Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Empire Builder with Glacier National Park - Chicago to Seattle

Empire Builder with Glacier National Park - Chicago to Seattle, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Discover all the natural beauty and scenic wonders of Glacier National Park, "The Crown of the Continent" in the majestic Pacific Northwest.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train (Empire Builder)

    Beginning your cross-country journey in Chicago

    Board Amtrak's Empire Builder at Chicago's Union Station for the overnight journey west, settling into a reclining Coach seat. Light meals, snacks and beverages available for purchase; Dining Car subject to table availability. (Upgrades to Roomette/Bedroom available, which include complimentary meals.)

  2. Day 2overnight: Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier Park)

    Across the North Dakota plains to East Glacier

    Pass the Gassman Coulee Trestle and cross into Montana. Arrive at East Glacier Station this evening and walk to the Glacier Park Lodge, a Swiss chalet-style hotel with a nine-hole golf course.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Mary Village

    Dramatic views from St. Mary's Lake

    Coach transfer to St. Mary Village, near the eastern entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road. Shuttle to Rising Sun Boat Dock for a scenic cruise on St. Mary Lake. (Park admission is not included and must be purchased separately.)

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Mary Village

    Alpine sightseeing from Going-to-the-Sun Road

    Open-air Red Jammer bus tour along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass on the Continental Divide, with a stop at Lake McDonald Lodge for an optional lunch, before returning to St. Mary Village. (Subject to change based on seasonal road closures.)

  5. Day 5overnight: Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier Park)

    Relaxing at Glacier Park Lodge

    Leisurely morning at St. Mary Village, then an included coach transfer back to Glacier Park Lodge, with time to enjoy the golf course, horseshoe pit or gift shop.

  6. Day 6overnight: Train (Empire Builder)

    A day in East Glacier before reboarding the Empire Builder

    Free day at the lodge or hiking nearby trails; optional shuttle (payable locally) to the Two Medicine Valley for boat tours, kayaking or canoeing. Reboard the Empire Builder this evening bound for Seattle.

  7. Day 7rail

    Traveling home

    The train passes through Washington's Cascade Mountains and the town of Leavenworth, arriving in Seattle this afternoon. Free time to see the Space Needle or Pike Place Market, or transfer to the airport.

Included

  • 4 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights in Coach aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
  • All rail, boat and coach travel throughout the tour
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and airport transfers
  • National park entrance fees

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