Glacier National Park scenic drive and snowshoe trek

Drive the park's highlights, then walk into the snow

A guided tour of Glacier National Park pairs a scenic drive past Apgar, West Glacier, Lake McDonald and the historic Belton Bridge with a two-hour snowshoe trek through the park's backcountry. The guide leads both portions, hotel pickup is included, and lunch with your choice of sandwich and hot beverage comes along. Moderate fitness is required for the snowshoe section.

Step-by-step itinerary

Glacier National Park scenic drive and snowshoe

• Drive to Apgar and West Glacier
• View old Belton Bridge
• Visit Lake McDonald and Lodge
• Enjoy snowshoe trek
• Have lunch with sandwich and drink
• Snack on chips, cookies, and crackers

The experience

You start with hotel pickup and a drive through Glacier National Park's main corridor, stopping at the landmarks that define the park: Apgar, West Glacier, the old Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald and Lake McDonald Lodge. The guide points out the landscape and handles the route while you sit back. After the driving portion, you switch to snowshoes for two hours on the trails, with the guide leading the pace and the group staying together.

Snowshoes and poles are provided, along with hand warmers as needed. Lunch is a sandwich of your choice (turkey, ham, roast beef or vegetarian) plus hot cocoa, coffee or tea, with water and snacks included. You choose your sandwich when you book. The whole day runs four to five hours from pickup to drop-off, so it fits into a morning or early afternoon without eating the rest of your schedule.

Bring waterproof gloves, a hat, sunglasses and snow boots. A small day pack helps if you want to carry a camera or extra layers. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Service animals are welcome, though the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, since the snowshoe section requires moderate fitness.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• scenic drive past Apgar, West Glacier, Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald and Lake McDonald Lodge.
• two-hour guided snowshoe trek.
• snowshoes, poles and hand warmers.
• picnic lunch with your choice of sandwich, hot beverage and snacks.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Child (under 18)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tour Glacier (formerly Glacier Treks)

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a guide handling both the driving and the walking, so you can focus on the scenery and the snowshoe section without navigating on your own. The fixed itinerary means the timing is set, which works well for a morning or afternoon slot in your schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the main stops on the scenic drive portion?

The drive includes Apgar, West Glacier, the old Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald and Lake McDonald Lodge, the landmarks that anchor the park's western side.

How much time do I spend actually snowshoeing?

Two hours of the four to five hour tour is spent on the snowshoe trek. The rest covers driving, lunch, transportation and safety instruction before you head out.

Can I choose what I eat for lunch?

Yes, you pick your sandwich (turkey, ham, roast beef or vegetarian) when you book, and the tour provides hot cocoa, coffee or tea, plus water and snacks.

Is the guide included, or do I go on my own?

A live guide leads both the drive and the snowshoe trek, speaking English or Spanish and setting the pace for the group.

What if I don't have snowshoes or winter gear?

Snowshoes, poles and hand warmers are all provided. You bring waterproof gloves, a hat, sunglasses and snow boots, plus a small day pack if you have one.