West Glacier offers some of the most accessible and scenic ways to experience Glacier National Park’s rugged beauty. It’s a hub for outdoor lovers, with options ranging from gentle float trips to ambitious snowshoe expeditions. We especially like the Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip for its relaxing pace and stunning river views, or the Driving Tour in Glacier National Park for a comprehensive, stress-free overview. These experiences let you soak in the landscape without the hassle of navigating yourself, perfect for travelers who want to focus on the scenery and stories.
If you’re looking for an active day, the Nature Walk in Glacier National Park and Morning Nature Walk provide a gentle introduction to the park’s flora, fauna, and geology, all led by knowledgeable guides. For winter travelers, the Snowshoe Day Tour offers a peaceful, snow-covered wonderland. Whether you prefer drifting along peaceful rivers, exploring trails, or cruising scenic roads, West Glacier’s tours deliver authentic, memorable moments.
1. West Glacier: Glacier National Park Scenic Raft Trip
Enjoy a relaxing scenic raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, rated 4.9/5 with 250 reviews. For just $83 per person, this 2.5-hour adventure offers a gentle float surrounded by stunning views of Glacier National Park’s rugged peaks and lush forests. Your friendly, interpretive river guide shares insights on the park’s natural and cultural history, making it a good choice for families or travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its ease and accessibility—no paddling experience required—and the chance to unwind while soaking in the park’s beauty. It’s ideal for those who want a taste of Glacier’s scenery without strenuous activity. The river’s calm waters and the guide’s insights ensure a relaxed, informative outing. This trip is particularly suited for travelers with limited mobility or families with children who prefer a gentle, engaging experience.
Bottom line: The Raft Trip offers unmatched tranquility and educational value, with excellent reviews reflecting its high quality and value.
2. Nature Walk in Glacier National Park
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 based on 48 reviews, this guided nature walk costs $65 per person and lasts about four hours. Meeting at Glacier Guides & Montana Raft, the tour begins with a brief orientation before exploring two key areas: a one-mile walk through Lake McDonald Valley and another along the Wild and Scenic North Fork of the Flathead River.
This tour excels in offering a hands-on, educational experience focused on park ecology, wildlife, and history. Guides like Hailey, Tom, Haylie, Wade, Malcolm, and Shannon bring a wealth of knowledge about the flora, fauna, fire science, and early settlement stories. Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and the well-organized, beautiful walks. One noted, “I learnt a lot about the terrain, trees, and plantings,” highlighting its educational focus.
This tour suits travelers who want to combine light physical activity with learning about Glacier’s environment. Its moderate length and accessible trails make it a good choice for those with limited time or mobility. The only potential downside is it doesn’t include longer or more strenuous hikes, but for an introduction, it’s hard to beat.
Bottom line: If you’re after an informative, easy walk with expert guides, this tour provides a perfect introduction to Glacier’s natural wonders.
3. Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road)
Rated 5.0/5 with 32 reviews and priced at $245 per person, this full-day driving tour lets someone else do the steering while you relax and take in the scenery. Starting with pickup from your lodging, it includes stops at Apgar Village, Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald Lodge, and other notable sites.
What makes this tour special is its personalized, leisurely pace—you get to avoid the hassle of driving and crowds, and the guide provides historical insights and recommendations for photo stops. During the day, you’ll visit scenic spots like Apgar Village and Lake McDonald, enjoying delicious included lunch from Park Provisions. The itinerary also includes less-visited areas, giving you a broader perspective of the park’s highlights.
Reviews praise the guides’ local knowledge and friendly service, especially noting the flexibility to stop for shopping or extra photos. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer comfort and convenience over hiking or strenuous activities. The downside may be that it doesn’t include the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, but it still covers many essential sights.
Bottom line: For a hassle-free, comprehensive tour with personal touches, this driving tour is a top choice for those who want to see Glacier without the stress.
4. Driving Tour in Glacier National Park
This self-guided driving tour costs $220 per person and lasts about 5 to 6 hours, focusing on the highlights like Apgar, West Glacier, Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald, and the Lake McDonald Lodge. Starting with an easy-to-follow itinerary, you’ll enjoy stops at key landmarks while soaking in the park’s breathtaking views.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility. You can set your own pace, linger at favorite spots, and explore hidden corners. Tour guides have praised the personalized approach, with reviews mentioning the ability to “take our time and learn more,” and guides like Gavin and Justin providing a friendly, informative experience. The stops include iconic viewpoints and short walks, making it suitable for families or less active travelers.
A highlight is the chance to visit Hungry Horse Reservoir, where you can see one of the largest concrete arch dams in the U.S. Plus, the tour includes local treats like huckleberry goodies at the Huckleberry Patch store. It’s an excellent introduction for travelers who want a curated, flexible experience without the commitment of a full guided hike.
Bottom line: If you prefer a customized, leisurely exploration and enjoy driving yourself, this tour offers a perfect balance of adventure and autonomy.
5. Glacier National Park: Scenic Float on the Flathead River
Rated 4.9/5 from 8 reviews, this scenic float lasts 2 hours and is priced at $87 per person. It offers a peaceful, contemplative way to experience the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. The float is gentle and guided by friendly, interpretive guides who share insights about the river’s flora, fauna, and history.
