Montana/Alberta

Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks

Program No. 19946RJ
Discover historic National Park lodges and magnificent displays of nature as you enjoy an immersive educational experience in two of North America’s most magnificent national parks.

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At a Glance

Explore two jewels of the "Crown of the Continent" — Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. These magnificent parks combined in 1932 to create the world's first international peace park, bridging the United States and Canada with the beauty and serenity of the Rocky Mountains.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles on maintained natural surface dirt trails in mountainous terrain. The ability to climb stairs and get on and off a motor coach and boat is required. Elevations of 3,000-7,200 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Immerse yourself in the history, beauty and untamed wilderness of this soaring wonderland through its historic lodges, amazing geological features and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy daily field trips that showcase some of the most intact wildland on the entire continent.
  • Discover breathtaking views, rugged peaks, vast glacier-carved valleys and thundering cascades as you journey over the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard an iconic Red Bus.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ellen Horowitz
Ellen Horowitz View biography
Ellen Horowitz is a naturalist, writer, hiking leader, and Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide whose outdoor education career spans 40 years. Ellen teaches botany classes at Flathead Valley Community College, and she is a long-time field instructor for the Glacier Institute and Road Scholar. Her work has been recognized with numerous honors including Montana Audubon’s Educator of the Year Award, and magazine writing awards from the National Wildlife Federation. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, “What I Saw in Glacier.”
Profile Image of Ashley Mason
Ashley Mason View biography
Ashley started her career at the North Carolina School of the Art but transferred to Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina to receive her B.S. in Geology with a minor in field biology. Ashley then came to Montana to teach for the Glacier Institute and then completed graduate work at The University of Montana – Missoula in Environmental Studies. A veteran naturalist and conservation educator Ashley is a former Ranger Naturalist for Glacier National Park. In 2012 she was voted Audubon Educator of the year.
Profile Image of Leila Robinson
Leila Robinson View biography
Throughout her lifetime, Leila Robinson has developed a great love of the outdoors and especially exploring it in hiking mode. Her love of travel and nature has taken her to every continent, and she is thrilled to see and experience each journey. She has been a high school and college educator in art and interdisciplinary studies and also a museum program developer for 13 years. Being able to live in Glacier for the past nine summers has given her a true appreciation of this incredible and favorite national park.
Profile Image of Denny Olson
Denny Olson View biography
Denny Olson holds a master’s degree and was trained as a biologist and geologist, but his approach to illuminating nature with humor is better illustrated by one of his less formal titles: Professor Avian Guano. Denny is a published author, an educator with more than 30 years’ experience, and a master performer inspired by Native American storytelling traditions. He enjoys sharing his intimate knowledge of, and love for, Glacier National Park.
Profile Image of Susan Atkinson
Susan Atkinson View biography
Susan Atkinson is an award-winning architect and professor of environmental design at the University of Colorado Boulder. She has traveled the world researching how people design and build in response to culture and climate. Susan grew up in the Flathead Valley, learning about wildflowers, and spotting grizzlies in Glacier National Park every summer since 1980. She is an avid trail runner who loves fly fishing, spending time with her rescue dog, Clover, and reading about wolverines. She has backpacked around the world.
Profile Image of Pat Van Eimeren
Pat Van Eimeren View biography
Pat Van Eimeren, originally a “cheesehead” from Wisconsin, has been in Montana for more than 30 years. He recently retired as a Fisheries Biologist for the Flathead National Forest. Pat has a passion for wild places and wild creatures. In the winter, he works atop Whitefish Mountain Resort as a Mountain Ambassador, and in the summer he will be deep in the solitude of the Bob Marshall Wilderness with a fly rod in hand. He enjoys all the recreational venues that Montana has to offer.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Jul 08 - Jul 15
  • Jul 08 - Jul 15
  • Jul 15 - Jul 22
  • Jul 22 - Jul 29
  • Aug 05 - Aug 12
  • Aug 12 - Aug 19
  • Aug 19 - Aug 26
  • Aug 26 - Sep 02
  • Sep 02 - Sep 09
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Jul 8 - Jul 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: At Prince of Wales Hotel (2 nights), there are a limited number of rooms with two beds available. If you register as double occupancy with a travel partner, you are not guaranteed two beds in the room at this hotel.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Jul 08 - Jul 15
  • Jul 08 - Jul 15
  • Jul 15 - Jul 22
  • Jul 22 - Jul 29
  • Aug 05 - Aug 12
  • Aug 12 - Aug 19
  • Aug 19 - Aug 26
  • Aug 26 - Sep 02
  • Sep 02 - Sep 09
Jul 8 - Jul 15, 2024 Itinerary Differences: At Prince of Wales Hotel (2 nights), there are a limited number of rooms with two beds available. If you register as double occupancy with a travel partner, you are not guaranteed two beds in the room at this hotel.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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8 days
7 nights
18 meals
7 B 5 L 6 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Kalispell
D
Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your Road Scholar nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Orientation: 4:30 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the designated meeting room to get any updated information. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. . Expert field instructors will be with us throughout the program. Trail selections will be made by Group Leaders on the day of the walk based on weather, trail conditions, and group ability. We will break into smaller groups for walks so that everyone can select the distance that best suits each of us. Walks will be led by local experts who will share their knowledge along the trail. Restrooms are available at most trail heads. Travel and transfer for program-related activities will be by motorcoach and historic Red Bus unless noted otherwise. “America the Beautiful” passes cover entrance fees at national parks for up to four adults. If you have one of these national park passes, please bring it with you to the program and on our field trips Meals are provided at the hotel unless otherwise noted. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s sleep for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Introducing Glacier Waterton, Lake McDonald Valley
Kalispell
B,L,D
Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 48 miles to/from Glacier National Park trailhead, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking 1 to 2 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven; maximum elevation 3,300 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: In our meeting room at the hotel, we’ll have an expert-led lecture introducing the Glacier Waterton area. We’ll then board a motorcoach and ride to Glacier National Park and see spectacular scenery on the shores of ten-mile long Lake McDonald. The lake and the surrounding valley were carved by glaciers long ago. We’ll ride on to the historic Lake McDonald Lodge that was built in 1914. We’ll explore this National Historic Landmark and learn more about early visitors in Glacier.

