Glacier National Park
Lake McDonald Boat Ride
July 19 - July 24, 2026Glacier National Park
July 19 - July 24, 2026Highlights
- Ride a Red "Jammer" along Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Ply the scenic waters of Lake McDonald
- Visit the cute towns of Whitefish & Columbia Falls
- Time for personal exploration of the park
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Activity
Read more about WTT Activity Levels
- 50% Easy
- 50% Moderate (Hiking, Boating, Long Bus Tour of the Park)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Itinerary
Sunday, 19 July 2026: Arrive Kalispell, MT; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour will begin at the hotel at 6:00pm with our Welcome Meeting, followed by dinner to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming days. Overnight Kalispell - 1 night
Monday, 20 July 2026: Lake McDonald Boat Cruise; Free Afternoon (B,L)
We will return to the park this morning to take in the majestic vistas from another perspective as we embark on a narrated boat tour of emerald-hued Lake McDonald. This lake is famous for its Fruity Pebble’ like rocks that glisten in the clear water and is a favorite of photographers. There will be time for an easy walk along the paved bike trail or perhaps you'd prefer hiking any of the trails right around the lake. Your Tour Leader will provide suggestions. We will return to the park this morning to take in the majestic vistas from another perspective as we embark on a narrated boat tour of emerald-hued Lake McDonald. This lake is famous for its Fruity Pebble’ like rocks that glisten in the clear water and is a favorite of photographers. There will be time for an easy walk along the paved bike trail or perhaps you'd prefer hiking any of the trails right around the lake. Your Tour Leader will provide suggestions. We head to Columbia Falls this evening to get settled at our hotel.
Tuesday, 21 July 2026: Glacier National Park: Going-to-the-Sun Road Tour (B)
Today we experience the drama and spectacular scenery on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, considered one of the most scenic drives in the entire US. This engineering marvel traverses 50 miles through the park's wild interior and crosses the Continental Divide. We'll hop on a historic Red Bus Tour. Known affectionately as Jammers—a name derived from the days when the buses had standard transmissions and the drivers could be heard "jamming" the gears—the buses allow everyone a commanding view of the scenery. This tour is six to seven hours in total, but is so worth it...after all, this is the reason you come to Glacier National Park! Overnight Columbia Falls - 3 nights
Wednesday, 22 July 2026: Free Day in Glacier National Park (B)
Today is all about how you want to spend your time in Glacier National Park. The park provides a free shuttle service with 14 stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road between the Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Center. There is also an express shuttle that can take you directly to Logan Pass. Your Tour Leader will have suggestions for how to spend your day and will help pair travelers with similar interests.
Thursday, 23 July 2026: Whitefish Mountain; Downtown Whitefish; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
To the west of Glacier National Park is the town of Whitefish. This picturesque community captures the essence of Montana and has been called one of the 25 most charming small towns in America. We'll travel to Whitefish Mountain Resort, a ski resort that features fun in all four seasons. Here we will soar up Big Mountain on a scenic gondola (or opt for the open chairlift!) for the best views of the Flathead Valley and the mighty peaks of Glacier National Park. After our mountain fun, we'll enjoy a bit of free time in the super cute mountain town Whitefish this afternoon. We'll enjoy an early Farewell Dinner before we return to Kalispell to make flying out tomorrow easier. Overnight Kalispell - 1 night
Friday, 24 July 2026: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure at your convenience. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
Your Tour Leader will make changes to the itinerary as necessary in the event of closures and restrictions.
Glacier National Park
July 19 - July 24, 2026Pricing
Room Share
$3,038.00Single Room
$4,364.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Tuesday, 20 Jan 2026: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Monday, 20 Apr 2026: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Thursday, 4 Jun 2026 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Thursday, 4 Jun 2026: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Insurance Reminder
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance is not included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Glacier National Park
July 19 - July 24, 2026Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
When searching for flights for this trip, be sure to search "Multi-city" or "Multiple Destinations." For comparison, you may also want to search for one-way fares.
Arrival Airport: FCA - Kalispell, MT (Glacier Park International Airport)
Arrival Date: Sunday, July 19th. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: FCA - Kalispell, MT (Glacier Park International Airport)
Departure Date: Friday, July 24th. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. WTT Tour Leader can assist with ride-share coordination.
