Glacier Country Group Activities: Your Ultimate Guide

Planning a group trip to Whitefish, Flathead Lake or Glacier National Park? We've got you covered.

Trip planning for weddings, reunions or group events can be a difficult task, and that's no understatement when considering a trip to Northwest Montana. There are dozens of activities, venues, lodging options, restaurants, and so much more that goes into planning a trip for just yourself... and when it comes to planning for a group discovering what to do and making those plans can become exponentially more difficult.

To save you time and share our local insight, this ultimate guide has everything you need to know about group activities & experiences in Glacier country. Perfect for any traveler or professional considering a multi-generational family getaway, bachelor party, destination wedding, or a corporate work retreat. Here's the details you need to know to to turn your trip ideas into lifelong Montana memories.

Why Group Travel Can Be a Challenge in Montana

Time spent in Northwest Montana usually means being out and active to some degree and traveling a decent distance from one event to the next. Finding activities, venues and transportation that are good for groups let alone still have space can be tricky.

"There are 20 of us and we really want to go fly fishing". Can we make that happen for you? Probably. But fly fishing is usually guided in small drift boats of 1-2 people maxium with each boat and guide. That means 10 guides, different launch times, car shuttles, etc. So, not the easiest to coordinate for a wedding party of 20+ people unless you're working with someone that regularly is accustomed to large groups. You may be better off with lake fishing from a large charter or having a group fly fishing clinic from the shore of the river.

"Does Uber work in Montana?" Mmmm kind of. "What do you mean?" Well, you can get an Uber if you're willing to wait between 5 to 55 minutes. They're out there, but few and far between, so I wouldn't plan to Uber from the airport to hotel after my midnight arrival.

Getting around, finding the right activities and making sure your group has an exceptional experience are all just a bit more challenging out here under the Big Sky. But fear not, we can guarantee that with a bit of smart planning and delegating to that spreadsheet-loving, type-A person in your group that you actually trust to get things done, you can be successful!

Through this guide we'll cover:

• Best activities for family trips, wedding parties, and corporate groups
• How to plan for both active and non-active travelers
• Logistics on group travel in Glacier National Park
• The Best Restaurants In The Flathead Valley
• Bonus - Our top 5 favorite venues and accomodations!

Best Activities for Group Travel

Whether your group is an adventurous bunch seeking thrilling experiences or a more laid-back gathering looking for scenic relaxation, there's something for everyone in this picturesque region. Here's our top list of things to do in Whitefish, Glacier Park and the Flathead Valley for your next group adventure. We've split them up for family travel, weddings and corporate events.

Best Family Vacation Activities Near Glacier Park

Whitewater Rafting in Glacier National Park

A perfect summertime activity for the whole family upper and lower portions of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River offer exciting whitewater rafting or leisurly scenic river floats. Meandering views into Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest provide an excellent backdrop for afternoon family float.

Perfect for families of any size you can either join of up to 8 people per raft or opt for a fully private experience with multiple rafts for the whole family. Take the crew for a half-day float or spend a full day on the water with a picture-perfect riverside lunch.

E-bike Rentals in Whitefish

Get to know the scenic Whitefish area along paved bike trails or through charming country roads with an e-bike rental. Numerous bike paths and countless miles of local roads to explore e-bikes are quickly become one of the best ways to get around while on vacation.

Pick-up your e-bikes near downtown Whitefish and ride your way to Whitefish City Beach before following Whitefish River to downtown for a bite to eat. Take a scenic detour around the countryside before making your way back to town. This is a great activity for groups of 5-15 people.

Private Going-to-the-Sun Road Tour

Getting to see the iconic Going-to-the-sun Road and picturesque scenes of Glacier National Park is high everyone's bucket list. A private tour allows your group more control over the timing and activities along the way (i.e can we do this short hike? Can we stop for huckleberry ice cream)?

Best Wedding Party Activities Near Glacier

Whiskey Distillery Tour & Cocktail Classes

Whether your planning activities for a large group or a small bachelors party any proper Montana wedding should include some local handcrafted spirits! Glacier Distilling offers a wide range of small batch liquors from their award winning craft whiskeys to generations old moonshine recipes and wild Montana huckleberry gin.

