Glacier National Park in winter from the comfort of a guided scenic drive: the quiet west side, Lake McDonald under snow, and lunch at the historic lodge, with the driving handled for you.
This relaxed tour is perfect for guests who want to enjoy Glacier’s landscapes, history and wildlife without the physical demands of hiking. We handle the driving; you simply sit back, take in the views, and enjoy a personalized experience. It runs November through March, books online, and the price shows above with the open days on the calendar.
How the Day Goes
10:00 am, meet at the shop. We get settled in the heated vehicle and head east with early panoramas of the Flathead River Valley.
10:40 am, Hungry Horse Reservoir and Dam. Sweeping views of the reservoir and the dam, the tenth highest in the country, with a little of the area’s history and hydropower.
11:15 am, into Glacier. The road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is the one road the park plows all winter. Your guide shares the stories, the landmarks and the wildlife we might see along the way.
11:30 am, Apgar and Lake McDonald. A stroll at Apgar Village and photos on the lakeshore, with crystal-clear views of the lake and its backdrop of glacier-carved peaks. In winter the colorful stones under the water are easier to see than in any summer crowd.
12:00 pm, Lake McDonald Lodge and lunch. A peaceful, scenic lunch surrounded by towering mountains and one of the most iconic lakes in the park, and time to look around the lodge area.
12:45 pm, the drive out. We leave the park at an easy pace with time for last photos and any remaining questions.
About 2:00 pm, back at the shop. The whole day fits between a late breakfast and an early dinner in Columbia Falls or Whitefish.
The Route
West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is about eight miles along the lake, the only stretch of Going-to-the-Sun Road open to cars in winter. The alpine road over Logan Pass closes around the third Monday of October and does not reopen until late June at the earliest, so everything above the lodge is snow and silence. Apgar Visitor Center is open on weekends in winter and its restrooms stay open; there is no fuel or lodging inside the park, which is why we pack the lunch and start in town.
December Versus March
In December and January the days are short and the light is low and blue; the lake is often still open water with the mountains behind it under fresh snow. By late February and March the days run long, the snowpack is at its deepest and the afternoon alpenglow on the peaks behind Lake McDonald is the best photograph of the winter. Either way the park is close to empty, and white-tailed deer along the road are the most common company.
Who It Suits
This tour is designed to be comfortable, informative and immersive, a perfect choice for families, couples, and anyone who wants a deeper look at Glacier’s natural and cultural history with both hands free. Grandparents, guests with limited mobility and photographers who want the stops without the walk all do well on it. Short strolls only.
What to Wear
Even from the vehicle you will want layers for the stops: a warm jacket, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots for snowy ground. Sunglasses help with the glare off the lake. The full winter packing list is on our winter tours page.
Want to Get Out on the Snow?
The guided snowshoe tour is the same quiet park on foot, with snowshoes, poles and lunch provided.
