Great report. You saw some amazing wildlife. And your photos are really beautiful.

Glacier is definitely a place to go back to!

Love Galcier NP! Great pics. Thanx for sharing this.

Wow, a lot of wildlife super close. Closer than what I'd want to be, but amazing after it is all over with, I would imagine.
I just go back myself from Seattle/areas. My wife and I are planning on Glacier next year. Have our reservations already. Now, I have to decide on what I am doing. I will for sure be buying bear spray first thing after seeing your pics.

topping

Spectacular photos! One of my favorite places on the planet!

I am debating about which hikes to do next summer.

I had thought I would do Iceberg Lake and Highline Trail on one of the Ranger-led hikes. From everything I've read, HT seems to easily be the #1 Trail

Was also considering Hidden Lakes and not doing Highline.
This trail also has to be one of the most popular.

It is my understanding that Iceberg is closed a lot, due to bear activity.

I have also consider doing every boat/lake tour(not McDonald), as most of these have a short walk/hike too.

This will be with my wife and probably a little less hiking than I would like to do. I imagine that we would also do the High Tea/Red Bus Tour to Waterton.

Looking at your photos again, I particularly like your moose pics. Hope I see at least half as much wildlife as you did. I saw mountain goats on my trip to Olympic a couple of weeks ago, but not anywhere near as close as you did.

Highline trail opened late June this year. It's about a 15 mile round trip from Logan Pass to Granite Chalet with an elevation gain of only about 800 feet. Should you wish to "save" about 3 miles, when you reach the Chalet follow the loop trail to Going to the Sun Road. Saves mileage but has a 2200 elevation drop which is hard on knees and toes. If you choose this trail, be sure to have plenty of water as there is little shade from the Chalet to the Sun Road. Once on the road, take the free shuttle back to logan Pass, they run approx. every half hour. Parking is VERY limited at the pass so I suggest you arrive there before 10:00am to find a parking spot.
Hidden Lake overlook is a short 1 1/2 mile hike with boardwalk a lot of the way up. It's another mile and a half down to the lake. Easy to find the trail, just follow the crowd.

Iceberg Lake usually opens arond the first of July and is posted often for bear. NOT closed often but definetly POSTED for bear often which means bears have been seen on the trail or close to the trail.
All alpine trails are weather dependent so before leaving home you may want to check web sites to get an idea if trais are open. Last year the Sun Road didn't open till mid July, this year, due to the mild winter we had ,it was open second week in June.

John,

I have reservations for July 25-29 at many Glacier.

Had reservations last year and lost $1500 on cabin I had rented on VRBO. Was not able to get my flight or any flight. 49 airplanes were damaged in Denver by hail. So, I just go my money back on the flight. Live and learn. I never though about insurance on a cabin rental.

I think you live in that area. Do you have any "must suggestions" I have seriously thought about trying to even spend a night at Granite, then continue on the next day to Many Glacier instead of going back to Logan Pass(involves more logistics and catching a shuttle back to get car). Not for sure if my wife would be up for that much, but she might be.
Then again, we might just stick with the easier stuff. Just trying to figure out if I want to for sure include Highline or not. It will take pretty much a full day if we do.

spiro,
What some people find easy others may not.

We couldn't do the whole Grinnell Glacier hike as there was a snowfield just after the waterfall you walk under. We were on a ranger-led hike and she wasn't allowed to go past the snack area.

We could see some people going past the waterfall but were afraid to go past the snowfield. It looked dangerous.

What I found difficult (probably age and knees, etc) was Hidden Lake Overlook (due to the number of actual stairs) and Ginnell Glacier hike (also due to the number of sort of stairs). Tough on the knees though I don't really have a knee issue.

I don't think it helped that we went on the Grinnell Glacier hike on our first full day there. The elevation isn't that high but still a lot higher than where we live.

For Grinnell Glacier we took the two boats at Many Glacier. Since we shortened that hike we added Grinnell Lake. On the boat on the way back we saw a grizzly on the shore (see photos) and two sets of hikes coming towards it from either side. The ranger was trying to wave to them but I'm sure they couldn't see her.

Iceberg Lake wasn't close due to anything. We went right down to the lake. It's a much longer hike than Grinnell Glacier but much, much easier. The only relatively steep part is the first few hundred yards. I can go all day but it's those steep ups or stairs that aren't fun.

