Educator-Led Winter Tour In Glacier National Park
Description
Explore Glacier National Park’s quiet winter season with an expert education guide from the park’s official nonprofit education partner. This 4-hour, small-group winter hike trades summer crowds for hushed, snow-draped trails — and swaps a scenic drive for hands-on learning about the park’s coldest, most peaceful months.
Your day begins at the Glacier Institute Nature Center in Columbia Falls, where you’ll meet your outdoor educator guide for a quick orientation before heading into the park together. The pace is relaxed and shaped by that day’s snow and weather — this is a walk built for curiosity, not mileage.
Along the route, your guide leads a stop near Lake McDonald Lodge. The historic lodge itself is closed for the season, but its stories and century-plus history come alive as your guide shares tales from the park’s past right where they happened.
The heart of the experience is a hands-on lesson in winter ecology: the science of snow and how Glacier’s wildlife — from chickadees to mountain goats — survives months of deep cold and heavy snowpack. You’ll learn to read the landscape the way a naturalist does, spotting clues most visitors walk right past.
After concluding your lesson, you’ll head back to the Glacier Institute Nature Center, bringing a close to your morning (or afternoon) in Glacier’s winter wilderness — informed, unhurried, and far from the summer crowds.
This tour has limited departures on Thursday & Sunday only. Tours begin January 7 and run through March 7.
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Check out these other educational winter experiences in Glacier Country:
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from a typical winter drive through Glacier?
Is Lake McDonald Lodge open during this tour?
What should I bring?
Will the route change based on weather?
Where do we meet?
The tour meets at the Glacier Institute Nature Center in Columbia Falls, MT, about 2 miles east of downtown Columbia Falls, opposite White Raven Winery. On-site parking is first-come, first-served.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you will be provided with hot cocoa to warm up after exploring.
Do I need an entry pass?
Yes, all visitors to Glacier National Park must pay an entry fee. If you do not already carry a valid annual or lifetime pass, you can purchase your pass online at recreation.gov.