What kind of car do you need for Glacier National Park?

We always rent a compact (Cobalt or Focus) and have never experienced problems. I would not try to take it on the inside north fork road or any of those types of rougher roads. For driving across the park and into the main areas, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, you should be fine.

Keeping this in consideration, Do you need an SUV for Glacier National Park?

No need for an SUV. Just get the biggest vehicle you can for all your gear and the four of you.

Secondly How many days do you need in Glacier National Park? Ideally, plan on spending at least two to three days in Glacier National Park. This gives you enough time to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike one or two trails, and visit the Many Glacier or Two Medicine areas.

How do you get around a glacier without a car?

How to Get to Glacier (Without Your Car)

1. Eagle Transit’s Kalispell to Glacier Park Shuttle.
2. Amtrak’s Empire Builder.
3. Free Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle.
4. Xanterra Hiker Shuttle.

What is the best month to visit Glacier National Park?

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is in July and August. This is the peak season for visitors, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 80s and nighttime temps dipping into the 40s (pack layers, as well as a good rain jacket).

Which is better Yellowstone or Glacier National Park?

Glacier is much more rugged than Yellowstone. Hiking will demand much more physical ability and skill. The whole park is much higher than Yellowstone, so animals and plant life will be quite a bit different than what you find in Yellowstone. That is, if you want to see bison, you’d better head for Yellowstone.

Which is better Banff or Glacier National Park?

For serious day hiking Glacier is one of the best parks in the world. Banff is far more touristy than Glacier which is more remote, however as noted the major trails can be more crowded at Glacier as the Canadian parks are larger and more spread out.

Is there a shuttle from Kalispell to Glacier National Park?

There are cheap ($5-10) shuttles that travel from Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell to Glacier National Park. … Tickets must be purchased in advance for the Whitefish shuttle.

How do you get around Montana without a car?

Montana’s Convenient Transportation System

1. Air Service to Montana.
2. Air Strips.
3. Car Rental.
4. Distance Between Cities.
5. Motorcoach/Bus.
6. MT Dept. of Transportation.
7. Port of Entry.
8. Rail Services (Amtrak)

Can you swim in Lake McDonald?

The shores of Lake McDonald are easily accessible from Apgar Village, the Lake McDonald Lodge, and the Fish Creek Campground. I highly recommend paddleboarding or swimming while you’re here!

Can you see Northern Lights in Glacier National Park?

You can see aurora borealis any time of year in Glacier National Park, of course. … The foot of Lake McDonald, near Apgar, is a great spot to watch for northern lights in the spring.

When should I avoid Glacier National Park?

The Best Way to Avoid Crowds in Glacier National Park during the Summer. The best way to avoid summer crowds in Glacier National Park is to arrive before 8am to the trailhead or parking area. Starting activities in the late afternoon (after 4pm) can also avoid the bulk of daytime visitors.

When can you see Northern Lights in Glacier National Park?

From September to April, when it is winter/spring in the northern hemisphere, the sky is also more transparent, making it ideal to see the lights of the north. Northern lights generate in the north and often light up southward to Glacier National Park.

How far apart are Glacier National Park from Yellowstone?

The total distance from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park is anywhere between 368 miles to 402 miles depending on the route you take. You could definitely complete the drive from Yellowstone National Park to Glacier National Park in 6 to 7 hours in one day without stops.

Which is better Yellowstone or Yosemite?

The biggest park in the lower 48 states. … For the wildlife or the geothermal features alone, Yellowstone would outclass Yosemite, but the park also boasts a full slate of outdoor activities — more than a thousand miles of hiking trails, 2,000 campsites, and year-round lodging — to rival anything Yosemite has to offer.

Which is better Banff or Jasper?

Bigger is better

Jasper National Park is surprisingly a lot larger than Banff National Park. In number terms, it is 10,878 square kilometers versus Banff at 6,641 square kilometers; this is surprising as Banff National Park seems to have more well-known places, such as Canmore, Lake Louise, and the township of Banff.

What is the best Canadian Rockies itinerary?

Overview: A Perfect 10 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly into Calgary Airport and drive to Banff.
• Day 2: Town of Banff.
• Day 3: Town of Banff.
• Day 4: Drive Icefields Parkway to Jasper.
• Day 5: Jasper.
• Day 6: Jasper.
• Day 7: Drive Icefields Parkway back to Lake Louise.
• Day 8: Lake Louise.

Is there a train from Calgary to Glacier National Park?

There is no direct connection from Calgary to Glacier National Park. However, you can take the bus to Fort Macleod, AB, take the walk to Fort Macleod, AB, take the bus to Pincher Creek, AB, then take the drive to Glacier National Park.

What is the most scenic drive in Glacier National Park?

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight not to be missed during your Glacier visit. The Road spans 50 miles and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. During your traverse you will see impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains and colorful wildflowers.

Can you drive through Glacier National Park?

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a highlight not to be missed during your Glacier visit. The Road spans 50 miles and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. … If portions of the road are closed, don’t worry, there are still plenty of other scenic drives in and around Glacier National Park.

Can you take a train to Glacier National Park?

It’s easy to experience the epic views of Glacier National Park without dealing with the stress of driving. Just take the train! Getting from Whitefish to West or East Glacier is a breeze on the Empire Builder, Amtrak’s northernmost cross-country route. The journey takes about two hours, and will only set you back $16.

Can you live in Montana without a car?

Yes. You can live without a car in Missoula. Many people will say it is MANDATORY to have a car in Montana.

Do you need a car in Whitefish Montana?

To get to downtown Whitefish and other locations from the airport, if you don’t want to rent a car, you have three choices: 1) Use the complimentary shuttles at several lodging properties and the Glacier Shuttle Express to get to around Whitefish, to Glacier National Park and to Whitefish Mountain Resort.

How do people travel in Montana?

Public transportation in Montana is available in the form of passenger trains, planes, bus and vans. These services allow people who don’t have access to private vehicles to shop, visit friends/relatives, get to medical appointments, go to work and even take vacations.