Take a behind the scenes access on a Whiskey Distillery Tour or get hands on with a speciality cocktail class. Enjoy the flavors of Montana with a Huckleberry Heaven Cocktail Class or get to know the basics with the Ways of Whiskey Cocktail Class.

Going-to-the-Sun-Road Day Tour

After a picture perfect Montana wedding take your friends and family on an epic journey along one of the most scenic routes in America. Available for small groups of up to 14 people and possible to book in fully private groups the sights of a lifetime are not to be missed.

Accessible from mid or late June through early October, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must visit and easily speaks for itself as to why you should visit.

Scenic Cruise On Flathead Lake

Enjoy a gorgeous tour of the shores of Flathead Lake on the classic "Far West" boat out of Lakeside, Montana. This is simple boat delivers a great time backdrop for a private party to cruise, dance and enjoy this massive lake in style.

Best Corporate Group Activities Near Glacier Park

Guided Rock Climbing Tour
If you're traveling for a team bonding retreat or just looking for something different to make your work trip a bit more unique then why not take the crew on a climb? An excellent way to build trust and communication you're sure to shake up the pace of normal work vacation!

Available near Kalispell and Whitefish you won't have to travel too far from conference locations or most major hotels.

RZR Side by Side Rentals
Even on a work trip you need to let loose and go full throttle and there's not better way than with a Polaris RZR rental. Just a few minutes outside of Whitefish you can access hundreds of miles of trails all well maintain for ATV's of any kind.

 

Start the day with a how-to on operation and safety then hit the trails to leave the crowds behind. Cruise your way to prime fishing spots, make a lake day, or just spend the day exploring the trails!

Make it a full day of adventure by going off-road in the morning and then hit the lake in the afternoon with a few pontoon boats or personal watercraft too.

Planning Tips For Group Travel in Montana

If you're planning a destination wedding, family adventure, or corporate bonding retreat chances are you picked Montana because you want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors of Big Sky Country! Before jumping in here are a few key things you should know about your group before you start searching for activities:

How active is your group?
Ask group members if they prefer easy, moderate, or challenging level of difficulty.

Do you have adequate transporation?
Montana requires a lot of driving so you should be familiar with where you're staying, where the activity is located, and how you'll get there.

Half-day or full day?
Most tours or rentals will be offered in either half-days (~ 4 hours) or full days (~ 8 hours)

Private or group tour?
Is your party willing to joing an open small group tour or arrange a private excursion?

Planning For Both Active & Non-active Travelers

We already know that planning activities is one of the biggest hurdles in group travel, especially when visiting outdoor focused destinations such as Montana. Chances are you have a mix of folks who might prefer a more adventurous full day excursion while others may rather a relaxed and easy going half-day trip. Understanding the preferences and ability levels within your group will make this process far easier, so here are some specific questions to give you a headstart:

What is your preferred milage & elevation gain?
If anyone is interested in hiking this will make picking out trails or booking a private hikes much easier. For unexpereiced hikers or those who don't have an answer, stick to trails under 5 miles with minimal to moderate elevation gain.

Split groups or full party?
Depending on the size of your full group, you may want to consider multiple small excurisions rather than finding a one-size-fits-all experience.

Are there any accessiblity challenges?
Northwest Montana is extremly fortunate to have wide range accessibility throughout the region. ADA accessible trails, adataptive recreation programs, or private excursions can provide a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Reach out to our team to learn more!

Group Travel in Glacier National Park

While it may be one challenge to try and find the right activities for your group... actually getting there and coordinating the whole thing is another obstacle itself. It's important to remember that National Parks often have different regulations and requirments than local communities or other parks themseleves. Additionally, some activities, such as private tours of Going-to-the-Sun Road, are limited to a very select few vendors and tour operators so it's important to start planning as soon as posssible.

Glacier National Park introduced a required entry reservation system in 2020 that can prove tricky to navigate and understand, espeically for those with larger groups. To break things down, here are some basics you should know:

Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations Need-to-Know

• As of 2023 reservations are required at all established GNP entrances including West Glacier, Polebridge, Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier.
• Bulk of reservations are sold roughly 3 months prior to entry date, additional limited tickets available to purchase 1 day prior to entry date HERE.
• Service reservations (rentals, tours, lodging, etc) within park boundaries are valid in place of required vehicle reservations.
• Vehicle reservations are required per vehicle and are seperate from park entry passes; Glacier National Park Site Passes, America the Beautiful Passes, Lifetime Senior Passes, or any other Interagency Passes are seperate from additional required vehicle reservations.