Lunch: Bag lunch from the Red Lion Hotel

Afternoon: Next, we’ll explore the beautiful surrounding area by going on some short walks. During our walks, we will explore the distinctive ecosystems found west of the Continental divide. Along the way, we’ll gain an appreciation for the plants and animals that inhabit this region. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will gather in the hotel meeting room for a presentation by a local expert on the natural history of Glacier National Park. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
3
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Red Bus, Walks, Many Glacier Hotel
Many Glacier
B,L,D
Many Glacier Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach and Red Bus; driving about 105 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time on motorcoach, 3 hours riding time on Red Bus. Walking 1 to 2 miles throughout the day; maintained dirt trails, rocky and uneven, paved trails, boardwalk, steep and deep steps. Maximum elevation 6,800 feet.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will be joined by a local expert who will give us a presentation on the ecosystems and wildlife of Glacier National Park. After checking out of the hotel, we’ll hop aboard the motorcoach and drive to the shore of Lake McDonald inside Glacier National Park. While observing the scenery — with towering peaks and a deep lake carved by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago — our expert field instructors will share information on topics ranging from botany to geology, wildlife, history, aquatics, and more.

Lunch: Bag lunches.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll begin our transfer to the historic Many Glacier Hotel via Red Bus along Going-to-the-Sun Road (subject to weather and road conditions). As we ride aboard these iconic vehicles, we’ll be immersed in the natural grandeur of the region through insightful commentary from the drivers. First used in the mid-1930s to transport visitors in Glacier and fully restored in 2001, the historic Red Busses continue to delight passengers today. Their canvass roll-back tops allow for unsurpassed views of the towering mountains in every direction. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a National Historic Landmark and the only road that crosses Glacier National Park. The narrow road hugs the cliffside as it winds through the mountains, inspiring awe at every turn. The road was designed to complement the landscape and give visitors the opportunity to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery Glacier National Park has to offer. We’ll stop to stretch our legs and take in the view at Logan Pass, located along the Continental Divide, where waters flow either towards the Pacific or the Atlantic Oceans. Our instructors will lead us on short walks where we’ll learn about the fascinating alpine ecosystem and the hearty plants and animals that thrive in this unforgiving environment. Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road with an elevation of 6,646 feet. We’ll continue our journey on Going-to-the-Sun Road and view sky-scraping peaks, cascading waterfalls, and broad alpine meadows teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. We will check in when we arrive at Many Glacier Hotel. The hotel, built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway, is situated amid soaring peaks and glassy lakes in what is called the “Switzerland of North America” in the northeastern area of Glacier National Park.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to bring your binoculars and join our instructors behind the lodge for wildlife viewing where we’ll look for grizzlies, moose, and bighorn sheep. Or, just relax and enjoy the scenery.

