Where to stay in Glacier National Park: Tour the Park's Lodges and Motor Inns and nearby hotels

This is an update to a segment of my Glacier: The Hiker's National Park. It includes information of the forest fires which devastated the park in 2017 and 2018.

[@larrybell5144]

Another excellent narrative and tour of Glacier! Thank you!

[@sundaisycake3372]

Great information! I plan to go in the next year, I’m so excited to see this beautiful state!

[@happycamper5900]

I stumbled upon this video. What a gem! Thanks for great videos and excellent narration. I forgot how beautiful Glacier Park can be.

[@trustinwwjd1997]

Whoa,,, thanks so very much for sharing such comprehensive info with sceneries,,,, Safe, happy & blessed travel on your journey,,,,

[@kenyotta67]

I have watched this video several times & shared it with my family. It is filled with important, valuable, practical information for visitors to G.N.P. The love you have for this park is obvious & contagious. A deep desire to visit this incredible park and experience it’s impressive landscape is almost entirely due to your wonderfully photographed & informative videos. I can’t thank you enough!

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks! I’m glad your family enjoyed it. As u may know this is a segment of my 93 min Glacier: the hikers national park video. FYI u my also like my what to know before u go video on glacier and my 50 hikes in glacier videos. It’s nice family viewing while we’re all sequestered. My 90 min Utah guides are good for the family too. There’s also some historical places videos

[@elisawinter4520]

Well, sir, after watching your videos, I just made my reservations for the Swiftcurrent for 8 nights. Thank you so much for sharing your love of this park.

[@TheWestisBig]

its a great place! watch my 90 min vid to see the trails in the many glacier area.

[@pattyvalenzuela8326]

Beatiful and blessed place,hope to visit again,some day.❤

[@annan5624]

Thanks for the information! Glacier NP is on my bucket list and this was invaluable to help me plan ahead on where to stay!

[@happysawfish]

Superb job. Thank you. Makes you feel like you have been, but instills an overwhelming desire to see it and touch it.

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm trying to achieve when shooting and writing these videos.

[@WildWestTrail]

Great info. We were there last summer. Glacier is an incredible place that everyone should experience.

[@TheWestisBig]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@LongHoang-gh6qs]

best video guide on KZbin for sure. Thank you Mister. This info will come in handy for us this summer. Thank you again!!!!

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks! BTW- if you haven't seen it there is also a 90 minute version that covers the whole park. It's on my channel.

[@indianbell5211]

@@TheWestisBig Going to visit daughter in Montana again this summer, (never been to this part) & planning this trip as well. Very informative. Thank you for sharing and explaining so much. 👍

[@robmills7611]

I stayed at Many Glacier Hotel in 1977 after graduating from high school, one of my absolute best memories in life! Even remember our maid from that week, Martha Gooch who went to St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota. Hope she's had a great life, she was wonderful! I've visited many incredible places over the decades but nothing EVER topped Glacier for sheer beauty!

[@TheWestisBig]

Fantastic! I was there again in June. Editing footage now. there’s a new large circular staircase where the gift shop was. apparently, to return it to its original look. Check back at my channel because I will be updating this video.

[@robmills7611]

@@TheWestisBig will do! Thanks! I so envy you're chance to visit there so frequently

[@TheWestisBig]

It took 125,000 frequent flyer miles and a long drive from Seattle

[@tombobombo5683]

My person favorite place at Glacier National park is a beautiful place called Browning, very nice and lots of wild life

[@deerhunting2873]

I love this place and so nice.

[@martinjdesmond]

I have stayed at the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent cabins, Rising Sun motor inn, Lake McDonald Lodge, and Apgar Inn. I think that the best financial deal are the Swiftcurrent cabins. Prices keep going up each year, but the Swiftcurrent cabins are always the most inexpensive. Plus, you are located right adjacent to the best hiking trails in the park. Hopefully, the east side of the park will be open this next summer.

