Glacier National Park Itinerary from Kalispell Points Travel
My family loves visiting national parks. We had been wanting to visit Glacier National Park for over 20 years. Thanks to points and miles, we finally made it. I break down how I booked this trip on points and miles in this post.
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Where We Stayed: Marriott Whitefish Review
We based ourselves in Whitefish, a charming town just outside Kalispell, and stayed at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott—a modern, clean hotel just 12 minutes from the airport. The staff was incredibly friendly, and our room included a handy kitchenette. While I had zero intention of cooking on this trip, the fridge was perfect for stocking cold drinks after long days of exploring.
Exploring Whitefish & Kalispell
The location was extremely convenient: a tasty Chinese restaurant and a Subway were right across the street, and a Starbucks was just a short walk away. Downtown Whitefish—with its lively town square—was only 1.5 miles from the hotel. Although the hotel offered a nightly shuttle, we opted to drive the three times we visited.
The square had a fun, bustling vibe with plenty of shops and restaurants. On Tuesday night, we stumbled upon a delightful farmers’ market featuring live music and local vendors. We were surprised by how lively it was at 5 PM, especially the day after Labor Day—Whitefish really knows how to keep the energy going.
Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road: What to Know
Going-to-the-Sun Road absolutely lived up to the hype—though it definitely tested our nerves. Until this trip, Beartooth Pass held the title for our most intense drive, but Going-to-the-Sun Road took it up a notch. With steep drop-offs, winding curves, and jaw-dropping views, it’s both breathtaking and a little stressful. I was more than happy to let my husband take the wheel!
We ended up driving the full stretch all three days of our visit, and each time felt just as awe-inspiring. Reservations are essential—the National Park Service updates the entry system annually, so be sure to check the latest requirements. For our September trip, I booked our vehicle pass in May, and I’m glad I did.
If you miss out on a reservation, there are still options. You can enter from the east side of the park (as of now), or book a scenic boat tour with Glacier National Park Boat Tours, which grants access as a backup strategy. Either way, don’t skip this iconic drive—it’s a must-do for any Glacier itinerary.
Lake Mary Boat Tour: Scenic Views & Surprising Moose Facts
On our second day, we took the Lake Mary boat tour with Glacier National Park Boat Tours, and it was the perfect way to rest our feet while still soaking in the park’s stunning scenery. One of the highlights? Spotting a glacier that’s completely hidden from the road—such a cool surprise!
The tour was not only relaxing but also packed with fascinating info. We learned that Glacier National Park currently has 26 active glaciers, based on the last official survey from 2015. And here’s a fun fact I had to double-check because it sounded so wild: moose are excellent divers—they can plunge up to 20 feet underwater! Who knew?
Logan Pass
Logan Pass is always busy—so be prepared to hike uphill just to reach the trailhead. On our final morning, we left the hotel before sunrise hoping to snag a parking spot. We arrived at 8:10 AM, and the lot was already full. The closest available parking was about ⅓ mile downhill, which meant a steep walk up just to get started. I wasn’t thrilled about the climb, but it was the only way to access the trail—and totally worth it.
We didn’t hike all the way to the lake, but we got a stunning view from above. There was bear activity reported near the lake that day, and after watching a few intense YouTube videos, I had zero interest in a close encounter. I take bear safety seriously—especially after a run-in back in 1989 (long story, but we all made it out okay!).
This trail is one of the park’s most popular, and it’s uphill nearly the entire way. Thankfully, a good portion is built on a boardwalk, which helps with footing. We even spotted a family of bighorn sheep in the distance—such a cool sight to end the hike.
Many Glacier: Our Favorite Spot
My favorite part had to be the Many Glacier area. The area is just breathtaking, the whole park is really. I could have sat at the hotel there all day just looking out the windows. The drive is beautiful. I was so glad I was able to get car reservations for this part of the park. Again, parking is hard to find, but we were able to find a spot. The last part of the drive is unpaved. Be prepared to bounce around quite a bit, and you will be going slowly.
Glacier National Park Food Tips
Food is very limited in the park. My family loves a warm lunch, so we planned our day to be near a warm meal choice at lunchtime. We ate a Two Dog Flats at Rising Sun two days in the park, and we ate at the hotel while in the Many Glacier area. For park food, it was good and not too expensive. We live outside Nashville, so the meals were less expensive compared to back home. I would pack snacks and drinks for exploring the park. It was hard to gauge how long it would take to get anywhere. You never know what you will see. On the way to lunch on our last day, I saw a bear on the other side of the road standing up. By the time we parked the car (a safe distance away), we saw the same bear wander off in the other direction (thank goodness).
Final Thoughts: Glacier National Park on Points—A Trip to Remember
Our Glacier National Park adventure was everything we hoped for—breathtaking views, unforgettable wildlife sightings, and the kind of family memories that only come from being off the grid and surrounded by nature’s grandeur. From the adrenaline-pumping drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road to the peaceful Lake Mary boat tour, every moment reminded us why this park is a true national treasure.
Traveling on points made this dream trip even sweeter. Staying at a Marriott in Whitefish, exploring the park for three full days, and still keeping our out-of-pocket costs low proved that travel hacking can unlock incredible experiences—without breaking the bank.
If Glacier National Park is on your list, start planning early, pack your layers (and your bear spray!), and don’t forget to book those vehicle reservations. Whether you’re chasing glaciers, hiking alpine trails, or just soaking in the serenity, this park delivers the kind of magic that stays with you long after you’ve left.
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