The float provides unmatched tranquility—perfect for travelers who want a calming experience amid Glacier’s natural beauty. Reviewers mention feeling “safe and comfortable,” and the float is ideal for families, seniors, or anyone who prefers a less active day. The views of the park from the river are spectacular, and the experience is both relaxing and educational.
While it’s not as adrenaline-filled as some adventures, this tour excels in offering a quiet, scenic perspective on Glacier. It’s a great option if your goal is to rejuvenate and learn without strenuous activity.
Bottom line: A peaceful, scenic float perfect for those seeking serenity and scenic views.
6. Glacier National Park: Morning Nature Walk
Rated 4.7/5, this morning nature walk lasts about four hours and costs $65 per person. The tour explores Lake McDonald Valley and Glacier’s North Fork wilderness, focusing on ecology and environmental education.
Led by expert guides, the walks cover Leave No Trace principles, forest fire science, and river ecology, making it ideal for travelers interested in learning about conservation and natural systems. The walks are short and accessible, making them suitable for visitors with limited mobility or those short on time. Reviewers highlight how the guides share “impressive knowledge” and make the walks both beautiful and educational.
This tour is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who want a guided, slow-paced walk with a focus on understanding Glacier’s environment. It’s not designed for those seeking long hikes or intense physical activity but works well as an introduction.
Bottom line: Perfect for curious travelers who want to combine gentle walking with insightful learning.
7. Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park
Rated 4.5/5, this combined snowshoe and driving tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours. It’s designed for all ages and fitness levels, offering a chance to see Glacier in winter with plenty of flexibility. The tour begins with a driving component, visiting highlights like Apgar and Lake McDonald, then transitions into snowshoeing on scenic trails.
What makes this tour unique is its customization — guides like Justin tailor the experience to your skill level and interests, making it accessible for families or first-timers. Reviewers praise the personalized attention and mention seeing signs of wildlife, like moose tracks. The tour includes snowshoe gear and optional local lunch options.
This experience is ideal for winter travelers wanting a full-day outdoor activity that balances driving, sightseeing, and snowshoeing. The only drawback might be the limited snowshoeing duration, but the overall flexibility makes it appealing.
Bottom line: If you want a flexible, family-friendly winter adventure, this combo tour offers a memorable day in Glacier.
8. E Bike Tour in Glacier National Park Camas Road
Rated 4.0/5, this e-bike tour lasts about five hours and covers around 25 miles along Camas Road. Starting from Apgar Village, it showcases Lake McDonald, wildflower meadows, and the Lewis and Livingston Ranges. It’s perfect for those who want to cover more ground with less effort.
The tour includes a picnic-style “aquarium lunch” at North Fork River, providing a peaceful break in the natural surroundings. The lightly traveled paved road and guided support make it suitable for riders of various levels. Reviewers mention the excellent bikes and the informative guides, with some noting the route’s limited scenery compared to other options.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want to explore Glacier’s scenery at a relaxed pace. It’s a good choice for those who want to combine outdoor activity with scenic vistas without the physical strain of a long hike.
Bottom line: An engaging, active way to see Glacier’s highlights if you’re comfortable on an e-bike.
$229.00 per person
9. Snowshoe Day Tour In Glacier National Park
Currently unrated, this winter snowshoe tour lasts 5 to 6 hours and costs $250 per person. It’s designed to let you experience Glacier in its winter splendor, with all gear provided and routes tailored to your skill level.
Starting from West Glacier, the tour visits places like Lake McDonald and other scenic vistas, with the opportunity to snowshoe through snow-covered landscapes that few summer visitors see. Guides provide all necessary equipment, and the experience is personalized to your comfort and snowshoeing ability.
Ideal for winter travelers, this tour offers a chance to avoid crowds and soak in Glacier’s snowy scenery amid crisp air and quiet snowfields. The focus on customization, along with the impressive winter scenery, makes this a memorable adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re visiting in winter and want an immersive snowy experience, this tour provides a unique, picturesque day.
$250.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Glacier Tour
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time and energy you want to spend. If relaxation is your priority, the Scenic Raft Trip or Float on the Flathead River are excellent choices. For a rundown, the Driving Tour or the Self-Guided Driving Experience help you see many highlights with minimal effort.
Active travelers seeking nature and learning might prefer the Nature Walks or E Bike Tour, while winter visitors should consider the Snowshoe Day Tour for an unforgettable snowy adventure. When planning, consider booking early—especially for guided tours in peak season—to ensure availability.
If you’re unsure, a good strategy is to combine a scenic drive with a gentle walk or float, giving you a balanced experience of Glacier’s natural beauty.
In summary, West Glacier offers a range of tours that suit different interests and energy levels. Whether you want to float peacefully down a river, explore trails with a knowledgeable guide, or drive through the park’s iconic sights—there’s something for all. A couple of standout options include the Scenic Raft Trip for its relaxing pace and stunning views, and the Driving Tour for its flexibility and comprehensive coverage. Whatever you choose, book early and prepare to enjoy one of the most spectacular landscapes in the United States.