Glacier National Park questions......
 

Hello--I am planning a trip to Glacier National park during the first week of August 2000 to primarily take photographs. I plan on staying up to 6 days so that I may do/see as much as I can. I will be travelling alone and would also like some info on lodging--nothing fancy, just a place to stay. Any decent places to stay in or close to the park? Will 6 days be enough for a visit? Is visiting the Waterton area in Canada an easy task? Thank you all in advance! <BR> <BR>Gus

Gus, <BR> <BR>When I visited these parks, all we had to do to cross the border was answer one question to a lone man in a booth at the border. From what I remember there was a beautiful building (looked like a castle) on the Canadian side. I was only in Alberta for two hours, so I didn't see much.

Gus, <BR>It's easy to do Glacier and Waterton in a few days, but with 6 days you will see much more and be able to take many beautiful photos! <BR> <BR>Since you ask for not so fancy lodging, try staying in the park. Park lodgings do not have much in the way of amenities, but you will be comfortable (just a bed and shower) and the food is fairly good. I would recommend Many Glacier since it is closest to Waterton. Lake McDonald Lodge is a good choice at the west entrance. Both will average around $90-100/night if I remember correctly. We stayed 2 nights at Lake McDonald and 2 at Many Glacier. Splitting up your time like that would be best, otherwise you will be driving quite a bit back and forth on the Going To The Sun Road. There are some small hotels near the West Glacier and St Mary's if you can’t get in the park. <BR> <BR>In Waterton, stay at the Prince William lodge. Don't be surprised if the Canadians stop you on the way up at the boarder. I think they must check every so many vehicles just to have something to do. <BR> <BR>Take the dirt roads out of the West Glacier area (they are marked on the park map). You'll find hardly anyone else around and great chances of spotting wildlife. We saw a wolf, deer and 5 bears (including a mom with 2 cubs) about 1 hr before sunset. You will not need 4-wheel drive. <BR> <BR>Enjoy! <BR>

Gus - <BR>There are many nice hiking trails, some of them fairly easy (Garden Wall, starting from the parking lot at Logan Pass is especially easy and scenic). There are some good books on the subject and also good free info from the Park Service. We stayed at Many Glacier Hotel, and the view right at the hotel will keep your camera clicking away like crazy. It's also nice to go to the nightly campfire talks at the National Park campground about a mile away. <BR>Waterton is a nice trip, especially since you have 6 days. The Prince of Wales Hotel, sitting high up on a hill overlooking the town and lake, is very scenic, and would make a great overnight. In the little town of Waterton, there is a herd of deer (elk?) roaming around the streets. Makes for some interesting pics. <BR>BTW, Lynne: the Canadian border guards check EVERYONE who crosses, just as US Customs checks everyone coming back. It is an international border, after all. (Remember those guys back in December who got caught bringing bomb materials from Canada to the US? I don't mind being stopped and questioned AT ALL!)

Gus, <BR> <BR>We went to Glacier National Park in August of 1999, and spent 5 nights camping about 5 miles from the west entrance. The campground was Mountain Meadows and it was very clean and had great views of the mountains. If you want to talk pictures make sure you do as much hiking as possible. Going-To-The-Sun road can get busy in August so we went early in the morning and later in the evening during the week. This made it a lot easier to pull off the road to take pictures. Also to sun rising and setting made for some great looking shots. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps we had a fantastic trip. Have fun