Top Restaurants In The Flathead for Groups

There is surprisingly good food to be had in the Flathead Valley and around Glacier National Park. We love sending people to our favorite food spots. When you're planning for a group, some are better than others.

Jalisco Cantina

Great for small groups up to 14. If your group is craving authentic Mexican flavors, Jalisco Cantina is the perfect spot. This vibrant Whitefish restaurant serves up mouthwatering dishes bursting with traditional Mexican spices and has a private upstairs room for special events.

Logan's Bar & Grill at Grouse Mountain Lodge

From juicy steaks to hearty burgers and a variety of seafood selections, Logan's offers something for everyone in the group to relish while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This restaurant prides itself on its locally-sourced ingredients and exquisite dishes and there is a private group room adjacent to the main restaurant for group gatherings.

Big Mountain Ciderworks 

If your group prefers a more laid-back and unique dining experience, Big Mountain Ciderworks is a must-visit. This charming cidery and eatery offers a diverse range of handcrafted ciders paired with delectable dishes that complement the flavors perfectly. With a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating options, Big Mountain Ciderworks creates a friendly and enjoyable setting where groups can unwind and savor the taste of local cider and farm-to-table cuisine.

Tamarack Brewery

Craft beer enthusiasts in the group will find their haven at Tamarack Brewery. Located in Lakeside, Montana you'll get innovative burgers and savory sandwiches to wood-fired pizzas and hearty salads. Tamarack Brewery ensures a satisfying and sociable dining experience for groups seeking quality brews and hearty fare.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

For an upscale and elegant group dining experience, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake takes the spotlight. Situated on the shores of Whitefish Lake, this premier dining destination offers a refined ambiance and unparalleled views of the water or gather on the patio for quality cocktails overlooking the water. Get it early cause this place fills up fast!

Gunsight Saloon

Stepping into Gunsight Saloon in Columbia Falls, groups are transported back to the Wild West era with its rustic and authentic decor. This Old West-inspired restaurant offers a classic Montana dining experience and live music. For private events they've got a large patio and outdoor stage as well.

Casa Mexico

Those searching for more south-of-the-border flavors in Kalispell will be delighted with Casa Mexico. This family-owned restaurant boasts an extensive menu of traditional Mexican cuisine, served in generous portions. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant ensures a memorable dining experience for groups seeking a taste of Mexico in Montana.

Brannigans

Simple and reliable, this bar and restaurant offers a full upstairs that can be rented to groups. It offers a diverse menu, ranging from hearty burgers and hand-cut steaks to fresh seafood and crisp salads.

Bonus - Top 5 Best Lodges & Venues

Here at Glacier Tourbase, we specialize in helping you find the best activities, tours and rentals around, but we've got a few more tricks up our sleeves! As a locally based service, we love to help people find great places to stay in addition to fun things to do. Here is our top 5 list of the best lodges in venues in Glacier Country!

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Located near downtown Whitefish and with lakefront access it's one of the most popular accomodations around. Featuring banquet and executive spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, and numerous room accomodations from single guest rooms to multi-bedroom luxury vacation homes, The Lodge is hard to beat for any of your group travel needs.

Haymoon Resort
Tucked just outside of Whitefish this charming resort is perfect for a family reunion or destination wedding. Choose from a selection of small cabins or larger family home for an intimate and memorable vacation.

Cedar Creek Lodge
Only a stones throw from Glacier National Park and steps from downtown Columbia Falls, this newly established hotel and conference center is a perfect home base to work, rest, and play in everything Montana has to offer!

Glacier Park Lodge
Built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railroad the iconic Glacier Park Lodge is a cornerstone of GNP history. Take a step back in time and enjoy your vacation the way the very first visitors did over 100 years ago. Cozy hotel rooms with minimal modern amenities and Glacier National Park out your backdoor is one of best ways to enjoy a true Montana adventure.

Clydesdale Outpost
A small property perfect for family gatherings or rustic-chic weddings the cabins at Clydesdale Outpost offer a bespoke, modern, and truly western atmosphere. Conveniently located yet just distant and isolated enough this spectacular guest ranch is truly one of a kind.