Glacier National Park, known affectionately as the "Crown of the Continent," straddles the border between Canada and the U.S. Nestled within one of the world’s three great mountain ranges, it offers breathtaking landscapes, much of its beauty stemming from the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide creates two distinct ecosystems in the park, dividing it into an eastern and western side. The eastern side is drier with more parklands, while the west is lush, reminiscent of a rainforest.
Although I visited Glacier on foggy, cloudy days, the experience was still unforgettable. Here are some of the highlights of my time there:
Things to See & Do in Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road - This scenic, 63-mile (100 km) road traverses the park, offering spectacular views of glaciers, mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. At its highest point (6,646 feet) at Logan Pass, it crosses the Continental Divide. Note that the road isn't open year-round, so plan accordingly.
Saint Mary Lake - A top spot for stunning sunrises and sunsets, this lake showcases the park’s rugged beauty.
Logan Pass - Home to a visitor center and bookstore, Logan Pass is a prime spot for wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep, often visible near the pass.
Glaciers - The park contains around 24 active glaciers, with hikes to various glaciers ranging in difficulty. Some, like Jackson Glacier, Salamander Glacier, Grinnell Glacier, and Sperry Glacier, are visible from Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Lake McDonald - Located on the park's west side, this stunning, 10-mile-long lake with a mountain backdrop is Glacier’s largest. Even on foggy days, it’s an impressive sight and a fantastic hiking location.
Hiking - Glacier offers ample hiking trails on both the eastern and western sides. Popular options include the 10-mile Iceberg Lake Trail, the nearly 6-mile Hidden Lake Overlook Trail, the 10-mile Grinnell Glacier Trail, and the 11-mile Highline Trail.
Wildlife - Glacier is home to diverse wildlife, including mountain goats, black and brown bears, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit: July, August, and September. While the park is open year-round, road closures make certain areas inaccessible in winter.
Visitor Centers: Apgar, St. Mary, Logan Pass
Entrance Fees: $30 per vehicle, $15 per person
Website: nps.gov/glac
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