DAY
4
Many Glacier Valley Interpretive Walk, Park Presentation
Many Glacier
B,D
Many Glacier Hotel

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles; maintained dirt trails that may be rocky and uneven. Elective walk up to 4 miles depending on group ability and interest. Elevations from 4,900 to 5,200 feet. Restroom facilities available at most trail heads.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll break into smaller walking groups with different distance choices to suit everyone’s personal preference in the scenic Many Glacier Valley. As we walk around a series of glacially carved lakes, be on the lookout for bears, moose, and other wildlife that thrive in this valley. We will learn about the geological forces that created this impressive landscape as well as the flora and fauna we encounter. After the field trip, we’ll return to the hotel.

Lunch: Lunch on your own

Afternoon: We’ll learn more about Glacier National Park during a presentation by a local expert in the meeting room at the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Our instructors will lead wildlife viewing. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Buffalo Jump, Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton International Peace Park, Alberta
B,L,D
Prince of Wales Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 3.5 hours total riding time. Getting on/off a boat. Walking up to 1 mile. Have passports accessible for the U.S.-Canadian border crossing.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll jump on the motorcoach this morning and visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that bears witness to an aboriginal hunting practices used by native people of the North American plains for almost 6,000 years. We’ll stop at this unique site and learn from museum staff about this essential piece of history. We'll then continue on to Waterton Lakes National Park. The park is a stunning natural area where the prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Clear lakes, beautiful waterfalls, rainbow-colored streams, and mountain vistas await us.

Lunch: Sack Lunches from Many Glacier Hotel.

Afternoon: In the afternoon we will explore the charming town of Waterton. Browse the unique boutique shops, walk the historic downtown area, or relax with a local beverage admiring the gorgeous glacier carved landscapes. Later in the day we'll check into the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1927, that boasts Swiss-style architecture with British ambiance. It’s named after Prince Edward of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII, and the hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Our instructors will lead wildlife viewing from the hotel deck.

DAY
6
International Study Cruise, Waterton Walk
Waterton International Peace Park, Alberta
B,L
Prince of Wales Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 25 miles throughout the day, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 2 miles, up to 3 hours; natural dirt trails that may be uneven or rocky. Getting on/off a boat; approximately 2 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll board the motorcoach and ride a short distance to downtown Waterton for an international study cruise on pristine Waterton Lake. The boat captain will provide expert commentary as we observe towering cliffs, unique geological formations, waterfalls, snow covered peaks, and the international border between Canada and the United States. After the study cruise, we will board the motorcoach and return to the hotel.

Lunch: Lunch will be at the Lakeside Chophouse at Bayshore Inn.

Afternoon: We’ll ride to the trailhead and set off on foot to explore one of the scenic trails in Waterton. Our expert instructors will provide trailside lessons on topics that range from wildfire to wildflowers to wildlife. After our walk, we will return to the hotel.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy local fare in Waterton. Motorcoach transportation between the hotel and town will be provided.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Our instructors will once again lead wildlife viewing. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
7
Glacier Park Lodge, Marias Pass, Return to Kalispell
Kalispell
B,L,D
Red Lion Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 175 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time plus stops. Have passports accessible for the Canadian-U.S. border crossing.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the Prince of Wales Hotel, we’ll begin our transfer back to Kalispell. Have passports ready for re-entry into the U.S. Once through customs, we’ll visit the historic Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier that was completed in 1913. The 60 immense timbers supporting the Lodge were between 500 and 800 years old when they were cut. They are 36 to 42 inches in diameter and 40 feet long. We’ll learn about the history of this hotel as it relates to the railroad and what the early non-indigenous visitors to Glacier National Park experienced. We will take a beautiful short walk in the Two Medicine nature area if time allows.

Lunch: Bag lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll then be on our way back to Kalispell, riding along the southern border of Glacier National Park. We will cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass and learn about the area’s historical and geological significance. We’ll also make educational and scenic stops along the way as time allows. Upon our arrival at the hotel, we’ll check-in and have some time to freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
8
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Kalispell
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00am.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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