Actually, what I found most strenuous was Bears Hump in Waterton Lakes. Many, many high stairs on a relatively short hike. I'll take Iceberg Lake any day.

As far as Highline is concerned. My goal isn't necessarily to complete long hikes. I want scenery, wildlife and waterfalls (none on Highline).

After seeing the mountain goats right at the start of the hike, walking the area of the cable and a mile or so of scenery we saw no reason to continue.

We came back to the visitors center, had a snack and drove over to the St may Falls trailhead. I was quite surprise with this waterfall and Virginia. After being to Yellowstone and Yosemite I didn't think they would be impressive. I really liked their shape.

In Yosemite, other than Vernal Falls I didn't really like the very large waterfalls as you can't see most up close and from far they just look like strings.

About doing Highline. You can decide how much you want to do. Even if you don't want to do it I would do the start hoping to see the mountain goats and the cable. Then do what you want.

About wildlife. I felt Fishercap Lake that's located about 10-15 minutes from the start of the Swiftcurrent Pass (Redrock Falls) trail was great.

After the Grinnell Glacier hike we went to Redrock Falls. On the way we veered over to Fishercap Lake and saw a male moose in the water. On the way back we went there again and saw a male moose in the water and some deer in the woods right beside the lake.

The next day after the Iceberg Lake hike we went back to Fishecap before leaving for Rising Sun and saw a deer by the shore and a male moose.

I'm trying to figure out why I didn't really like what I saw of Waterton Lakes. Last year we were in Banff and I almost had the same feeling.

I think that having a tourist town made it a little more in civilization. Walking up and down the street going into stores, etc.

I think I prefer a motel to sleep in and a restaurant to eat in and that's it.

Forgot to add.

I'm thinking of next year and considering either Banff & Jasper or Glacier again.

We spent four days there. We were in Many Glacier and Rising sun (the area along GTTS Rd east of Logan Pass.

I drove west early in the morning and went until the cars were backed up at the construction area. That was not past 8AM.

So I haven't been to the west side or Two Medicine.

Since I wouldn't hesitate to use Calgary for either there's a temptation to go for ten days and go to both Glacier and Banff/Jasper.

It appears a friend of mine will come but I don't think he can swing that many days.

Maybe do one myself (Glacier since there are enough ranger-led hikes or very popular trails so I won't be alone) and then pick him up at Calgary on the way to Banff.

When you shop for airfare plus car rental fees, price flying to Spokane and either renting the car there or taking the Empire Builder to Whitefish. The Empire Builder pulls into Whitefish at about 7:30AM MT every day. It leaves Spokane at 1:30AM PT.

I spoke to some people who had also flown to Calgary and they said they saved a lot booking the car outside the airport and taking a taxi.

I booked the car a long time before the trip and it was half the price of booking it closer to travel. Either that's what happens when you book early or the prices have gone thru the roof.

I always book nearly a year out, when I can. And yes, the price is about half.

spiro,
After dealing with a car rental company that insisted they reprice a whole rental because I wanted to make a slight change, I now use a different strategy.

When I think there's a potential for a trip I book many cars all around the dates that I might need and for various lengths.

For Glacier I even book from three different airports.

If that's the way they're going to play the game, I'll do what I have to do to counteract it.

= = = =
About using Calgary for Glacier.

I don't know what the roads are like from Kallispel or Great Falls but the drive from Calgary was excellent. Good smooth road and no twisty hills, etc.

I did have one issue though. At Lethbridge I somehow ended off Rte 2 (goes all the way from the airport to the border).

I kept driving while my daughter used the GPS to try and find our way back onto the correct road. Eventually I got pulled over by a police officer who said I was speeding and made several illegal turns.

He said 20Km/hr. That's 12 miles per hour.

I though I made one illegal turn but that was because we decided not to make a left turn after we got into a barriered left turn. I went around it to the right and that's when he pulled us over.

After he saw maps on the front seat and we told him we needed some help he pointed the right way and sent us off. No ticket.

Glacier never disappoints. Nice report

I'll probably fly into Kalispell, even though it will cost me more and I don't have any flyer rewards I could use there. It just seems a whole lot closer.

