Glacier Without the Crowds: What’s Happening in the Park Right Now (Feb 2026)

While most people think of Glacier National Park as a summer-only destination, locals know that February is actually one of the most magical times to visit. The air is crisp, the peaks are draped in "white gold," and the summer crowds are nowhere to be found.

If you’re visiting Whitefish or the Flathead Valley this month, here are the top winter activities available right now.

1. Guided Snowshoeing: Finding the Hidden Gems

With most of the park’s inner roads closed to cars, snowshoes are your "all-access pass." While you can explore Apgar or the shores of Lake McDonald on your own, a guided tour is the best way to find the spots most tourists miss.

Our guide Brandon has been busy taking guests into the quietest corners of the valley lately. Even when the snow is light at lower elevations, he knows exactly which creek beds and cedar groves hold the best winter scenery.

2. Scenic Winter Driving Tours

Not everyone wants to "trudge" through the snow, and that’s okay! You can still see the iconic views. Currently, you can drive about 10 miles into the park from the West Entrance to Lake McDonald Lodge.

A scenic driving tour is a stress-free way to see the frozen waterfalls and the jagged peaks of the Continental Divide from a warm, comfortable vehicle. It’s the perfect way to "see it all" without needing to pack a sub-zero sleeping bag.

3. Nordic Skiing the "Sun Road"

One of the coolest things about winter in Glacier is that the Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes one of the longest, most scenic cross-country ski trails in the world. Once you hit the vehicle closure at the lodge, the road belongs to the skiers and snowshoers. Gliding past a silent, frozen McDonald Creek is an experience you’ll never forget.

4. Stargazing & The Northern Lights

Glacier is a certified International Dark Sky Park. In February, the nights are long and the air is often clear. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights reflecting off the still waters of Lake McDonald.

Looking Ahead: The "Hiker-Biker" Transition

Believe it or not, we are already starting to prep for the spring! As the snow begins to melt on the lower sections of the road in late March and April, we enter the legendary "Hiker-Biker" season.

This is the short window where you can ride an E-bike up the Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to cars. It’s arguably the best way to experience the park in the entire year.

Ready to explore the winter wonderland? Contact us