Itinerary

Day 1: Hungry Horse Reservoir to Lake McDonald

We start the first day in Glacier National Park with a scenic 54 mile ride from Hungry Horse, Montana to the Hungry Horse Dam, then under the Apgar Mountains past Apgar Village, and finally along the eastern shore of Lake McDonald to Lake McDonald Lodge, our lodging for the night. Those looking for additional cycling in the evening can take a spin on the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road along Lake McDonald when it re-opens to bicycle traffic at 4pm.
Distance: 54 miles with 3,310 feet of climbing

Day 2: Going-to-the-Sun-Road to Many Glaciers Valley

Beginning at daybreak, we begin a 22-mile ascent of The Going-to-the-Sun Road to the summit of Logan Pass (6,646-feet). Due to the daily road closure cyclists must reach Logan Pass by 11am. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of time. The ascent follows McDonald Creek through old growth forests to emerge above tree line, with 360-degree views of alpine tundra and mountains. The-Going-to-the-Sun Road is simply one of the best cycling climbs in North America.
Savor the descent from Logan Pass as we fly beneath the bergschrunds and moraines of the surrounding glaciated peaks. Continue all the way down to the emerald colored Upper and Lower Saint Mary Lakes. Our lodging for tonight will be fabled Many Glacier Hotel, with its famous Swiss-style architecture and picturesque views of Swiftcurrent Lake.
Distance: 40 to 70 miles

Day 3: Many Glaciers to Waterton National Park, Canada.

Leaving the spectacular confines of the Many Glacier Valley, you’ll spin north on the Chief Mountain Highway towards the Canadian border. The terrain here involves three larger climbs, including a 5-mile ascent to Chief Mountain Overlook. The topography, outside the eastern boundary of Glacier National Park, comprises rolling ranch land and countless rivers sprinkled with aspen glades.
After enjoying a riverside picnic lunch, we’ll climb to the Canadian border crossing, descend to the Belly River, then climb two miles into the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The Peace Park designation pays tribute to the long history of friendship between Canada and the United States.
Our lodging for these two days in Canada is at the Northland lodge or Bayshore Inn.
Distance: 51 miles
NOTE: The Northland Lodge was the personal home of architect Doug Oland, one of the principle designer of the Prince of Wales Hotel. The lodge has been privately owned and managed by the Hacking family since the 1940’s. We love the balconies and family atmosphere of the Northland, as they offer a relaxed setting for the home-cooked meal we prepare for our guests when staying at the Northland.

Day 4: Alberta’s Waterton National Park

Ahhh, a layover day to relish and do as one pleases in Canada! You can choose to ride an out and back into Red Rock Canyon (20 to 30 miles) or ride to beautiful Cameron Lake for an invigorating swim (20 miles). Or go for an unforgettable hike. They include world-class trails to Rainbow Falls or Kootenai Lake, which start with a ferry ride across Crypt Lake.
Additional activity options include: fishing, kayaking, a cruise on Waterton Lake, shopping or simply enjoying a day of bird watching. No matter what you decide, the breathtaking mountains and numerous lakes of Waterton National Park surround your experience. Guests are on their own this evening to sample one of the many restaurants in the village of Waterton.
Distance: 20 – 50 miles

Day 5: Waterton to Glacier Park Lodge

Today is challenging Queen stage, with many climbs and endless views. Rolling out of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, we retrace our steps down to the Belly River and climb back to the U.S. border, rejoining the Chief Mountain Highway. The terrain twists and turns, climbs and dives, and then ascends Looking Glass Pass. You’ll finally descend the rolling terrain towards East Glacier. But before we get there, we’ll divert onto Looking Glass Hill Road, a gorgeous section of pavement cyclists love. Due to the narrow road, the support van cannot follow. So your only option here is to pedal (but you’ll love it).
Our lodging this evening is the historic Glacier Park Lodge. Built in 1913 the hotel is a classic structure of the National Park system with a lobby supported by colossal 40-foot tall Douglas fir pillars. We’ll enjoy our final dinner tonight before tomorrow’s finishing stage.
Distance: 40 – 78 miles

Day 6: Glacier Park Logde to Running Eagle Falls & Whitewater Rafting!