Even with GPS, I always somehow manage to get turned around. Sometimes it's the GPS fault though. I have to blame someone or something.

spiro,
Depending upon where you're going it may not be that much closer.

We went to Many Glacier. From Kalispell or Great Falls it's a 3 hour drive. From Calgary it was a bit under 4 hrs. And like I wrote, the roads are really good.

Also, there's a hotel in the airport right beside the car rental.

We hasd an early morning flight so we returned the car the evening before. Then in the morning we just walked across the street into the terminal. Had we gone one level up there's an indoor tunnel.

Very convenient.

I'll look at it again. I just thought driving the GTSR, from the start might be good. Not totally sure about anything yet. Just glad I have my reservations.

also, I don't know what stores are available to buy supplies. The only thing we saw between the border and Babb was Thornson's. We bought our bear spray there but it's little.

Just outside the Cargary airport is a Walmart Supercenter.

Just about the only thing you can't bring across the border is citrus. And a few minor things.

We had no problems crossing in either direction.

I looked and it might work out nicely from Calgary.


Did you like Glacier better than Banf/Jasp?

Holy cow!! There are flights available every day that month for 12.5K economy on AA. Now, I can't book for another 7 days(i'm still 337 day out-give or take a day), so hopefully that will stay true this time next week!!!

FTR, the drive from Kallispell to Glacier is easy as pie.

The car rental people just told me to make a left out of the airport and follow the signs. It was that easy. I didn't even need a map, much less a GPS.

Kallispell was convenient to Apgar Village, which was my first stop.

spiro,
I haven't been to Jasper.

I'm sort of conflicted. I'd like to go the Banff & Jasper. I'd also like to go back to Glacier. I only saw Many Glacier and the east side of GTTS Rd. Also, we really didn't drive the Road and start at most of the viewpoints.

Something to be aware of. When driving GTTS Rd if there's construction somewhere that will really have an impact on you driving. Early one morning I took some photos at Wild Goose Island and then drove west.

I go past Logan Point and a couple of miles past I got to construction. Even about 8AM (maybe even earlier) there were a dozen cars backed up.

I'm not saying they shouldn't do repair work but I would try to avoid it.

When we left GTTS Rd we had a choice. Go to Two Medicine and add 2 hours to the drive or go to Waterton Lakes.

The town had the same feel as Banff. A tourist town with tourist stores. I could do without that.

In Waterton Lakes we stopped to take some photos of the Prince of Wales Hotel, stopped at Cameron Falls and hiked to the top of Bears Hump. Unfortunately, after 4 days of sunny skies it was cloudy when we got to the top.

So I really didn't have a plan or explore Waterton.

For Banff I was better prepared. I had a list of places. I was with my wife so long or many hikes were out.

We hike Bannf Townsite's own mountain, Tunnel Mtn and we hiked to Peyto lake. Peyto Lake isn't very long but I think it's the highest trailhead elevation in the park.

Also, I made a big mistake. I figure that since I was with my wife I wouldn't be out looking for wildlife. Not so. I left my longer lens home. I went out early and late when she was asleep.

One morning I saw a black bear. It was so close I couldn't even zoom with my regular walkaround lens.

One evening I saw a mother and 3 cubs. They were really too far but I took photos anyway and had to do surgery on the photos. Never again.

I can't compare hikes to hikes since I didn't do much in Banff. If I went to Glacier again I might wait until the second day (to get accustomed to the altitude) and go on the Grinnell Glacier hike. We couldn't complete it due to a snowfield on the trail.

They both have great scenery. I saw more wildlife in Glacier but Fishercap Lake had a lot.

You asking which I liked better is the same dilema for me to decide which I rather go back to.

I haven't seen all of Glacier and I haven't been to Jasper which I've read has amazing scenery as well.

I'd love to take 10 days and spend 5 in each. The drive between is only 5 hours. The good part is that Calgary is between so the drive back to the airport is reasonable.

= = = = =
About the 12.5k flights. Is that for Calgary. When I looked for this year there weren't any.

It would be great to get a good flight using minimum air miles.

Good luck.

Road to GP from Kalispell airport is approx. 30 miles of straight hiway with some spots at 70 mph. From the airport to Apgar Village should take you 30 to 40 minutes doing the speed limit

Myer,

Yes, that was from Tulsa to Calgary.

