Nestled on the northern Montana border with Canada, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is more than one nation's park. Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park, which share a common northern border, were joined in 1995. The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was the first of its kind in the world. To all countries, it represents a joint effort to preserve something of incredible universal value. The U.S. part of the park is often referred to as Glacier National Park.
The spectacular mountain scenery has urged many people to call it America's most outstanding park. Its rugged beauty stretches out for more than one million acres. You can explore the white glacier-capped mountain peaks of the Continental Divide; sparkling glacier-fed lakes, streams and waterfalls; and alpine meadows carpeted with brilliant wildflowers.
This massive landscape tells a story that began millions of years ago, when the Earth's crustal plates collided and formed the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. The mountains and valleys were further sculpted by huge rivers of ice, or glaciers, that have now melted, creating the many lakes and streams in the park. Today, 50 small alpine glaciers dot the mountain peaks.
Of course, the park's scenery is not its only attraction. Relatively isolated from population centers, Glacier National Park has become a wilderness sanctuary for wolves, grizzly bears and mountain lions.
For families, the park offers a unique mountain wilderness experience. Just driving through the park brings you closer to nature. But those who have visited have never stayed in their cars for long. With opportunities to camp, backpack, walk the nature trails and take boat tours, you and your kids can discover the mysteries, magic and splendor of mountain wilderness life.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Although the park is open year-round, most facilities and services are only open from late May until late September, due to long, cold winters (families should always be prepared for cold and snow). For an updated schedule of park activities and ranger programs, ask for a free copy of NATURE WITH A NATURALIST at the entrance gates or visitor centers. When the park's Going-to-the-Sun Road is cleared in late June, the activities and programs are in full swing. The vehicle entrance fee of $20 is good for seven consecutive days. The two major visitor centers are located at St. Mary (open mid-May through Labor Day from 8 A.M. to 9 P.M. daily) and Logan Pass (open late June to Labor Day from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. daily). The Apgar Visitor Center and the Many Glacier Ranger Station are also open during the summer to answer questions. For information and brochures, call 406-888-7800.
BEST BETS
BEST SCENIC DRIVE AND VIEW
Going-to-the-Sun Road is possibly the biggest single attraction in the park and one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the United States. It's not to be missed. You drive from the lowest elevation in the park to the summit of the Continental Divide (Logan Pass) and then down the other side of the mountain, with many opportunities to pull off at overlooks. Vehicles longer than 21 feet and wider than 8 feet are prohibited on the steepest sections of this narrow, twisting 50-mile route. For Jammer tours, call 406-888-5431 ext.602.
BEST EASY WALK
Among the five nature trails in the park, two stand out for families. The easy 1 1/2-mile (one-way) self-guided Hidden Lake Nature Trail heads from Logan Pass to an overlook where you can look down 400 feet at this alpine lake. Trail of the Cedars is popular with families with young kids. On a 1/2-mile boardwalk loop, you wind your way through an ancient cedar and hemlock forest.
BEST HIKE
A Canadian park interpreter and a U.S. ranger lead the 8-mile International Peace Park hike. You start at the Waterton Townsite and hike south along the Upper Waterton Lake. When you cross the international boundary, you join hands with your new Canadian friends in a special handshake ceremony. At the end of the hike, hop aboard a ferry that will take you back to your car.
BEST OVERNIGHT HIKE
With over 700 miles of trails winding through Glacier, it is hard to choose the best trail. You can't go wrong with the fairly level Highline Trail, altough this is best for older kids who are hearty hikers. In July and August, when the wildflowers are in full bloom along this alpine trail, your family can experience the true beauty of the park. Cut out of a sheer rock cliff, the trail winds along for 7 1/2 miles to one of only two historic backcountry chalets left in the park. Granite Park Chalet serves as a hiker's shelter. If you'd like to stay overnight, bring your own food, water and bedding.
BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING
Climb the slopes behind Many Glacier Campground for a good chance of spotting mountain goats, bighorn sheep and other wildlife on the hills above the campsites. Families interested in spotting moose can take a trail from Goat Haunt to Kootenai Lake, where moose are often seen near the water.
BEST FAMILY PROGRAM
Glacier Institute runs a variety of day workshops for families. Check out the Family Nature Hikes, where you and the kids become nature detectives on a moderate 2-mile hike. For reservations and more information (new programs are added every year), call 406-755-1211.
BEST DAY EXCURSION Glacier Wilderness Guides, the park's official backpacking concessionaire, custom-designs trips for families of all ages and sizes. In addition to experienced guides, they can provide your family with a porter, or Sherpa, to help carry either your load (so you can backpack a child) or your kids' loads. Trips, including gear and food, average $105 per person per day. A Sherpa costs an extra $125 per day. Call 800-521-7238.
BEST BOAT CRUISE
Here's one way to get into the backcountry with your kids without hiking for miles. Take a boat cruise with Glacier Park Boat Company. From Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St. Mary, you can take a narrated tour of the lake. When the boat stops across the lake, you disembark to take a ranger-led hike (you can take the next scheduled boat back to your starting point), or you can continue on with the cruise. During the summer, trips run daily from about 9 A.M. to 7 P.M., and the round-trip cost is from $9.50 to $12.00 for adults, half-price for kids ages four to 12, and free for kids under age four. Call 406-257-2426.
BEST SPECIAL PROGRAM
Blackfeet, Salish and Kootenai tribal members give special evening campfire talks several times a week. During animated presentations, they discuss native life and culture, tell legends and, on occasion, host a contemporary folksinger. Check the park newspaper for campground locations and times.
BEST CAMPGROUND
All 12 park campgrounds (providing just under 1,000 sites) operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During the busy July-August season, arrive by 9 A.M. to reserve your site. Many Glacier Campground, with 114 sites, flush toilets, cold running water, fire grates and evening slide-show presentations is perfect for families. Many good hiking trails radiate from the campground. Call the park for dates and times.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated June 2005.
