You Have Questions, We Have Answers
Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana, with a small portion of the park located in Canada (Waterton Lakes). Glacier has 3 main entrances with different opening and closing dates each year. Check the road opening and closing dates while planning and before you arrive for the latest status.
West Entrance
- Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)– in Kalispell, Montana is about 30 miles from the West Entrance. This is the closest international airport.
- Missoula Airport (MSO) – in Missoula, Montana is about 130 miles from the West Entrance.
East Entrance
- Great Falls international Airport (GTF) – in Great Falls, Montana is about 140 miles from the East Entrance.
- Lethbridge Airport (YQL) – in Alberta, Canada is about 77 miles from the East Entrance but requires international travel.
Yes. An entrance fee (pass) is required to enter Glacier National Park. You are encouraged to purchase this before arriving to save time, but you may also purchase passes at any entrance station upon arrival. Fees and pass types, including costs, can be found here. All visitors, including guests of our lodges, must purchase a park pass from the National Park Service, which is not included in our lodging or tour reservations.
Yes. You can find more information on vehicle reservations by visiting the National Park Service website.
Yes! Xanterra Travel Collection® operates 5 hotels that are located inside the park boundaries (Village Inn at Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins, Many Glacier Hotel, and Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins). We also operate one hotel outside of the park, 18 miles from the West Entrance in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Glacier National Park is a year-round park, however, the lodges and tours are only open/running between May-September each year. The seasonal dates vary year-to-year.
Cell service is limited and can be spotty depending on your location in the park. Check with your provider to verify coverage. During peak season, the number of users can overwhelm the system, making texting the most effective means of communication.
Wi-Fi is available for overnight guests in some lodges but is much slower than typical residential, business, or workplace service. Information on guest Wi-Fi and connectivity can be found here. Free public Wi-Fi is available at the Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary’s Visitor Center.
Overall, while cell service and internet access are available in some parts of Glacier, they should not be relied on as your only means of communicating, researching, and navigating the park.
Summers are pleasant with temperatures ranging from 60°-80°F with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. This is the peak season for visitors, with long days perfect for hiking and exploring. However, weather can change rapidly, so it’s advisable to bring layers and rain gear.
Spring in Glacier National Park can be unpredictable. While snow begins to melt in mid-spring, many areas can remain snowy and muddy. The opening of the Going to the Sun Road can vary year to year. For current updates on Road Conditions visit the National Park Service website.
Fall brings cooler average temperatures and the possibility of early snow. The lodges in Glacier open and close on a rolling basis, based on location within the park.
Please check the National Park’s weather page for current conditions and forecasts.
The lodges inside the park do not offer a business center, unfortunately. Cedar Creek Lodge, however, does have a 24-hour business center that offers free Wi-Fi, printer and a fax machine.
No. There are no fueling stations within Glacier’s boundaries.
Modify or Cancel Your Reservation
If your plans change for any reservation, you may receive a full refund of the deposit provided you cancel the reservation and obtain a cancellation number in accordance with our cancellation policy. For room reservations in 2025, the cancellation number must be obtained at least 3 days prior to the designated check-in time and arrival date. Effective May 1, 2026, cancellation numbers must be obtained at least 14 days prior for stays May 1 to October 14 and at least 3 days prior for stays October 15 to April 30. For Red Bus Tours and Shuttles, the cancellation number must be obtained by 6:00pm Mountain time at least 3 days prior to the designated check-in date and time of the reserved tour.
In Glacier, you can encounter any weather, in any season, so packing layers is essential year-round. You’ll also want sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Check out our packing guide here.
Bear spray is recommended, but remember, if you’re flying, you can’t pack it in your luggage. Bear spray can be rented while you are in the park at all Glacier National Park Lodge retail locations. For more information on Bear Safety, visit the National Park Service website.
There are Shuttle Buses operated by NPS throughout the park during different times/routes per season. Visit the National Park Service website for more schedule & route information.
Xanterra operates shuttle services between the Amtrak Station located near the West Side of the park. This can be booked in advance and will transport guests between Lake McDonald Lodge or Village Inn and the Amtrak Station.
