GNP this year. Here are a few of our favorites.
Head to Glacier for Your Next Family Vacation
Looking for the place to take your family this summer? Here are five great reasons to consider Glacier National Park:
1. Glacier is Part of the World’s First International Peace Park
When GNP was established in 1932, the vision was to demonstrate the friendship between the U.S. and Canada. As such, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberton, Canada was designated the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Today, the parks work together to support conservation, preservation, management, and research efforts. If you want more scenery, pop over the border into Banff and check out the Canadian side of the park! Keep in mind that this is international travel, so you’ll need to bring your passport.
2. GNP Offers Ancient and Native History
Did you know that evidence of human activity in GNP dates back more than 12,000 years? During the retreat of the glaciers deposited during the Ice Age, humans occupied the landscape. The area was popular among settlers and was sacred territory for local tribes, including the Kootenai, Salish, and Blackfeet.
To this day, the Blackfoot Reservation sits on the eastern border of the park. Many of the landscapes within the park (like Chief Mountain, for example) are still considered sacred by the tribe.
3. Glacier Offers Many Different Attractions
In addition to the fact that Glacier is home to more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s also an excellent place to go fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting. No matter what you want to do, you’ll find it in Glacier.
4. Glacier is a Pristine Ecosystem
If you’ve been feeling the itch to relax, unplug, and get away from the stress of daily life, Glacier is an excellent place to unplug. Home to more than 71 species of mammals alone, Glacier’s ecosystem has remained mostly undisturbed since the land was opened.
Today, visitors to the park are likely to see bears, mountain goats, moose, and more. A few tips for making the most of it:
- Go early or late. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot wildlife, particularly along the Many Glacier Valley and the eastern side of the park.
- Bring bear spray. It’s required for backcountry travel and strongly recommended everywhere else.
- Stay on marked trails. This protects both you and the animals and helps keep the ecosystem intact for future visitors.
Beyond the mammals, Glacier National Park is home to over 200 species of birds, over 15 species of fish, and some of the most pristine waterways in the states. It’s a place that reminds you what the natural world looks like when left alone to thrive.
5. It’s a Great Place to Relax, Unwind, and Create Memories
Don’t let Glacier’s rugged nature fool you – it’s also home to some of the most beautiful, unique accommodations in the world. Great Northern Resort, for example, offers lodging, guided whitewater rafting and fishing trips, and full wedding facilities.
All these things combine to make your visit to GNP comfortable, luxurious, and unforgettable. Planning a wedding? What better place to say “I do” than on a hill overlooking the beautiful trees and mountains of Glacier National Park?
West Glacier With The Kids
Glacier National Park is one of the best national parks in the country for families and children. The park offers several features that make it especially family-friendly:
- Lake McDonald and Going-to-the-Sun Road viewpoints are accessible right from the car without any hiking required.
- Avalanche Lake and the Trail of the Cedars are perennial trail favorites: short enough for young hikers and scenic enough for everyone to enjoy.
- Great Northern Resort’s guided trips are a great option for families who want structure and local expertise without the planning stress.
Accessible Options
Glacier National Park has made significant strides in accessibility. Great Northern Resort can help tailor an itinerary around specific needs; just reach out when booking.
There are genuinely great options for visitors with mobility considerations:
- Trail of the cedars is a fully paved, wheelchair-accessible loop through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest.
- Visitor centers, picnic areas and scenic pullouts along Going-to-the-Sun Road are largely accessible.
The park’s mix of accessible trails, family-friendly activities, and scenery make it one of the most welcoming destinations! And with Great Northern Resort as your home base, you’ll have the support and amenities to make the most of each day you spend here.
Planning Your Trip to Glacier
If you’ve been waiting to visit Glacier or Northwest Montana, don’t wait another day to plan your adventure. Great Northern Resort is here to help you access the amenities and attractions you want so you can enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. Contact us today to book a room or learn more about our trips and amenities.
