Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park

If you’re considering a visit to Glacier National Park and want a way to see its breathtaking scenery without the hassle of navigating yourself, this Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally tried this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a relaxed yet immersive way to experience the park’s winter beauty.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances guided driving tours with an outdoor snowshoeing adventure—meaning you get a taste of Glacier’s stunning vistas from the comfort of a vehicle, paired with the thrill of walking through snowy landscapes on snowshoes. Plus, the fact that the tour is family-friendly and customizable makes it accessible for various levels of outdoor fitness.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success depends heavily on weather conditions—if the snow melts or storms roll in, it might be canceled, so flexibility is key. It’s best suited for those who enjoy gentle outdoor activity, appreciate good guides, and want a well-rounded visit without having to plan every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Flexible Experience: Combines scenic driving with a snowshoe walk, catering to different comfort levels.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable and share local stories, enriching the experience.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for travelers of various ages who enjoy outdoor activities.
• Weather Dependence: Snowshoeing is weather-sensitive; cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t right.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch, transportation, and safety instructions are part of the package.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 12 travelers for a more personalized experience.

A Closer Look at the Glacier National Park Combo Tour

This tour offers a practical way to see one of America’s most stunning national parks without the stress of self-driving or organizing logistics. The core idea is simple: leave the driving and enjoy the scenery, paired with a moderate outdoor snowshoe experience.

Starting early at 9:00 am from West Glacier, the tour begins with transportation that takes you through some of the most iconic spots in Glacier National Park. The itinerary is straightforward but packed with highlights: Apgar, West Glacier, the historic Belton Bridge, Lake McDonald, and the charming Lake McDonald Lodge. These stops showcase Glacier’s iconic vistas, serene lakes, and historic sites—perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.

The Driving Part: Highlights and Comfort

During the drive, you’ll get a guided tour with storytelling and local facts from knowledgeable guides like Justin, who reviews describe as friendly and well-informed. The vehicle allows you to relax and take in the views, which can be especially valuable if you’re traveling with family or aren’t keen on strenuous outdoor activity.

The transportation is included in the tour’s all-inclusive price, which is listed as $0.00 in the tour info, likely indicating a promotional or complimentary offering, but normally this type of tour would have a cost. Regardless, the value lies in the convenience and expert guidance.

The Snowshoe Experience: Nature and Nature’s Stories

After the initial sightseeing, the tour offers a two-hour outdoor snowshoe trek. From reviews, it seems this part of the experience is especially appreciated by those who enjoy being active in beautiful surrounds. Guides like Justin make the activity accessible, providing safety instruction and ensuring everyone stays comfortable.

The snowshoeing gets you right into the landscape—walking on snow, listening to your guide’s stories, and perhaps even spotting animal tracks like moose footprints, as some guests have. It’s a moderate activity that requires some physical fitness, but nothing too intense. It’s suited for anyone comfortable outdoors, with the right gear (see below for packing tips).

What’s Included? Comfort and Convenience

The tour includes lunch options, with choices of sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef, or veggie) and drinks (coffee, tea, hot cocoa, water). Snacks like chips, cookies, and crackers are also provided, which keeps energy levels up as you explore.

The tour provides all necessary safety instructions and transportation, making it a smooth experience from start to finish. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, which helps keep things personal and ensures you get plenty of attention from your guide.

What to Bring: Preparation Is Key

To make the most of your time, you’ll want to dress appropriately for winter outdoor fun. Think outdoor clothing—warm, waterproof gloves, hat, sunglasses, snow boots, and a small day pack for snacks, water, and your camera.

The guides recommend bringing a great attitude and an appetite for adventure, which really captures the spirit of this trip. Remember, weather in Montana can be unpredictable, so layering is your friend.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides, with one guest calling Justin and his team “great” and “full of stories and facts.” This suggests that beyond the visuals, you’ll learn quite a bit about Glacier’s history and environment.

Guests also praise the stunning views and the personalized nature of the trip. One review enthusiastically notes, “We loved snowshoeing and learning about the area,” mentioning they even saw moose tracks—an authentic wildlife encounter that adds charm to the day.

However, not every review is glowing. One reviewer expressed disappointment when weather conditions canceled the snowshoe part, highlighting the weather-dependent nature of the outdoor segment. This is an important consideration—you might find your plans altered if the snow isn’t sufficient or if a storm hits.

Is This Tour Worth It?

When evaluating the value, it’s clear that for a free or low-cost offering, the experience packs a lot of highlights. The combination of guided driving with active snowshoeing provides a well-rounded visit to Glacier without forcing you into strenuous activities all day.

The small group size and personalized guidance mean you’ll get more attention and a richer experience than you might with larger, more generic tours. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and snacks makes this a convenient all-in-one option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want a stress-free way to see Glacier’s key sights, especially if they enjoy moderate outdoor activities. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided storytelling and want an experience that’s personalized and comfortable. Families with children who can handle a snowshoe walk might also find this a great adventure, provided they’re prepared for Montana’s winter weather.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a way to enjoy Glacier National Park that combines scenic drives with manageable outdoor activity, this combo tour offers a compelling option. It’s especially suited for visitors who value local knowledge, want stunning views, and prefer a small-group experience. While weather can influence the snowshoe component, guides like Justin seem dedicated to making sure you get a memorable day whether or not everything goes perfectly.

This tour provides a balanced, engaging way to explore Glacier—no stress, plenty of beauty, and enough activity to keep things interesting. It’s a good fit for those who want to learn, see, and experience without the risk of overexertion or logistical headaches.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Glacier National Park Combo Tour

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially if children enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable walking in snow. Just ensure they can handle the outdoor gear and weather.

What should I wear for the snowshoe trek?
Dress in outdoor clothing, including waterproof gloves, a hat, sunglasses, snow boots, and layers to stay warm. Bringing a small pack for water and snacks is recommended.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, with about two hours dedicated to snowshoeing and the rest to driving, lunch, and safety instructions.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If the weather cancels the activity, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is part of the tour, and pickup from designated points in West Glacier is offered.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 12, ensuring a more personal experience with your guide.

What food options are provided?
Guests can choose from a variety of sandwiches—turkey, ham, roast beef, or veggie—and drinks like coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or water. Snacks are also available.

Is there any admission fee for Glacier National Park?
No, the highlights included in the tour are free of charge, like Lake McDonald and the Belton Bridge.

What level of physical fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness is recommended, as you’ll be walking on snow during the snowshoe portion.

What if I don’t want to snowshoe?
The experience includes guided driving, so if snowshoeing isn’t your thing or weather conditions aren’t suitable, you can still enjoy the scenic tour.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, guided way to experience Glacier’s winter scenery with some light outdoor activity thrown in, this combo tour might just be the right pick. Just remember to check the weather forecast before booking and pack accordingly to fully enjoy your day in this stunning wilderness.