The Cedar Creek Lodge shuttle is not available for the 2025 season.
The Many Glacier’s Hiker Shuttle is not currently accepting advanced reservations for the 2025 season and is running on a first-come, first-served basis only. Shuttle capacity is extremely limited – it is strongly suggested to find other means of transportation.
Inside of the Park
- Village Inn at Apgar – motel style rooms, family units, kitchenette rooms
- Lake McDonald Lodge – suites, hotel rooms, cabins, and dormitories
- Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins – store motel rooms with interior entrances, motor inn rooms with exterior entrances, and cabins
- Swift Current Motor Inn & Cabins – pinetop rooms with interior entrances, motor inn rooms with exterior entrances, cabins with private bathrooms and historic cabins with shared bathrooms
- Many Glacier Hotel – suites, lakeside rooms, parkside rooms, rooms with shared balconies, and family units
Outside of the Park
- Cedar Creek Lodge – suites, deluxe rooms, and standard rooms
We accept reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance. Specifically, on the 1st of each month, we’ll begin accepting reservations for the same entire month of the following year. For more information, please review our reservation policies.
To ensure you get your preferred room type at your desired location, we recommend making your reservation as soon as you know your travel dates.
However, you might be surprised to find accommodations somewhere in the park, even two weeks ahead of time. We recommend using our flexible booking calendar to see available dates.
Yes. You can find available ADA rooms in our online reservation system by selecting “Show ADA Accessible Rooms” in the filter menu. You can also speak with a reservation agent at 855-733-4522 regarding units for guests with disabilities and larger room sizes.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis to assist arriving and departing guests.
For more information on park accessibility, please visit the National Park Service’s accessibility page here.
We do not have TVs in any of our lodge rooms or cabins, except the Suites at Lake McDonald Lodge.
All rooms and cabins are non-smoking, non-vaping. All facilities within Glacier National Park are non-smoking.
Our rooms and cabins do not have air conditioning, but fans can be found in your room or from the front desk. All rooms and cabins have heat.
Wi-Fi in the park is limited and much slower than typical residential, business, or workplace service. Some of our lodge rooms and public areas have guest Wi-Fi.
The check-in time is 4:00 pm, and the check-out time is 11:00 am at all of our hotels, lodges, and cabins.
You can check-in at any time past check-in hours for Lake McDonald Lodge and Many Glacier Hotel as both facilities offer 24-hour front desks. Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins and Rising Sun Motor Inn & Cabins front desks are open from 6:00am-11:00pm and have a courtesy phone for after hours check-in. Village Inn’s front desk is open from 8:00am-8:00pm.
Traveling to Glacier with your pet should be considered carefully for your pet’s safety and the native wildlife. For more information on where pets are permitted within the park, visit the National Park Service website.
Service animals used for the sole purpose of aiding a person with a disability are permitted in all accommodations but should be clearly marked as a working animal. No pet fees are assessed for service animals. Pets whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Due to the historic nature of some of our lodges, physical room keys may be issued to you at check-in. If you forget to return these physical keys to the front desk at check-out, we kindly ask that you mail them to:
Lodging Department – Glacier National Park Lodges
1014 1st Avenue West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
If you were issued a plastic or wooden key card at check-in and forgot to return it upon check-out, you may keep it as a souvenir.
A waitlist for room reservations is not available.
Cancellations do occur; however, they can occur at random, which could result in limited success in obtaining the dates and accommodations you desire. If your first choice is not available, rather than scheduling your vacation around the possibility of a cancellation, we suggest checking alternate dates instead. If you want to continue to check for cancellations, you may visit our online booking engine, use our chat feature, or contact an agent at 855-733-4522.
Reservations made by phone will eventually show up online once the guest has created an online profile.
Glacier National Park offers a diverse array of dining experience in the park, from casual bites and full-service restaurants to quick-serve and grab-and-go options. Beyond the variety, we’re deeply committed to sourcing 70% of our ingredients from local and sustainable producers. View all of our in-park dining here.
All restaurants operated by Xanterra Travel Collection® within Glacier National Park are seated on a first-come, first-served basis and do not accept reservations.