When to Book Your Air
Once you have booked your flights (or other transportation arrangements), use the Travel Arrangements Form to send WTT your flight details. Use the same form to update your information should it change.
Airport Transfer Information
When arrival transfers are not included: WTT will provide suggestions to get to the hotel in your Final Travel Instructions about 2-3 weeks before the start of the tour. You'll also be able to see who else is arriving at the same time if you want to coordinate ride-sharing to the hotel.
Don't Worry. We're Expecting You: One of the reasons we ask for your travel arrangements is so we know when you're arriving and can approximate when you should be at the hotel. Your Final Travel Instructions will have instructions on what to do and who to contact if your flight is delayed.
Lodging / Hotels
Kalispell, MT: Hampton Inn Kalispell
Columbia Falls, MT: Cedar Creek Lodge
Kalispell, MT: Hampton Inn Kalispell
Whenever possible, we choose hotels that are near the city center and/or where there are things to do and places to eat within walking distance of the hotel. When the chosen hotel is not within walking distance of much, transportation options, at the traveler's expense, are typically available.
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$206.00 Roomshare pp $411.00 Single Occupancy
Early Arrival Hotel: This tour uses the same hotel used on the first night of the tour.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
Glacier National Park
July 19 - July 24, 2026Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
- 50% Easy
- 50% Moderate (Hiking, Boating, Long Bus Tour of the Park)
As a solo traveler you are responsible for yourself, your possessions, your physical fitness, and all other aspects related to participation in the WTT tour you have chosen. Be sure to read the itinerary closely to better understand the physical requirements necessary for the tour.
WTT tours are not suitable for anyone whose mobility is challenged or compromised. If you struggle with walking, standing or negotiating stairs or if you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
What is the Group Size?
You will be introduced to the WTT Tour Leader when you receive your Final Travel Instructions, about 2-3 weeks before the tour begins.
Learn about your fellow travelers after final payment by visiting MyWTT. Room sharing assignments will be listed in the Final Travel Instructions.
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Each day of the itinerary lists the included meals for that day (B,L,D,O=Other). When a meal is not included, the WTT Tour Leader will have suggestions for where to eat.
You do not have to dine alone unless it is your personal choice. You'll most likely be dining with new acquaintances you've made, or you can join the Tour Leader.
Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
Weather in Glacier is unpredictable and can change quickly. In July and August, warm days in the 80s, or even 90s are common, but nights often can drop into the 40s and 50s. A sunny morning can turn cool, windy, or wet by afternoon. If you are heading out on the trail, pack for a range of conditions. Bring rain gear and extra layers, even on hot days. Higher elevations, especially at Logan Pass, are usually colder and more exposed, with stronger winds and faster-changing weather. August. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Shoes that are comfortable for light hiking
- Refillable water bottle(s)
- Day-pack
- Clothing that easily layers
- Rain Jacket
- Hat, sunglasses & insect repellent & sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Portable external battery charger for your cell phone
- Collapsible hiking poles
- Bring your National Park pass if you have one. We will be entering one or more National Park on this itinerary.
Good Packing Habits—
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping aids, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layer and coordinate. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
What are the phone and internet recommendations for this tour?
Cell phone service in and around Glacier National Park and rural parts of Montana can be very limited and unreliable, especially in the park’s more remote areas. While you may find better reception near major entrances, visitor centers, and along U.S. Highway 2, much of the park—including areas along Going-to-the-Sun Road, backcountry trails, and alpine regions—has little to no coverage. It’s best to plan ahead, download emails, maps and anything needed offline, and be prepared for extended periods without service.
Consider investing in a portable or external battery for your cell phone if you haven't already. With extended periods of driving on this tour and ample opportunities for photo ops, having a reliable battery backup will ensure you stay connected and capture all the moments. Another helpful tip: switch your Battery settings to Low Power Mode to help conserve energy and extend your phone’s battery life.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits. Be sure to keep cash on hand for sharing restaurant tabs, cabs, tips, and smaller purchases. More and more, restaurants are no longer allowing groups to split the bill. Therefore, you might want to have cash-on-hand for meals on your own when dining with others in the group.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?

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