[@bobkelly294]

The Cottages at St. Mary's- Best views in The Valley-"Bar None" & beautiful thoughtful comfort cabins, on the east side of the Park

[@voilet009]

Been to several National Parks, but my heart is at Glacier. Such a special place. I'm glad it's remote.

[@TheWestisBig]

The Remoteness is good- it helps keep the riffraff out.-- They pretty much ruin the Yosemite experience

[@voilet009]

@@TheWestisBig exactly! I just saw a video of people at Zion. Makes me never want to go there again.

[@anyhoot47]

Wonderful video. A few years ago I went through my grandfather's pictures from a cross country trip he took in 1927. Even in black and white you could tell that Glacier National Park is incredible.

[@TheWestisBig]

If you have posted those 1927 pics anywhere I’d love to see them. I’d even like to include them in an update to this video.

[@anyhoot47]

@@TheWestisBig Currently the pics are stashed away along with the negs. I've got high res scans on a two hard drives. However, I am currently in limbo as for my living situation. I'm hoping to get a place in the country and get back to scanning and restoring old pics soon. I will definitely keep you in the loop. Always fun to share history and especially history of our National Parks. The trip my grandfather made was in a 1925 Buick and was a round trip of about 12,000 miles starting and ending from the Bronx. Unfortunately, all of the pics east of the Mississippi were lost years ago. On a good note, I have post cards documenting the trips progress.

[@TheWestisBig]

Amy, yes please keep me in the loop! I’m sure those pics are a real treasure.

[@ahhitskatie9094]

Wow, such a great video! Nice to learn a bit about the history of such a beautiful place. New subscriber!

[@Rock-ck7ms]

I'm going to Glacier this August - so excited! Solo hiking/camping vacation. I have 6nights at St Marys campgrounds.

[@thhunter]

You're going to love it. It's an amazing place.

[@slwtgf]

Very excited for you, we did Zion National twice this year, April and May because flights to Las Vegas plus a rental car for the 2.6 hour drive into Utah was unbelievably priced, and easier access to trail heads for us novice level newbie hikers. But this Glacier is definitely a must see dream destination! Please update on the experience!

[@addisonskinner1438]

hope you have fun. I live near by so my family goes often.

[@donyasperry3423]

I love this foundation...Such Earth conscience people. Thank you so very much! :) :) :)

[@TheWestisBig]

FYI- this was not produced by the Glacier National Park Foundation in any way

[@donyasperry3423]

Thank you...and yes I'm aware of that. I just spoke from my heart for those putting the video together. :) :) :)

[@tiffanymorris2260]

I like your video Thank You 😊 there big trails I can walk

[@loisblatt3160]

Love your video! My nephew sent it to me this evening because he thinks it’s my husband and I sitting on the bench at minute 3:17. My daughter was able to get a still picture so she could enlarge it and it sure looks like us! We were there in July 2017. We’re going back this summer in July so we’ve been looking at all the KZbin videos and also watched your 90 minute!! Great videos!!!

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks for watching. I was unable to go to Glacier in 2017 because of the fires. BTW- I'm working on editing the another hour plus video on Glacier called "50 Great Hikes in Glacier". It'll be done in a month or so.

[@loisblatt3160]

The fire started right after we left in 2017. We live in Missouri so that’s quite a drive for us and we hadn’t been there for 30 years. We’re so glad we got there before the fires. the trip was wonderful! When our kids were 10 and 12 we hiked the whole Highline Trail Loop but this time it was just my husband and I and we just did the hike to the pass and then turned around and came back. It wasn’t as easy for me the second time as it was the first LOL! But so worth it!!! Will be keeping our eye out for your next video!!!

[@MarkH163]

Hope the East side of the park opens up in 2021. Looking forward to new videos from your recent 2020 visit. Excellent productions!

[@TheWestisBig]

I just uploaded a new Sun Road Video. Sadly, I noticed a couple of problems I'll need to fix and then re-publish. If you watch let me know if you see anything that needs changing.