Cooking is not allowed in any guestroom or cabin. This includes any self-heating meal or noodle bowl, which will set off our sensitive fire alarms. You could incur a substantial charge if you are found to be cooking in your room.
Glacier National Park Lodges operates a collection of gift shops located at our lodges. Our thoughtfully curated items feature art from local artisans, sustainable items, made in USA products, and much more!
Dial 911 and seek assistance from park personnel or ranger stations.
If something is lost in our of our lodges, restaurants or on a tour please fill out this form.
If you are still at our property, check with the front desk at your lodge. We will work hard to reunite you with your lost item.
The only Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Glacier National Park are located at Lake McDonald Lodge. Chargers are first-come, first-served.
Working in a National Park can be an excellent experience for people of all ages. Visit Career Opportunities for additional information.
Having trouble remembering your password for your existing online booking account? Follow these steps:
- Click “BOOK NOW” button in the top right corner
- Click “Sign In”
- Click “Help I can’t access my account”
- Enter Email address and Click “RESET PASSWORD”
- If you don’t remember, click “I forgot my username”
- A 16-digit secret code will be emailed to you, enter in the “Code” field
- Create a new password and click “SET NEW PASSWORD”
- You’ll be brought back to the sign-in page, please use your new credentials to log in
Rates
Our rates are quoted in U.S. funds and approved by the National Park Service, so you can always be assured of an excellent value. Rates listed on the website are subject to change at any time without notice. Our rates are subject to approval by the National Park Service and the new rates are not always established at the time of booking, however your deposit will guarantee your reservation at the rate reserved. Any modifications to your reservation(s) will result in the room(s), tour(s) or shuttle(s) being subject to the current applicable rate.
- Rates are based on double occupancy, per room, per night unless otherwise stated. Extra adult fees are $15 per additional adult per night plus taxes and surcharges. Rollaway beds, if the room type permits, are $15 per night plus taxes and surcharges and are available upon request only. Children 11 and under stay free when accompanied by an adult.
- Red Bus Tour and Shuttle rates are per person based upon adult and child rates. Adults are considered 12 years of age and older. Children are ages 2-11 and infants are under the age of 2. A seat is required for all infants. Due to the historic nature of the buses, car seats are not permitted.
- All room rates are subject to applicable taxes and/or surcharges and do not include the current room tax or utility surcharge. Taxes and surcharges are subject to change. The utility surcharge will be collected at check-out on all room reservations.
- Rates are stated in U.S. dollars.
- National Park entrance fees will be collected at the Park entrance gate. Please refer to www.nps.gov/glac for fee information.
- Note: we do not pay commissions on groups in the park.
Reservation Policies
We are currently accepting reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, we will begin accepting online reservations for the entire month of the following year at midnight (12:00 am) Mountain time (Denver, CO time). For example, on September 1, we will accept reservations through September 30 of the following year. Our Central Reservations office will begin accepting reservations via phone at 7am Mountain time (Denver, CO time) on the first of each month. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all properties. Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins, and Many Glacier Hotel are extremely popular and sell out quickly. We do not offer waiting lists for accommodations or tours.
- The majority of our rooms are available to reserve via our online reservation system.
- Reservations for individuals may be made for up to 9 rooms.
- Ten or more rooms for the same stay are considered a Group and these requests may be submitted to Glacier Group Sales office via email. Note: we do not pay commissions on groups in the park.
Advance Reservation Policies
We are currently accepting reservations for stays up to 13 months in advance. On the first of each month, we will begin accepting online reservations for the entire month of the following year at midnight (12:00 am) Mountain time (Denver, CO time). For example, on September 1, we will accept reservations through September 30 of the following year. Our Central Reservations office will begin accepting reservations via phone at 7am Mountain time (Denver, CO time) on the first of each month. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all properties. Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins, and Many Glacier Hotel are extremely popular and sell out quickly. We do not offer waiting lists for accommodations or tours.
- The majority of our rooms are available to reserve via our online reservation system.
- Reservations for individuals may be made for up to 9 rooms.
- Ten or more rooms for the same stay are considered a Group and these requests may be submitted to Glacier Group Sales office via email. Note: we do not pay commissions on groups in the park.
