- Rocky Mountains
- Wildlife and natural beauty
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Whitefish and Kalispell
- Historic inns
Dates
September 6 - 14, 2025
Highlights
- Authentic lodging: boutique inns in Kalispell and Whitefish (at trip’s beginning and end); + 6 nights in historic Glacier-Waterton National Park inns: Apgar Village on Lake McDonald (2), the Glacier Park Lodge (2), and the Prince of Wales Hotel (2)
- Awe-inspiring, panoramic views from the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road
- An historic “Red Bus” tour, featuring a local expert-guide and a restored, vintage mid-1930’s touring car; cruises on authentic lake boats, from the early-20th century
- Ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and exploration of the park’s sweeping valleys, peaks, glaciers, and wildlife
- Casual meetings with local Montana folk – authentic stories on location
Trip Description
Explore Up Close is thrilled to announce our return to Glacier National Park – one of the world’s most revered parks due to its other-worldly geography, viewpoints and seasonally clear weather, wildlife . . . and lack of humans (relatively). The park, developed in the early-20th century, features a series of historic lodges, including two nights in Canada’s Prince of Wales Hotel, and two additional nights in the Whitefish / Kalispell area. Our touring will feature easily accessible park highlights including the ethereal lakes (and cruises on them); the requisite Red Bus Tour from Lake McDonald Lodge, with a driver-guide; a drive all the way across the Going-to-the-Sun Road from Lake McDonald via Logan Pass to St. Mary. Outside of Glacier-Waterton parks we’ll learn history about Native Peoples, the story of the Frank Slide, settlement in the Flathead Valley, and see the mining-town-to-all-season-resort arc of Fernie, BC. We’ll enjoy delicious meals, and the companionship within our small group (and with others we meet) fitting for a group of Rocky Mountain explorers.
Featured Experiences
Apgar Village
Located on Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park, Apgar Village offers guests a picturesque setting and excellent amenities in an iconic location.
Glacier Park Lodge
Situated at the southeast corner of Glacier National Park, Glacier Park Lodge was the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway, in 1913. It's been the first stop on visitors' Glacier vacations for decades. Inside the historic hotel, Douglas Fir logs tower over the lobby, a fire crackles in the stone fireplace and guests gather to share stories of the day’s adventures.
Prince of Wales Hotel
From the panoramic views of Waterton Lakes National Park to the chalet-style 1927 architecture and craftsmanship, this iconic Canadian hotel is a trip highlight!
What's Included
Comfortable ground transportation
Accommodation with breakfast for 8 nights
4 lunches and 5 dinners
All touring per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$6,484 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $1,545)
What's Not Included
Price does not include airfare, alcohol, other meals, optional activities, or optional trip insurance.
Couldn't have asked for more in terms of weather, accommodations and scenery. Can't wait to go on another adventure with Explore Up Close!
My husband and I love the attention to detail. We always have a wonderful experience: visiting new and interesting places, eating lots of good food, making new friends, and exploring new places!
..well-planned, from interesting and fun excursions planned each day, to comfortable lodging and transportation. Our trip leaders, Chumley and Khal, were impressive with their knowledge of each area we explored and gracious in their planning of every aspect of our trips.
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance or airline tickets. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing airline tickets.
Explore Up Close will provide a recommended flight itinerary for your consideration, which is intended as a helpful suggestion. We encourage travelers to choose airfare depending on their personal preferences, as some travelers may prefer to travel independently and meet at our destination, or may wish to extend their travels at the beginning or end of the trip. Our travel agent is available to assist you with booking flights and trip insurance.
Again, please confirm with Explore Up Close before purchasing your airline tickets or making additional travel arrangements!