[@MarkH163]

@@TheWestisBig Great, thank you, looking forward to seeing it!

[@markdumas6387]

Right outside the entrance to Two Medicine is a private campground. Blackfoot tribe. I've stayed there twice because I got there too early in the season and parts of the park were closed. It's a great option.

[@kayzeaza]

How was the pricing and accommodations?

[@thhunter]

Duck Lake Lodge just outside the park in the north-east is very close. Nice folks, good food. Stayed there for a week.

[@TheWestisBig]

That's good info Thanks.

[@89TobinRoss]

Excellent content good sir!

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks. FYI- I'll start updating this one this week.

[@hugostiglitz6914]

Been to over 100 countries and 42 US States. GNP is in a class of it's own. One thing for certain forget about cell phones and social media and after a couple of days you won't miss it. Accommodation is not that basic, I'd better describe it as the essentials and what you get fits with the place. Will be back there in 2020!

[@TheWestisBig]

I hope you watched my 92 minute travel guide too. It covers the trails and more.

[@vincentc6919]

Wow...awesome

[@patmason7276]

Went to Yellowstone wanted to go not enough time going to retire early so we can go see all the beautiful sites.

[@eddyspaghetti4391]

Thank god I’m stationed in Montana and this is nearby :)

[@ramchito1984]

What a well made video. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheWestisBig]

thanks

[@bo930]

Thank you.

[@TheWestisBig]

You're welcome!

[@jacktoy3032]

Stayed at Swift Current Inn last night and I can confirm that the wifi is spotty and only available in the lobby of the office where you go to check-in and out. Definitely no cell phone service. I stayed in a room that had an adjoining room. The sliding doors (one on each side) between the two rooms had simply latches. Plus, there was a small gap between the frame and the door. I could peek into the other room via this sliver. Obviously, any loud conversation in one room would carry to the other.

[@Campbellfamilylights]

I was just in glacier but I live in Tennessee it’s was fun

[@user-id2xj9hb6i]

We stayed there we liked it Very much .

[@TheWestisBig]

Great

[@jamesfranklin6795]

Great video! I’m planning to hike kintla lake to goat haunt. If I start at kintla lake and end at goat haunt, how do I get back from waterton in Canada back to the car at kintla lake? Thank you.

[@TheWestisBig]

I think there is a red bus that will get you back. Also, you might be surprised how easy it is to bum a ride. Other hikers tend to help fellow hikers.

[@firefly01cali91]

What day of the week in July would you say is the best and least busy to find a campsite in Apgar campground? We get there early as we can, but still barely find a spot after an hour of circling around.

[@TheWestisBig]

Too variable. Call and ask. Good luck.

[@glennblakelobb4229]

We will be there next week

[@thegoblin2684]

I am planning a motorcycle trip with five other couples to this park .

[@indianbell5211]

Ditto, going to visit daughter in Montana (summer 2020). Great bucket list. Ride safe 👍😎

[@kayzeaza]

Ah man that sounds so cool, wish I had a motorcycle!

[@RUKiddinMeHuh]

5:45 swift current bear spray ty!

[@beachmom19]

Do any of the Inns on the East side have kitchens in their units as far as you know? I know the West Side does. Great video. Thanks

[@sirjaime4258]

How is things weather wise and crowds during August and late July

[@TheWestisBig]

Could be snowing or it could be 90+ and there's no AC in Park Lodges-- Will be crowded. I tend to go around Labor Day

[@ghostmedic86]

The hotels inside the park are booked a year in advance, not months. We tried to get reservations the day they open them and we barely got the rooms we wanted. So wake up early and have everything ready that day to book the rooms.

[@rickmiller7552]

Lots of people...very few animals...

[@acajudi100]

I just took the Red Bus for the day, and then returned to my Kalispell hotel in the evening. The next year I rented a home for the month in Kalispell. Do visit The Conrad Mansion, and eat at the Montana restaurant.