Advance Red Bus Tour Reservations
Red Bus Tours reservations will generally open sometime in January for the upcoming Summer, however the exact timing is subject to change from year to year. For example, guests wishing to reserve Red Bus Tours for Summer 2026 would typically be able to in the January 2026 timeframe. Guests with existing lodging reservations will be notified via email when reservations are opened. Guests without lodging reservations with us can sign up for our newsletter to be notified when they are available to reserve.
https://www.glaciernationalparklodges.com/join-our-newsletter/
Travel Agent Reservations
We accept travel agent reservations for individual travel parties. However, please be advised that we do not pay commissions or offer net rates to travel professionals.
Third Party Reservations
We are unable to give information about reservations to any guests who have booked through a third-party company. If the reservation has been made through another website, company, or travel agency, please contact them directly for any modifications, cancellations or specific questions regarding your reservation.
Pets and Service Dogs
Animals or pets are not allowed, with the exception of qualified Service Dogs for guests with disabilities. Please advise your reservations agent if you are traveling with a Service Dog.
What is a Service Dog?
At Glacier National Park Lodges, a Service Dog is defined as a dog that is personally trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a guest with a disability. There are many different acceptable conditions for using a service dog, such as guiding a blind person, pulling a wheelchair, or alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, and other special tasks as defined in Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A Service Dog is not a pet. All Service Dogs shall be up to date on all required vaccinations upon arrival at the property, and may be subject to additional rules and regulations of the National Park Service.
Are pets, Service Dogs in Training, or Emotional Support Dogs considered Service Dogs?
No. Service Dogs do not include pets or Service Dogs in Training. Nor are Emotional Support Dogs or “assistance animals” considered Service Dogs based on a decision by the U.S. Department of Justice. None of these animals will be able to stay at Glacier National Park Lodges.
Deposits
Each room requires a deposit equal to the first night of your stay (plus tax). Each Red Bus Tour or Shuttle requires full payment. These deposits are required within 7 days of making the reservation, or if arriving within 14 days, the deposit/payment is required to make the reservation. When reserving online, the deposits are required at the time of reservation. You may use a Discover, JCB, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, MasterCard or Visa and we will charge your credit card upon completion of the reservation.
The room deposit will guarantee your room reservation for an arrival beyond the applicable check-in time. The deposits will guarantee the reservation and the rate, however any modifications to your reservation(s) may result in the entire reservation being subject to the new applicable rate.
Cancellations
Reservations may be modified or cancelled up to 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival or tour date; after that date, the deposit is non-refundable. Room or tour reservations made within 3 days of arrival are immediately non-refundable regardless of weather or any other circumstance. Failure to arrive on the scheduled arrival date will result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your deposit.
Check-in/out times
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Village Inn At Apgar: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Many Glacier Hotel: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
Cedar Creek Lodge: 4:00 p.m./11:00 a.m.
*Same Day Reservations must be made by calling the property directly.
**All properties open at 12 p.m. on opening day and close at 12 p.m. closing day. No services are available prior to opening day or after closing day.
Online Payment Methods
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Carte Blanche, JCB, and Diners Club.
How To Make A Reservation
You may quickly and efficiently check real-time availability and make your reservation online for any of our lodging facilities or the Red Bus tours.
If desired, you may also contact our Central Reservations office directly:
Toll-free within the U.S. 855-SEEGLACIER (855-733-4522)
Outside the U.S. 303-265-7010
Reservations Hours Of Operation
Daily – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mountain Time
NOTE: The reservations office is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and will close at 12:00 p.m. on the day prior to each of these holidays.
For same day reservations or to reach a lodge guest, call the property direct:
Many Glacier Hotel (406) 732-4411
Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Cabins (406) 732-5531
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins (406) 732-5523
Lake McDonald Lodge and Cabins (406) 888-5431
Village Inn at Apgar (406) 888-5632
An Entrance Fee is required to enter Glacier National Park.
Group Reservations
Ten or more rooms for the same stay are considered a Group and these requests may be submitted to either:
- Cedar Creek Lodge Group Sales via email
- Glacier National Park Lodges Group Sales via email (inside the park inquiries)