Glacier National Park Activities: 15 Best Things to Do Besides Hiking
Scenic drives, boat tours, wildlife and night skies for days when you want a break from the trail.
The best Glacier National Park activities besides hiking include driving Going-to-the-Sun Road, taking a Red Jammer bus tour, cruising a lake, paddling Lake McDonald, rafting the Flathead River, riding a horse and stargazing.
Summer is the main season, and no vehicle reservation is required in 2026.
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Plan your Glacier National Park activities
Rules changed for 2026, so check the National Park Service before every trip.
Glacier National Park in Montana is open year-round, but the high alpine part of Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens in late June or early July and can close by mid-October.
Fees, road dates and parking rules change from year to year, so confirm them on the official park site.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle reservation | Not required anywhere in the park in 2026 |
| Entrance fee, private vehicle | $35 (winter rate $25, November 1 to April 30) |
| Non-US residents, age 16 and over | Extra $100 per person, unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass |
| Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle | Reservation required, July to September, weather permitting |
| Logan Pass parking | Three-hour limit for private vehicles from July 1, 2026 |
The fee details come from the National Park Service fees page. Because the rules shift each year, check it again before a 2027 trip.
On the road and on wheels
Four of the easiest ways to see the park need little more than a seat.
1. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road
This 50-mile road crosses the park from west to east and is the signature drive. In 2026 the full length opened to vehicles on June 22.
Allow a full day, and pull over at the viewpoints rather than rushing.
2. Ride a Red Jammer bus
The park’s historic red buses have roll-back tops, so you see the peaks overhead without driving.
Tours run on both the west and east sides, and the guide adds history along the way.
3. Visit Polebridge and Bowman Lake
The north-west corner feels remote, with gravel roads and little or no cell signal.
Polebridge Mercantile is known for its pastries, and Bowman Lake is a short drive beyond it.
4. Stop at the St. Mary Lake overlooks
On the east side, Going-to-the-Sun Road runs beside St. Mary Lake.
Wild Goose Island Overlook is a roadside stop, and it needs no hiking to photograph.
On the water
Lakes are the park’s other main road, and four activities use them.
5. Take a scenic boat tour
Glacier Park Boat Company has run tours since 1938. Boats operate on lakes including Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St.
Mary, with schedules that change by season.
6. Paddle Lake McDonald
You can rent kayaks and paddleboards near Apgar. Early morning is calm, and you can float along the rocky shore without any climbing.
7. Raft the Flathead River
Outfitters near West Glacier run trips on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River.
Choose a gentle float or whitewater, depending on your group.
8. Try fly fishing
Guided and independent anglers fish the park’s rivers and lakes. Check the current park fishing rules before you cast a line.
Horses, wildlife and night skies
Slow, quiet activities often give the best memories.
9. Go horseback riding
Guided rides leave from areas such as Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier. A ride shows you forest and valley scenery at an easy pace.
10. Watch wildlife safely
Glacier is home to bears, mountain goats and other animals. Watch from your car or a safe distance, and use binoculars rather than walking closer.
11. Stargaze under dark skies
The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. On clear nights away from lights, the Milky Way is easy to see.
Villages, lodges and visitor centers
Historic buildings and small villages fill the quiet hours between big views.
12. Walk around Apgar Village
Apgar sits at the west entrance, with shops, ice cream, a visitor center and a lake beach. It is a relaxed stop for families and for rest days.
13. Visit the historic lodges
Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge and Glacier Park Lodge are worth a look.
Sit on a porch and enjoy the setting even if you are not staying overnight.
14. Use visitor centers and ranger programs
Apgar and Logan Pass have visitor centers with exhibits on geology, history and wildlife.
Ranger-led programs run in season, and the park site lists current times.
Sleep in the park
A night at a campground turns a day trip into a real stay.
15. Camp at a frontcountry campground
The park has about a dozen campgrounds, including Apgar and Many Glacier.
Backcountry camping, like the tent in the photo above, needs its own permit, so plan ahead with the park.
Bear and weather safety
Keep your distance from animals, and be ready for fast weather changes.
Bears live throughout the park.
Keep a long distance from every animal, store food properly, carry bear spray where recommended, and follow the instructions on park signs.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so carry a warm layer and a rain jacket, and check road alerts before you set out.
Cell service is patchy, and the park is largely cashless.
Bring a card, download offline maps, and fill your fuel tank before heading to remote areas such as Polebridge.
Check official updates
Road and shuttle details change often, so rely on the park for current news.
See current fees, passes and conditions on the National Park Service site.
FAQ: Glacier National Park activities
What are the best Glacier National Park activities besides hiking?
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, ride a Red Jammer bus, take a boat tour, paddle Lake McDonald, raft the Flathead River, and stargaze.
Do I need a vehicle reservation in 2026?
No. Vehicle reservations are not required in 2026, but you still need an entrance pass. Check the park for 2027 rules.
When is Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
The alpine section usually opens in late June or early July and can close by mid-October. Dates shift with snow.
Is Glacier National Park good for people who do not hike?
Yes. Scenic drives, boat tours, bus tours, rafting, horseback riding and village stops give plenty to do without long walks.
Glacier National Park activities beyond the trail let you enjoy the scenery at your own pace, so pick three or four and leave room for the weather.
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