[@travelwiththetwins_kimi]

Were supposed to be staying at the halfway hotel any review on that one?

[@TheWestisBig]

Nope-- its not a park property. There are a lot of small motels west of the park and I've only stayed at a couple of those. I'm sure its fine.

[@timothyjaunts414]

Nice g8 at 1:15

[@bingosunnoon9341]

You mention rental cars available in east glacier park? I checked all the major companies and none of them had east glacier rentals. What is the real story? Good video, by the way.

[@TheWestisBig]

When driving the one main Rd. in East Glacier several businesses had signs advertising car rentals. The main st. is shown in the video. These are not big businesses, it wouldn't' surprise me if each has only a few cars and likely not the latest models.

[@bridgetz851]

Due to availability in June….Is it worth spending our first night at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn (room not a cabin) and then moving to Motel Lake McDonald for the remaining 2 nights? Or should we just stay all three nights at Motel Lake McDonald? The Swiftcurrent doesn’t have what we need for more than one night, but the area sure is beautiful. Thanks for your video!

[@TheWestisBig]

I'd say yes because Many Glacier is my favorite part of the park (hopefully you've seen my other videos on the park). But there is a problem, the Sun Road may not be open in June. So, getting from the west to the east side may be a 4-5 hr drive via US 2. The sun road usually doesn't open until late june due to snow. So how you get to GNP makes a difference. BTW- it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get from Many Glacier to Apgar via the Sun Road. I've done it in less time at night or early morning but the speed limit is 35-45 mph and the rangers will ticket speeders- Its a Federal Speeding ticket- I know I got one.

[@bridgetz851]

Thank you! Very good info. I don't want a speeding ticket, I seem to get one almost every time I travel, ha! We are going late June, so maybe we have a chance of it being open.

[@debbieksycki4059]

The West is Big! Travel Guides oozes now you have to

[@debbieksycki4059]

Ki

[@kathystevetrooperblanck609]

We are taking our motorhome up there this summer.

[@TheWestisBig]

Please understand there is a 21foot vehicle length limit on the sun road. also see my covid19 Glacier video. The east side of the park is currently closed.

[@kathystevetrooperblanck609]

@@TheWestisBig I figured the East side could be closed because of the reservation. I had never seen any vehicles on the road so thanks for that. My coach is 27.5 so that makes me look for a different route.

[@TheWestisBig]

fyi- the park has been closing each morning due to over crowding!! it reopens in the afternoon and then closed again due to crowds.

[@warrenscorner]

How was your trip? What was it like traveling in 2020?

[@lakshmik4839]

I am planning for June month end to July 4th week. Is that a good time to visit and where can I find rental cars. Did not find any in Bozeman or Missoula airports

[@TheWestisBig]

Rent cars are a problem everywhere- try Kalispell or even Spokane. btw- make sure u get your sun road reservation ticket

[@idaleung8003]

Hi, do you have any suggestions for a lone hiker looking g to join a group or hire a guide? Probably 8 mile hikes?

[@TheWestisBig]

First, please subscribe! My channel has many videos on the park to help you plan your hiking trip. the trails are so crowded you will never be hiking alone. There is a guide service based west of the park.

[@lakshmik4839]

All the Park lodges and hotels are are booked through summer of 2022. Any suggestions?

[@TheWestisBig]

I knew about this year so I made a new lodging video- it includes off site locations and A place I recommend west of the park The Mini Golden Inn- Tell the owner you saw my video. here's the link to the new video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHzPlKaZgap7fcU

[@nickhidalgo9818]

Visiting mid october... is it a decent time to go?

[@TheWestisBig]

last year i went in the first week of october and it was really good- peak fall color. still crowded at logan pass by 8am.

[@katekay634]

Can I drive my SUV in to the Park and sleep in it? I am planning to go in setempber 2020...