Thanks for the great trip report and pictures, Myer. Looks like a fun trip. Can't believe the abundant wildlife! I spent a summer working as a naturalist in Glacier after college. Hiked almost everyday, did most of the parks trails and didn't see one grizz in 4 months and only one moose. How thrilling for you and your daughter to share such an incredible experience. Great trip!

sharondi,
We saw three grizzlies from a distance up hills off roads.

We saw one in the woods right beside our trail hiking back from Redrock Falls. That was a bit scary as it was about 7PM and getting dim in the woods. Also, we were alone.

We saw another grizzly on the shoreline of Lake Josephine on the way back from the Grinnell Glacier (aborted) hike. That one wasn't as far as those uphill roadside.

And of course, the one who paralleled us on the way back from Iceberg Lake who ended up liking our trail better and then took a bath on the trail for a half hour.

I don't know if Fishercap Lake (maybe I've let out a secret) always has moose and deer around but we went there (only 10-15 minutes from the Swiftcurrent Pass trailhead) three times and each time saw a moose and deer.

Yes, we were very fortunate to see all that.

- - - -
spiro,
I checked out FLL to YYC for next year (a bit early but just to check). The AA flights are not great. From here United has an excellent flight. Leaves 6:30AM, one change and arrives in YYC at noon.

Nice report and great pictures. Glacier is on my bucket list, but will have to get some time in the summer to do it.

Myer, thanks for the report and the pictures! There have been some great trip reports lately. I just came back from the Pacific NW and was torn between going back next summer or heading to the Canadian Rockies. Now Glacier is also in that mix. I can't believe how many grizzlies you saw! A little too close for me.

Swiftcurent pass trai is well known for wildlife.
Everytime we made it, we saw :
- deers, always,
- mooses( 3 times on 4);
- bears(3 times on 4).
Bears are often on trail and mooses often hiden, but not always..The first time we hike swiftcurrent trail 5 years ago we saw moose near Bullhead lake, then on the switchback to the pass.On the way back, one more moose on trail between bulhhead lake and redrock falls.
Fishercap lake is a good spot for wildlife in particular moose or deer.
The problem can be the bears as they like the "brushy" wood between main trail and the fishercap lake but with noise and bearspray and the usual precautions, it's fine.
One have to say on the quality of the pictures of Myer...and effectively on the fact he and his daughter was lucky.
From our experience wildlife have to be expected everywhere...
This year ie, we saw :
a bear while arriving at Grinnel Glacier overlook from Highline trail.He was arriving from Grinnel Glacier...last place I was thinking to see a bear, when you know the park...
It's a challenge even for a bear to do the steep snow corridor from Grinnel Glacier to the overlook.
2 mooses in Cracker Lake!!I don't know if it's usual but that has been a "buzz" in the hikers and coming back we saw an unusual traffic for Cracker lake in afternoon and every hiker asking us : "did you see the mooses??".
Erik

Erik,
Obviously your hikes are more substantial than ours were.

Then again, I'm probably somewhat older.

Now over to your thread to see if you added more.

GREAT pictures. We've been to Yosemite, Banff, Victoria and Vancouver. Your pictures brought back great memories. I do have a question. I have a D-40 Nikon with the 18-55 kit lens. Looking at your pictures I think you had a nice zoom. Any suggestions on a lens? I'm thinking about the 55-200 Nikkor. Would love to know what you use.

123,
I'm a Canon person so I don't know the Nikon line of lenses.

I do have a moderate zoom lens which I used on some bears. But really, it's way under-powered for distance. Some of the photos were shot way too far for a 55-250 lens.

I believe the D40 has a crop factor of 1.5 which is similar to my T2i at 1.6. That means your lenses would magnify about the same as mine.

Interesting lenses when comparing mine to my daughter's.

I have an excellent 15-85 travel lens that's sharp throughout the range. I have a 55-250 for a bit more distance.

My daughter has an 18-200 for a general lense and a 10-22 for wide shots.

So I'm fine at one end and have to change at the other end that's opposite from what my daughter did.

I had never changed lenses on the fly before. I tried several ways to carry the lens and then practiced changing before the trip. It worked out fine.

If you look at the Banff trip, the photos of the mother and three cubs it was taken with the 15-85. Then required major surgery. I vowed never to get caught like that again. The 55-250 would have been great to have.

