East Glacier Private Sightseeing Experience
Description
Glacier's eastern side is where the mountains meet the plains, creating some of the park's most dramatic scenery and a landscape deeply rooted in Blackfeet Nation history. On this private tour, you'll travel beyond the busier west entrance and discover stunning lakes, sweeping passes, and wildlife at your own pace, with a guide who can connect it all to the culture and geology that shaped the region.
The Blackfeet people called this landscape the "Backbone of the World." The east side of Glacier National Park borders the Blackfeet Reservation, and the cultural imprint runs deep. Chief Mountain, a solitary peak rising above the eastern plains, has served as a spiritual landmark for the Blackfeet for centuries. Running Eagle Falls in the Two Medicine area is named after a celebrated Blackfeet warrior. Your guide will weave this history throughout the day, offering context well beyond a standard sightseeing drive.
You'll be picked up in the Whitefish or Kalispell area, then depart on your fully customized sightseeing experience. Your guide will work with you before or right after booking to shape stops around your interests (wildlife, landscapes, photography, geology, or culture), so no two tours are exactly alike.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the southern boundary of the park toward East Glacier, where mountains rise suddenly from open prairie. Favorite stops along the way include Goat Lick Overlook, where mountain goats congregate at a natural mineral lick, and Marias Pass, the Continental Divide crossing at 5,213 feet with a wide, treeless panorama unlike anything on the west side. From there, the Two Medicine region offers one of the park's most peaceful corners: calm water, striking peaks, and a short walk to Running Eagle Falls.
Continuing north, your guide will lead you to St. Mary Lake and Rising Sun, a sweeping glacial valley hemmed in by 9,000-foot peaks on both sides. The east side is drier and more open than the west, which typically means better wildlife viewing visibility. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, deer, elk, bears, bald eagles, and osprey.
Midday, enjoy a hearty, locally sourced lunch with time to pause and take in the views. At the end of the day, your guide returns you to your accommodation with a much fuller picture of Glacier's least-visited, most underrated side.
Looking to explore on foot? The East Glacier Nature Hike is a half-day companion that covers this same region on foot. Or see the park's west side on the Going-to-the-Sun Road Guided Day Tour.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation?
No, you do not need a Going-to-the-Sun Road Vehicle Reservation. However, you will need a valid entry pass for your group.
Do I need a Glacier National Park Entry Pass?
Yes, all private groups are required to carry at least one private vehicle pass. Annual or lifetime passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, are also valid. You can purchase a pass HERE from recreation.gov
Is lunch included?
Yes. Locally prepared lunch is provided, with accommodations for dietary restrictions.
Will there be hiking?
The tour is primarily a scenic driving experience, though you’ll have opportunities at stops for short walks or nature paths (depending on your interest and conditions).
Where is the meeting point?
This tour includes hotel or lodging pick-up in the Whitefish and Kalispell area. For locations between 25–60 miles from Kalispell, an additional distance fee of $150 applies.
Can the tour itinerary be customized?
Yes! That’s one of the best reasons to pick a private tour. Your guide will help tailor stops and pacing to match your interests—whether that’s photography, history, wildlife, or simply relaxing in nature.
What about changes in the weather?
Tours run rain, shine, or smoke. Glacier’s weather is part of the adventure, but if conditions become unsafe, your guide will adjust the itinerary for comfort and safety.
What kind of wildlife will we see?
While we can’t guarantee wildlife sightings, the tour passes through prime habitat where you may spot deer, elk, mountain goats, or even a bear from a safe distance.