[@TheWestisBig]

I may or may not have done that in a few other parks. Cars can be left overnight in parking lots- for overnight backpackers. I'm not sure how they feel about car camping in Glacier- remember there are bears roaming around. Call and ask a ranger. And please post the answer. The park is so crowded (sept won't be as bad- that's when I usually go) I doubt they want to encourage that sorta thing.

[@katekay634]

@@TheWestisBig Thank you so much for your prompt reply.I love your videos.

[@TheWestisBig]

Thanks! Hopefully you've seen the 93 min GNP one too. The 23 min "what to know before you go" video has lots of good info for newbees. The "50 best hikes" series describes the trails in each park area- again good for newbees.

[@manuelvaquero2281]

Buena tarde

[@Chacha-yi6kh]

The one thing that is bad is there are to many people coming to the park. The roads can’t handle all the cars

[@BDOMPH]

Apgar is on the WEST side of the park!

[@TheWestisBig]

True! That's what it says

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

@@TheWestisBig 2:10

[@BDOMPH]

@@TheWestisBig 2:10 "unless your'e near apgar... on the east side."

[@bernardchandler5386]

Forgot to mention being economical hidden in the basement of Many Glacier Hotel is Heidi's; it is a convenient store with great snacks and hotdogs (sausages.) Stretching your budget for a long stay. Also if you are lucky there is a basement room with a door directly to the beach. You can get a packed lunch for your hike to Grinnell Glacier (plan to rest here and there on the way) Actually, it is quite a trip up the steps just to get to the parking lot.

[@katemccarty1420]

I'll take Coram or hungry horse any day

[@tedgaddy7398]

We just got back from an Amtrak trip from Chicago to glacier park , and we stayed 4 days at the lodge, it’s a dump,and the lack of management is beyond belief, it is an old lodge built in the early 1900, no Tv, almost no internet!! But that’s not the big problem, expected both, but when we went to the commons area ,call the annex, to play cards, the heat was not on ,and soon we where all get pretty cold, others where also talking about how cold it was, there are heaters but they where not on, I got and ask the first employee I came to if they could turn the heat on, he said no, the man who had the key was off, sorry!! Then I went to the front desk! I ask to speak to the manager, they said they would get someone to turn on the heat , long story short after hearing about 4 employees Ellington me one lie after another, I spoke up and told the guy I am an electrical contractor and have HVAC experience , he had know idea ,he then told me yes they had been liking to us and his exact words( sorry our manager is in the woods and we have no other manager, sorry , this is not a cheap place to stay, be aware of how bad this place is, their restaurant had good food and service, not cheap, only. Two places to eat in town, Mexican not good!!!other only open when they want to. Lake tour not worth the cost, but the park red bus tour was very good! Lodge was huge disappointment , good luck

[@TheWestisBig]

I tried to prepare travelers to lower their expectations at the lodges. I haven’t had a heat problem though. So is this the lodge in East Glacier? fyi- swiftcurrent motor inn is my favorite place to stay. never had a problem.

[@nommadd5758]

Remember that this park (like many other national parks) is becoming severely overcrowded! During the summer months you may consider staying outside the park & taking a shuttle. Check the GNP website.

[@matthewanderson490]

Dont pay their radio bill

[@TheWestisBig]

what?

[@piikuniblackfeet1866]

The Land Of the BLACKFEET NATION. The Land that the Government Took from the BLACKFEETS PIKUNI BLACKFOOT CONFEDERACY TRUE LAND OWNERS

[@mvtv-montanavigilantetv5976]

Avoid Dancing Bears Inn at all costs unless the management changed from the rats in 2013-14. I worked PT there and they exploited their Blackfeet staff as well as milked any tourists. They would work their BF staff in the summer over 40 hours a week, violating law by putting extra hours on next schedule to avoid overtime. Had to report them to the state when they tried it to me and have all the receipts, including their established record.

[@robinstabile5781]

Stay home and leave us alone to our peace and quiet, people come here and they act like complete idiots. Sorry but it's the truth