This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in East Glacier Park. To help you make friends with East Glacier Park before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
One of the gateways to Glacier National Park, East Glacier Park village is a perfect place to call home as you explore this stunning area. With over a thousand miles of trails, Glacier National Park provides endless opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with the Montana wilderness.
With no big-chain hotels within the village, a stay in East Glacier Park gives tourists the option of choosing smaller hostels or holiday rentals. Hostels here are cozy and packed with other like-minded travelers, looking to get out and see what the park has to offer. There are also campgrounds for guests who want to get out of the hostel and experience a more hands-on mountain stay. As this is a popular summer destination, travelers are reminded to book accommodations in advance.
The park offers plenty of outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy all year round – with golfing, fishing, hiking, and rodeo in the summer, and skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter. Area scenery features lakes, streams, waterfalls, and rocky overlooks, filled with an abundance of wildlife like elk, mountain goats, moose, deer, and even bears.
East Glacier Park doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife or chain restaurants, but there is still a ton of dining options ranging from cafes and delis to bars and taverns. There’s also a grocery store so visitors can get some supplies and pack picnic lunches to take into the mountains as they explore the park.
Kalispell’s Glacier International Airport is only about 130km from the village, and Great Falls International Airport is just over 200km away. Passengers flying into Calgary International Airport can also grab a shuttle bus all the way into East Glacier. Local car rentals and shuttle services are also available for visitors who want to venture deeper into this beautiful park.
Written by local enthusiast for East Glacier Park hostels
Jakob Lombardi
