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Where to Stay in Glacier Country

Where to Stay in Glacier Country

Glacier Country Montana, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Varieties

  • Hotels & Motels

    Found in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, and Missoula. From budget-friendly to special boutique hotels.

  • Resorts

    High-end options, especially in Whitefish (The Lodge at Whitefish Lake) and Bigfork. These properties boast extensive amenities, including spas, dining, and recreation.

  • Historic Lodges (within Glacier National Park)

    Iconic lodges like Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge. They deliver a public garden experience. Book 13 months ahead for summer.

  • Cabins & Cottages

    Many private rentals throughout Glacier Country. They offer more space and privacy.

Diverse Choices

  • Vacation Rentals (VRBO, Booking.com)

    Abundant options from apartments to large homes, in Whitefish, Kalispell, and lake communities. Many kitchens feature in these rentals. That makes meals simple and saves money.

  • Hostels (Hostelworld)

    Limited options (Wander Inn Glacier Park Hostel in Coram, Beargrass Lodging & Flathead Hostel in Columbia Falls). Budget-friendly dormitory or private rooms. Solo travelers like the communal atmosphere.

  • Camping (NPS & Private)

    NPS campgrounds within Glacier National Park. Private campgrounds and RV parks beyond the park's borders often boast more amenities. National Forest campgrounds are more primitive.

  • House/Pet Sitting (TrustedHousesitters)

    An exchange platform for house and pet sitting.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area near Glacier Country holds its own charm and points to note for travel.

Park Gateways

Benefits
  • Closest access to park entrances.
  • Some services available.
  • Early park access from Apgar Village.
Drawbacks
  • Many people stay here in summer.
  • Services are fewer than in larger towns.
  • Can be very busy.

Larger Towns Whitefish, Kalispell

Benefits
  • Many accommodation options.
  • More dining and shopping.
  • Reliable cell service.
  • Transportation hubs are more accessible.
Drawbacks
  • Longer drive to park entrances (30-90 minutes).
  • Urban noise present.
  • Peak the season may be lively.

Inside Glacier National Park

Benefits
  • Close to trails, scenery, park pastimes.
  • An immersive experience unfolds here.
  • Unparalleled access to park attractions.
Drawbacks
  • Very expensive.
  • Book 13 months ahead.
  • Availability is limited.
  • Cell service is nonexistent in numerous places.

Location & Ambiance

Proximity to Attractions:

West Glacier/Apgar suit west-side The Crown Of the continent attractions. East Glacier Park/St. Mary suit east-side attractions. Whitefish/Kalispell offer a central spot for exploring both the park (west side) and Flathead Valley.

Noise Levels:

Inside the park, expect natural sounds. Gateway towns can bustle in summer. Whitefish is a lively resort town. Kalispell/Missoula present moderate urban noise.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking

  • Summer (July-August): Book 6-12 months ahead for all lodging. Park lodging often requires booking 13 months out.
  • Shoulder Seasons (May-June, Sep-Oct): Book 3-6 months ahead for popular spots, 1-3 months for other options.
  • Winter (Nov-Apr): Book 1-3 months ahead, especially for ski dates or holidays.
  • Rental cars also require booking far in advance during summer.

Trusted Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, IHG Hotels.
  • Vacation Rentals: VRBO and Airbnb.
  • National Park Service: Recreation.gov for campgrounds, backcountry permits, and Going-to-the-Sun Road vehicle reservations.
  • Glacier National Park Lodges: Xanterra Green spaces & Vacation spots for official lodge bookings.

Additional Notes

Direct Booking
  • Booking directly with properties may yield better rates.
  • Specific requests are possible via direct booking.
Walk-in Rates & Policies
  • Walk-in rate negotiation is not typical for established hotels.
  • Policies differ widely by property.
  • Review cancellation terms before booking; many are non-refundable.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Summer Peak

Prices peak in July and August.

Shoulder Season Dip

Prices fall greatly in shoulder seasons.

Winter Low

Prices are lowest in winter, outside ski holiday spots.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some suggestions tailored to various travel needs.

Top Picks for Different Budgets

Budget-Friendly Options

For travelers watching their spending.

  • NPS Campgrounds: Basic amenities, highly competitive.
  • Private Campgrounds: More amenities, outside the park.
  • Hostels: Limited options, communal atmosphere, low cost.
Mid-Range Options

A good balance of price and comfort.

  • Motels/Hotels: Chains and independent motels.
  • Vacation Rentals: More space, self-catering is possible.
  • Basic Cabins: Rustic for small groups, many have kitchens.

Luxury & Premium Stays

Historic Park Lodges

Iconic stays inside The Crown Of the continent.

  • Many Glacier Hotel: Classic park experience.
  • Lake McDonald Lodge: Picturesque lakeside setting.
Resort Hotels & Upscale Rentals

For a pampered, high-end experience.

  • The Inn at Whitefish Lake: Extensive amenities.
  • The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough): Luxury ranch stay.
  • Upscale Vacation Rentals: Private homes with luxury features.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Vacation Rentals

    More space for families, self-catering is possible, relaxed pace.

  • Private Campgrounds

    Many include playgrounds and pools; fun activities for kids.

  • Motels with Pools

    Found in Kalispell or Whitefish; fun activities for children after exploring.

  • Park Lodges/Cabins

    Apgar Village Inn or cabins at Lake McDonald Lodge offer park proximity and lake activities.

Solo & Long-Stay Recommendations

  • Hostels (Solo Travelers)

    They promote social interaction and budget-friendly rooms. Solo travelers connect with others.

  • NPS Campgrounds (Solo Travelers)

    A wilderness experience awaits. Bear awareness is extra important; tell someone your plans.

  • Hotels in Whitefish (Solo Travelers)

    Walkability is present, with easy access to town amenities, dining, and nightlife.

  • Vacation Rentals (Long-Stay)

    Weekly or monthly discounts happen often. Apartment-style living is possible.

Properties with Historical Significance

Many Glacier Hotel

A grand historic lodge on Swiftcurrent Lake, from 1915, built in a Swiss chalet style. Its architecture and setting stand out.

  • Iconic park landmark.
  • Unmatched mountain scenery.
Lake McDonald Lodge

A historic lodge on Lake McDonald, from 1913, also features a Swiss chalet design. Its lakeside location delights the eye.

  • Picturesque setting.
  • Direct lake access.

General Accommodation Advice

Safety in All Areas

All most areas are safe. Standard precautions for securing valuables apply, especially at trailheads where vehicle break-ins happen. Bear awareness matters near the park, so store food properly and carry bear spray.

Connectivity

Cell service is nonexistent in many areas within Glacier National Park. Larger towns like Whitefish and Kalispell have reliable cell service.

Peak Season Considerations

During summer, popularity surges. This means higher prices and competition for rooms. Prior reservations are strongly recommended.