Today we ride Two Medicine Road, a lesser visited road in Glacier National Park that is comparatively traffic light. From the lodge, we ride north and follow it past Lower and Upper Two Medicine Lakes. Along the way you’ll have an opportunity to take a short hike to view Running Eagle Falls. Our Glacier National Park Bike Tour ends with an beautiful 3 1/2 hour whitewater rafting tour down a class 3 section of the Flat Head River. The float ends in West Glacier where the Cycling Guides provides shuttle back to Whitefish. We’ll arrive back at the meeting hotel in Whitefish at approximately 6:00 pm.
Distance: 24 miles with up to 1290 feet of climbing

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

Motel Lake McDonald or Apgar Village lodge
St Mary’s lodge, Many Glacier Hotel or Swiftcurren Inn
Northland Lodge or Bayshore Inn, Waterton, BC
Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier Park, MT

Meeting Hotel: Grouse Mountain Lodge 2 Fairway Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. Many other lodging options exist in Whitefish, MT. Meeting hotel is not included in tour cost.

NOTE: The Cheap Sleep hotel is a fine hotel option for pre and post tour lodging.
Post Tour Departure: The Glacier tour ends on Day 6 back in Whitefish at approximately 5pm after completing a 1/2 day of white water rafting. If you wish to fly out Friday evening, one can choose to not do the rafting trip and depart earlier on Friday from Whitefish in time for a 5pm flight. If you want to do this, please let us know. The guides will shuttle guests from the river put-in to Whitefish where one will take a shuttle to the airport.

Included:

• Lodging in comfortable Inns.
• Entrance fees to the National Parks included.
• Luggage transport and mechanical support
• 6-days of meals (5-dinners)
• Energy food and drinks
• Luggage transport

Not included:

• Bike rental
• Flights to and from the trip.
• Gratuity guides.
• Night before and after the tour.
• Alcoholic beverages

Pricing / Tour dates

Tour price 2023: $ 3250.- pp. single fee $ 570.-
You can avoid a single supplement by sharing a room with another rider.
Bike rental:
The Scott Addict 10. $250.-
Scott E-bike road bikes with straight bars $ 395.- per week
Tour dates 2024:
07 July – 12 July
14 July – 19 July
21 July – 26 July
28 July – 02 Aug.
04 Aug. – 09 Aug.
11 Aug. – 16 Aug.
18 Aug. – 23 Aug.
08 Sep. – 13 Sep.
15 Sep. – 20 Sep.

NOTE:
Flight & Shuttle: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport – FCA and take a shuttle to Whitefish, MT; or fly into Missoula International Airport – MSO and shuttle to Whitefish, MT with Glacier Taxi. Not included.

Post Tour Departure:
The Glacier tour ends on Day 6 back in Whitefish at approximately 5pm after completing a 1/2 day of white water rafting. If you wish to fly out Friday evening, one can choose to not do the rafting trip and depart earlier on Friday from Whitefish in time for a 5pm flight. If you want to do this, please let us know.  The guides will shuttle guests from the river put-in to Whitefish where one will take a shuttle to the airport.

Don’t forget to bring your passport to ride into Canada.

Conditions

Deposit $ 950.- pp
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

Our Glacier National Park Bike Tour has suitable options for cyclists of all abilities. Ride as much or as little as desired. There are BIG climbs and bonus mileage options available each day. Both parks provide not to be missed hiking options to waterfalls, verdant meadows filled with wildflowers and mountain summits. We’ll take a few of these treks to add variety to the week’s activities. While we’ll remain in the confines of Glacier and Waterton, the scenery more than makes up for the relatively compact area of the tour. And since we will be venturing out in summertime, the far northern latitude brings extended evenings. Don’t be surprised if sunset arrives until 10:30 at night! Our Glacier National Park Tour is one for any “bucket-list”.

What about the altitude? from lower elevations ride Glacier each year without issues. Just prepare well, have patience and drink more water than you normally would. As in the mountains of Colorado, Glacier will challenge your fitness level. You might find that you pedal a little slower and breathe a little harder. But you’ll find that once you’ve acclimated to the elevation (which ranges from 3,150 ft. at Flathead River to 10,466 ft. atop Mt. Cleveland), you’ll be fine. Your efforts will be rewarded with unforgettable vistas, crisp mountain air and the camaraderie to fellow travelers.
The weather: Summer in the Rockies demonstrates the full range of Mother Nature’s moods. You might enjoy bright sunshine at first. But in a matter of hours, you’ll hear thunderclaps and witness lightning across darkening skies. We are experienced in providing a safe riding experience for your and your fellow cyclists, should inclement weather arise.