<<

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK FAMILY | 6 days - 5 nights | from $2,998 / adult $2,398 / child

Trip Summary:

Although it’s affectionately referred to as the “Backbone of the World” and the “Shining Mountains” by the local Native Americans, Glacier National Park’s beauty is hard to put into words. The park features more than one million acres of majestic mountains, lush valleys, wildlife-filled meadows, alpine lakes and quiet forests. With more than 750 miles of hiking trails, Glacier is a hiker’s dreams come true. Similarly, the epic Going-to-the-Sun Road provides photographers with one of the most scenic drives in the country. Rafting rounds out this trip which caters to kids as young as seven and offers fun and unforgettable memories for the entire family.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY

Day 1: Whitefish / Lake

Start your vacation in the mountain town of Whitefish • Get picked up by your guides and take a short shuttle to the Amtrak station* where you’ll board an eastbound train for the park’s southern boundary • The train ride is a scenic two-hour trip that ends in East Glacier where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake • Then it’s time to check into your lodge and relax • Tonight’s dinner is just down the road at Serrano’s, one of Montana’s best Mexican restaurants • Overnight Glacier Park Lodge (L, D)

Day 2: Iceberg Lake Trail Hike

Wake up early and stretch your legs because after a short shuttle ride north, you’ll embark on a hike that many consider to be Glacier’s “Crown Jewel” • Iceberg Lake Trail is a 9-mile roundtrip hike that offers incredible panoramic views and plenty of opportunities for viewing wildlife • Your guides can tell you about the area’s mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose and yes, bear • Of course the hike includes a relaxing stop and picnic lunch at an alpine lake—aptly named for the icebergs that float in its pristine waters • After the hike, shuttle back to your new hotel • Overnight at Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 3: Hike

Charge your phones because you’ll want to take a ton of photos today • The morning starts with a cruise across and then, Lake Josephine • Then it’s time to hike where you can take full advantage of the incredible views of Lower Grinnell Lake, Mt. Gould, the Continental Divide, Angel Wing and Grinnell Falls • Of course you’ll also see Grinnell Glacier—one of the most photographed glaciers within the park • Tonight, enjoy an evening on your own in Many Glacier • Overnight at (B, L)

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 2

Day 4: Going-to-the-Sun Road / Lake McDonald

This morning begins with breakfast at the hip Park Café • Then it’s time to take on the legendary and stunningly scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road • We’ll travel westward and watch the sun light up the peaks we pass by • The 40-mile drive to Lake McDonald features plenty of overlooks and great places to stop for watching the mountain goats and perhaps even a grizzly bear • Pull over and enjoy a picnic lunch in a prime spot for gazing down on the park’s western valleys • Before the drive is finished, stop again for a short hike on the Trail of Cedars • Arrive in Lake McDonald by early afternoon and explore as you choose • Tonight’s dinner is at the Belton Chalet • Overnight at Lake McDonald Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: Flathead River Raft

This morning’s adventure is a raft ride down the scenic Flathead River • After taking on some mild whitewater, your guides will serve you a gourmet picnic lunch • After rafting, shuttle back to Whitefish via the Flathead Valley • Outside your window you’ll see northwest Montana’s Swan, Mission, Salish and Whitefish mountain ranges • Tonight’s dinner is at Loula’s Café in the heart of downtown Whitefish • Overnight at Grouse Mountain Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: Big Mountain / Whitefish / Kalispell

Your last adventure is a hike up Danny On Trail at the base of Big Mountain • At the top of the mountain you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the ski hill • Then it’s time to ride the gondola back down, say goodbye to the rest of the group and be transferred to your hotel in Whitefish or the airport in Kalispell • No overnight (B)

**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 3

Hiking: 2 to 10 miles per hike, moderate to challenging terrain

Rafting: No experience required, Class II-III rapids

Discovery: Glacier National Park is the world’s first International Peace Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the park’s outstanding scenery and diverse flora and fauna with our expert guides. When you reach the top of on the infamous Going-to-the-Sun Road, imagine what this high point looks like buried under 80 feet of snow mid-winter…and then think about the amount of snow removal equipment required to plow this spectacular, winding two lane road – amazing! See for yourself why Iceberg Lake and the trail leading up to it are considered “crown jewels” of the Treasure State. Hunt for the hundreds of different wildflowers that reside in the park: Bear Grass, Lupine, Fireweed, and Indian Paintbrush are just a few of these colorful beauties you might come across. Learn about the Flathead Indian Reservation tribes: the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreilles – all tribes whose histories intertwine to form the anthropological past of the Flathead Valley. Discover massive U-shaped valleys, cirque lakes, horns, cols, moraines, and arêtes in this glacially carved land. Come play in Big Sky Country!

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any question, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 4 DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Glacier Park Lodge & Resort

This park property was built by the Great Northern Railway and is more than 100 years old. But don’t be fooled by the 800-year-old timbers, this beautiful lodge boasts a number of modern amenities. Enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fine dining restaurant, on-site souvenir shopping, a day spa and a 9-hole “pitch ‘n putt” golf course.

Nights 2 & 3: Many Glacier Hotel

Although it’s situated on Swiftcurrent Lake in the northeastern corner of Glacier, Many Glacier Hotel seems like it would fit in well in Switzerland. The themed architecture and atrium lobby’s high ceilings complement the property’s alpine surroundings. Guest rooms feature modest amenities in the typical fashion of most national park accommodations, and guests who really want to unwind and unplug will find this property to offer a very liberating experience.

Night 4 : Lake McDonald Lodge

Conveniently located on the shore of Lake McDonald, this rustic and historic lodge celebrated its centennial in 2014. The inviting lobby is three stories tall and the large stone fireplace is a popular gathering spot. The property offers an authentic national park lodging experience featuring modest amenities, original furnishings and cabins in addition to the main lodge.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 5

Night 5 : Grouse Mountain Lodge

Located in Whitefish, Grouse Mountain Lodge offers guests adventure for every season. Indoors, it features recently renovated facilities and rooms making it one of the area’s finest accommodations. Guests have access to amenities like an indoor pool, an outdoor fire pit, Logan’s Bar and Grill, outdoor hot tubs, a day spa, a fitness center and much more.

Arrival and Departure

Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 6:30 a.m. or 6:45 a.m., depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at your Whitefish hotel (1:30 p.m.) or the Kalispell airport (2:00 p.m.).

2015 Trip Price Trip Length Host City Dates From $2,998/adult 6 days/5 nights Whitefish, MT ($780 single Airport Code: FCA 7/12 – 7/17 supplement) (Kalispell, MT) 8/2 – 8/7 $2,398/child

Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]

What Our Guests Say

 “We were delighted with every aspect of this trip. Our guides seemed to be working 24/7 to meet our every need. Nothing was overlooked! – Mike H., Cincinnati, OH  “Very well organized. Extremely awesome trip guides!” – Dawn K., North Granby, CT  “Great guides! Lots of adventure! Dinner at Belton Chalet was awesome!” – Thomas M., Germantown, WI

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 6