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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Lakes & Lodges of Glacier National Park

Seven-day rail and coach tour through Glacier National Park from Chicago

Illustration of Lakes & Lodges of Glacier National Park

Vacations By Rail's Lakes and Lodges of Glacier National Park is a 7-day escorted tour that combines long-distance rail travel with immersion in one of America's most dramatic mountain landscapes. Departing Chicago, travelers board Amtrak's Empire Builder for a classic overnight journey across the prairies of North Dakota and into Montana. Upon arrival in East Glacier Park, a Tour Manager guides the group through three days based at Glacier Park Lodge, the historic railway hotel that anchors the experience. From there, vintage Red Jammer buses climb the Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Continental Divide, and a cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake offers views of craggy peaks and the chance to spot moose and bears. After a stop at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, the tour moves to the mountain town of Whitefish for two nights of free time, complete with complimentary water sports and local exploration. This trip suits travellers who want the romance of a long-distance train journey combined with guided access to a national park, without the need to drive or navigate independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • The activity level is rated Mobility Rating 3, which the operator lists but does not define in detail; confirm physical demands with them before booking.
  • The itinerary notes that Days 3 and 4 are swapped for the August 27 departure; verify the exact daily order for your travel dates.
  • Meals on Days 3 and 4 include lunch at visitor centers or lodge dining rooms, described as on-your-own or included stops rather than pre-booked restaurant reservations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Departing Chicago on Amtrak's Empire Builder

    Board Amtrak's Empire Builder at Chicago's Union Station for an overnight journey westward toward Montana's Big Sky Country. Light meals and refreshments are available for purchase in the Café Car. Travelers may instead depart from Seattle or points in between and meet the group on arrival in Glacier National Park.

  2. Day 2railovernight: East Glacier

    Into Glacier National Park

    Wake amid the rolling prairies of North Dakota as the Empire Builder continues west into Montana, with mountain peaks appearing on the horizon. Arrival in East Glacier late this evening, with a coach transfer to Glacier Park Lodge, a historic railway hotel and base for the next three nights.

  3. Day 3overnight: East Glacier

    Incredible views from Going-to-the-Sun Road

    A coach to St. Mary's Lodge to board a convertible Red Jammer bus for a nostalgic journey along the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, with a stop at St. Mary's Visitors Center for lunch on your own. Note: for the August 27 departure, Days 3 and 4 are swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: East Glacier

    Exploring the Many Glacier region

    A scenic drive past Lake Sherburne into the Many Glacier region, followed by a relaxing cruise on Swiftcurrent Lake with views of Grinnell Point and possible moose and bear sightings. Lunch at Many Glacier Lodge's Ptarmigan Dining Room before returning to Glacier Park Lodge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5overnight: Whitefish

    To Lake McDonald Lodge and Whitefish

    A motorcoach journey out of the park via Lake McDonald Lodge for lunch and a final look at the park's scenery, continuing to the mountain town of Whitefish for a free afternoon and evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6overnight: Whitefish

    A relaxing day in Whitefish

    A free day in Whitefish with complimentary bicycles, kayak, paddleboard and pedal boats available at the hotel dock, plus walkable access to Whitefish Lake City Beach and local hiking trailheads. A farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7

    Tour conclusion

    A final breakfast at the hotel before a coach transfer to Glacier Park International Airport, timed for flights departing after 1 p.m.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Amtrak's Empire Builder at Chicago's Union Station for an overnight sleeper journey westward into Big Sky Country.
  • Day 3Ride a vintage Red Jammer convertible bus along the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
  • Day 4Cruise Swiftcurrent Lake in the Many Glacier region with views of Grinnell Point and possible wildlife sightings.
  • Day 6Enjoy a free day in Whitefish with complimentary access to bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats at the hotel dock.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodation
  • 1 night in coach seat sleeper aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of USD 4,099 includes 1 night in a coach seat sleeper aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder and all other rail, cruise, and coach travel throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an escorted tour. Vacations By Rail assigns a Tour Manager who travels with the group from start to finish.
Which train is used?
Amtrak's Empire Builder operates the Chicago to East Glacier leg. Travelers board at Chicago's Union Station or may join at Seattle or points in between.
Where do we stay?
Three nights at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier Park and two nights at either Grouse Mountain Lodge or Whitefish Waterfront Hotel in Whitefish. One night is aboard the train in a coach seat sleeper.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. Light meals and refreshments are available for purchase in the Café Car aboard the Empire Builder.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates this tour Mobility Rating 3, reflecting coach and bus travel, a lake cruise, walks at lodge grounds, and access to Whitefish's beach and local trails.

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