Description
See Glacier Country from the air on your very own private scenic flight near Glacier National Park. One to three guests fly with a family-owned Montana flight service flying since 2004 with more than 30,000 combined hours of experience and home base in Kalispell. The same seasoned pilots who fly Montana's legendary backcountry airstrips take the controls of your private scenic flight over one of the most beautiful corners of the Northern Rockies.
Departing Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, this one-hour flight climbs over the Flathead Valley for a sweeping aerial tour of the mountains, lakes, rivers, and landmarks that make northwest Montana unforgettable. The highlights the route often includes are shimmering Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, Echo Lake and the spine of the Swan Range, the Hungry Horse Dam and reservoir, and long views toward West Glacier and Lake McDonald. From there the valley opens toward the North Fork of the Flathead River, Whitefish Lake and the town of Whitefish, and Whitefish Mountain Resort, known to locals as Big Mountain, before turning back over the western rim of the valley toward the airport.
Please note that Glacier National Park is protected airspace, so scenic flights do not fly within the park itself. Even so, on clear days you will enjoy spectacular views into the park and across the surrounding mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, including the wild North Fork drainage. Because there are several popular routes across the valley, your pilot is happy to work in specific landmarks or areas you would especially like to see whenever conditions allow. Exact routing varies with weather, visibility, airspace, and safety, but every flight is built around showcasing the very best of the Flathead Valley and the mountains that crown it.
Every flight is a private charter for your group. One flat price covers the whole aircraft for up to two or three passengers (final capacity depends on combined passenger weight, 550 lbs max), so it is just you, your party, and your pilot. It is an ideal way to mark a special occasion, capture photos you cannot get any other way, or simply take in the grandeur of Glacier Country from a view almost no one gets to see.
What to Expect
Plan to arrive at Glacier Park International Airport, Gate 7, about 15 minutes before departure to allow time for parking, check-in, and a short safety briefing with your pilot. Because combined passenger weight affects the aircraft, we ask for passenger weights when you book. Flights are weather-dependent, and your pilot always makes the final call with safety first. Bring a camera or smartphone, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing for the day's weather, then settle in for about an hour of unforgettable Montana scenery.
Flights are weather-dependent and run on clear days. If weather requires a delay or reschedule, we will contact you as soon as possible to find the best option. Summer and early fall usually offer the sharpest mountain views and the best light for photos.
Prefer More Time in the Air?
If you want to go farther, the 2-hour Glacier Country Scenic Flight adds more flight time to see more of Flathead Lake and reach deeper into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can fly on the scenic flight?
Each flight is a private charter for one flat price. The aircraft seats up to two or three passengers depending on combined passenger weight, so we ask for passenger weights at booking to confirm your group's capacity. Maximum combined passenger weight is 550 pounds.
Where do flights depart from?
Flights depart from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, via Gate 7 at 4400 US Highway 2 East. Coming from Whitefish or Columbia Falls, Gate 7 is the turn immediately before the main airport-terminal traffic light; coming from Kalispell, pass the terminal light and take the next left into Gate 7.
Do we fly over Glacier National Park?
No. Glacier National Park is protected airspace, so scenic flights do not operate within the park itself. You will still enjoy spectacular views into the park on clear days, along with the surrounding mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers.
What will we see?
Highlights can include shimmering Flathead Lake, Echo Lake and the Swan Range, the Hungry Horse Dam and reservoir, the North Fork of the Flathead River, Whitefish Lake and the town of Whitefish, and Whitefish Mountain Resort (Big Mountain), plus sweeping views toward West Glacier and Lake McDonald. Your exact route varies with weather, visibility, airspace, and your pilot's routing.
Can the route be customized?
Yes, whenever conditions allow. There are several popular routes across the Flathead Valley, Whitefish, Flathead Lake, and the surrounding mountains, and your pilot is happy to work in specific landmarks or areas you would especially like to see.
How much does the flight cost?
The 1-hour Glacier Country Scenic Flight is $449 for the entire aircraft (up to two or three passengers), not per person.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. Scenic flights are weather-dependent, and if conditions are not suitable for flying we will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule or find the best available option.
When is the best time of day to fly?
Morning and evening flights often bring calmer air and softer light for photography, while midday offers bright, wide-open views. Your pilot can advise based on the day's conditions.
Is it safe, and who is flying the plane?
Your flight is operated by a family-owned Montana company flying since 2004 with more than 30,000 combined hours of experience, including regular flights into Montana's remote backcountry airstrips.
Can children fly?
Yes, children are welcome. Because seating depends on combined passenger weight, please include all passenger ages and weights when you book.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring a camera or smartphone, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing for the day's weather. Dress in layers for a small-aircraft cabin, where temperatures can vary.
How is this different from the 2-hour flight?
The 1-hour flight circles the Flathead Valley, taking in Flathead Lake, the Swan and Whitefish ranges, and views toward Glacier National Park. The 2-hour Glacier Country Scenic Flight adds more flight time to see more of Flathead Lake and reach deeper into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Can we bring a group larger than three?
Larger groups can be accommodated by booking more than one flight. Contact us and we will help coordinate multiple aircraft or departure times.