One last thing. As I get older I'm getting less and less steady. My daughter is rock solid. I've started carrying a tripod more for sunrise, sunset and waterfalls. I switched to a light Manfrotto travel tripod but I don't think it's steady enough. I think the breeze fuzzed the longer exposures so I only used those faster than 1/20th sec.

I was concerned about getting on a plane with a tripod hanging from my backpack. My current travel tripod fits into my carry-on suitcase. I have to work on that as I might have done better using a tripod on the distance limit.

I also quickly learned (on the first day a bear above the road and quite far) to use a higher ISO, faster shutter speed and smaller (higher number) aperture to get usable photos.

With less depth of field and a small subject in the viewer it doesn't take much to misfocus the subject and get a bad shot.

Personally, if you're looking at distsnt wildlife 200mm isn't enough. When I got back I looked at the Canon line. Maybe 300mm or more. But I don't want to lug around a heavy lens that I can't easily carry.

Always a compromise.

Thanks for the comments.

Enjoyed your response. We're looking forward to the trip. We are trying to go late enough to catch the aspens in full color, and hope for the best on the weather. We'll approach Glacier from the east, go to Waterton first, then drop by Swiftcurrent before going in the east gate and see if we can get through.

After GNP we plan the scenic loop through the Bitterroots to Sandpoint, then to Coeur D'Alene back to Butte on I-90, then south to Idaho Falls and take Rte 22 to Jackson, then north through the Tetons and YSNP before going out the north entrance back to Billings. We really loved your TNP and YSNP pictures and hope to see some of the same sights.

Unless you're coming from far away. try not to do too much on one trip as you don't want it to become a blurr.

Can I assume TNP and YSNP are Grand Tetons & Yellowstone?

I didn't go to any place that was difficult to go to. If there are any photos that you're not sure of location, just ask and I'll give you instructions.

Of course, AA isn't offering the flights now for the lower mileage award. Just through July 18 it appears. I can fly on United directly into Kalispell, but I can fly to Hawaii or Alaska for less $$. lol.

spiro,

I checked for this year and got fed up with AA for Calgary.

Actually, we had very good flights from FLL to Calgary. Arrived a little after noon.

The drive to Glacier is very smooth and there's a Walmart Supercenter just outside the airport.

Also, there's a Delta Hotel inside the airport right next to the car rental. It's right across the street from the terminal.

We had a 7AM flight so we just walked out of the hotel and into the terminal.

I'm seriously thinking about using my miles and just go to Everglades/Keys over Christmas Break. If I'm gonna use my anytime miles, I'm gonna stick to AA for as much as I can. LOL.

I think I will just fly into Kalispell(tickets around $800pp), but the flight times are perfect. Of course, I expect some crazy delay or something. I just think it issn't in my cards to see Glacier NP or something.

Sage advice. My wife says I should pay attention to it.

We looked at all your Glacier, Teton and Yellowstone pictures again this morning and made some notes. Your pictures have given us a preview. We hope for good weather and a few good memories. Thanks again.

123,
When are you planning to go? Have a great trip and make sure you post a report and photos.


spiro,
I noticed that a year out AA had plenty of flights to Europe at the minimum. 60k each way. Of course, not the best flights but acceptable.

I don't have enough miles for next year and buying some is expensive and not worth it.

We may go next year a pay for the tickets.

I booked lodging for early Aug for next year to go to Glacier again. I went with my daughter this year for only 4 days. Next year I'm going with a friend and will spend more time.

Also, I'm looking at either spending a day at Waterton Lakes or a couple of days at Banff and Jasper. I was in Banff last year but never Jasper.

After being in Glacier I may see if I can work out a very short itineray that's low on hiking and just gets us to the highlights.

I want to see if I can put together something that mostly includes short hikes. Less than a hour.

I'll do some research on that over the next couple of months.

This is rediculous!!

AA is not offering any flights to Calgary on the days I can go from 3 airports that are within 2.5 hours drive from my house.

United is only offering one flight per day and the cost on it is $906. Delta is $790. Delta nor United has good times on their flights.

ERRRR

Might have to go somewhere else. I've looked at flying into Missoula, Great Falls, even Spokane,WA.

I like to know well in advance what I am doing, so not sure if I want to wait and see if the price changes on this or not.
I'm beginning to think Glacier just isn't in my cards.

I'm wanting to fly on Thurs July 25(afternoon) and come back on Mon 29(afternoon). I might settle for returning on the morning of the 30th. But no luck with any

I don't know what next year's schedule will be like but I had excellent flights on United from FLL to Calgary.

Left here 6:18 and with one change arrived at just after noon.
The price per ticket was about 660.

It's still too early to see my dates for next year. I doubt the price would stop me.

I'm going with a friend who lives in Toronto. He has multiple non-stop flights to Calgary. He can leave a few hours after me and get there before.

Last year I went to Banff. I was supposed to arrive there ar (PM. I was going to pick up a car and drive just outside Calgary and stay for the night. Then the flight was changed and we were to arrive at 11PM. I didn't want to be driving in a strange place in the dark. I changed my flight to sleep over at DFW and got to Calgery at 1PM.

The smartest thing was slepping in DFW. There's a Grnad Hyatt on top of the terminal. Walked out of our room and 10 minutes later our luggage was checked.

Why are you only stayng for 3 days? We stayed for the better part of 4 days and that wasn't enough so I'm going back.

Make sure you go because it's some beautiful place!!!!

I have stayed at Grand Hyatt in DFW. I noticed there is a Delta Hotel(not affiliated with Delta Airlines-at least I don't think so)directly in the airport @ Calgary. So, if I arrive there late evening, I might just stay in it. It sounded similar to DFW Hyatt.

I'm odd about things. I like to get the most bang for my buck out of airlines, but wouldn't think much of it to spend $500pp to take a helicopter or hot air balloon ride that might last an hour. Not logical at all.

I'm thinking of flying into Calgary on a Thurs night and then flying out that next Tues. My wife thought the Afternoon Tea @ Waterton looked good, so we might do that on the way in from Calgary. I think they begin it at Noon. Probably do just one big hike(probably the ranger-led hike to Iceberg Lake or Highline Trail). Will probably do 2 or 3 of the boat tours. Most of them have short hiking options too. Probably will hike Hidden Lake Trail. Will eat at most, if not all of the Lodges there. I'm pretty big on seeing those, for some reason.

I would really like to hike to Granite Chalet, but I know I couldn't convince my wife to spend the night there.

I would really like to go over July 4th as that would give me an extra day. But, I'm afraid to gamble on the GTSR being open and some of the trails being closed due to snow.

This year I had a 7AM flight back from Calgary. We stayed at that Delta.

It was very convenient. The layout - The car rental is across the street from the terminal. The Delta Hotel is right next door to the car rental.

We left Glacier about noon and drove to Waterton on the way back to Calgary. It's only partially out of the way. We took some photos of the Prince of Wales Hotel and went inside. Then we drove over to Cameron Falls five minutes from there. After that we did the Bear's Hump hike. One of those that you read about. Fairly short but very steep.

I find that when you visit the towns in Canadian parks they're a bit too touristy.

I'm also odd about sone things. Certain expenses bother me and I try to avoid them. Others don't.

You might really enjoy the Grannell Glacier hike. You can start with a double boat ride. It's somewhat shorter than Iceberg but steeper and more difficult. We did it as a ranger-led hike. The next day we did Iceberg on our own. There were a fair number of people doing it so it wasn't really on our own. We started about an hour after the ranger-led hike and caught up to them. They stop a lot for explanations, etc.

Hidden Lake isn't very long. I had a bit of an issue with it as the boardwalk has many stairs. For Highline, if you want to pass on it, at least do the first mile the part that usually has the mountain goats as well as the cable with a view of the road below. I thought it would freak me but it didn't.

Going early in July doesn't just risk GTTS road not being open. Some of the hikes in MG and Highline may also not be open yet.

I guess today was my lucky day. Got on AA today and what I wanted was available. One way for 25K miles and the return for 12.5k miles. Rental Cars for $15-$20 a day, so that is a bargain. I don't know that i've rented before in Canada and driven back into the US. I suppose nothing to that? We have passports, etc.

To Calgary I assume.

I doubt it's necessary but I called Geico (my car insurance) and asked them to send me an international car insurance card.

Also, there's a Walmart Supercenter within 5 minutes of the airport. It doesn't show up as a Supercenter on internet maps but it's been one for at least 3 years. We stopped there and got all of our supplies except bear spray which we got at Thornson's in Babb.

From the airport you exit making a counter-clockwise loop onto Rt 2 going south.

Get off at 64th Ave NE. Deerfoot Mall. You can't see the Walmart as it's behind the mall. Just drive around back.

Then take Rt 2 all the way to the border. Nice smooth road.

So now you're set.

Keep us informed about what you intend to do.

Open a new thread and we can both post our plans as they get clearer.

Loved the photos and discussion on lenses. Great job capturing a terrific trip. I had not given much thought to visiting Glacier National Park but now it is on my always growing list of places to visit.

Glad you had a great trip, Myer - I love Glacier.

spiro,
I've heard that at most they'll ask to see the car rental contract.

We showed our passports and told him where we're going. It must be obvious at that border crossing.

Don't bring citrus, raw meat (camping), etc from Canada. I think my daughter brought something he said is not allowed. He laughed and told her not to sell it. One of the foods she picked up.

Most snacks, fruits, etc are fine.

POIson, karens,

Thanks.

I only saw the east side of GTTS road and Many Glacier.

Never got to the west side or Two Medicine.

I've already made lodging reservations for next year. Going with a friend and for more days.

Yes, Calgary. Thanks for all your info.

Wow. Just...wow.

Myer, I love love love your photos. And your trip report. And the design of your website. Could you tell me a bit about that - is it self-designed or hosted, what/who you used, etc. Just so well done.

We went to Glacier in August/September 2003 - if you recall, that year had fierce wildfires in Glacier, across British Columbia, Canadian Rockies, etc. Our recollection was smoke obscuring everything with firefighters everywhere desperately trying to win the day - followed by rain, that helped quench the fires but also completely killed visibility and activities.

Until I saw your pictures, I had no desire to go back and no idea what treasures we missed. How did we let ourselves go so long?? Thanks for your report!

sludick,

Thank you for your very kind words.

I think we had to be very lucky to see the amount of wildlife that we did in such a very short time. My daughter didn't want to be away from her husband and daughter for more than 4 days plus travel.

By comments I've read in various places, many people go to Glacier multiple times and don't see as much wildlife. Also, we had amazing weather the whole time.

Because of the beauty and the fact I didn't get to see some parts of the park, I've booked more days for next year. This time I'm going with a friend.

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About the web site.

I designed it and wrote it myself using ASP.NET

I've designed several web sites but not for quite a while. I've forgotten most of what I knew. So everytime I want to change something it becomes a bit of a hassle figuring out what I did. I have to read and reread the programming code.

I do think of some changes I should make but probably don't have it in me to figure it out. For instance, I permit the user to go frontwards and backwards but no fast-forward or backwards.

I should place two more buttons to permit next and previous by 10 photos.
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Glacier is beautiful. I'm not really into doing long hikes. For me it's a means to an end. I'm really not interested in a challenge.

I like scenery, wildlife and waterfalls.

When I was in Yellowstone I had a list of about 10 waterfalls to see and from where. I was in Yosemite last year when the waterfalls were roaring.

I liked the few waterfalls that I saw in Glacier more than most of the giant string waterfalls I saw in Yosemite.

Hopefully you'll plan a trip there.

Myer - last night I had time to fully peruse your pics - they are terrific. (I also liked your Philly pics, as that's where I live. It was great to see that you found some of my favorite spots - such as the area behind the Art Museum).

When you go to the west side of Glacier, don't miss the hike to Avalanche Lake. It's an easy hike through a pretty forest that ends at the lake. The lake's backdrop is a mountain with several waterfalls cascading down - in my opinion, it's one of the prettiest sights in this very scenic national park.

karens,

Thanks.

Yes, Avalache Lake is on my list if I make it to the west side.

Really enjoyed reading your trip report and checking out your pics. Fabulous! We just got back from our 2nd trip to YNP and The Black Hills (included GNP/GTNP 1st trip). We'll be going back to Glacier in about 2 years, along with Cdn Rockies which we haven't been to in about 12 years. We love the scenery/mountains, & wildlife. Unfortunately we miss out on some things because we don't hike. Because we know, we just know, we'll get eaten by bears, lol. I know . . silly, but just can't get over that fear. Oh well, we enjoy our trips nonetheless.