Glacier National Park, in northern Montana on the Canadian border, is one of the most beautiful and most remote parks in the United States: jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, grizzly bears and one of the country's most famous mountain roads. It is also a park that is changing fast: according to Wikipedia, it had about 150 glaciers in the mid-1800s, and by 2010 only 25 active ones remained. For international visitors it is also an expensive park, because since 2026 it has been one of the parks that charge nonresidents a $100 surcharge. This guide explains how to visit Glacier National Park: whether you need a reservation in 2026, what entry costs with the surcharge, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, where the park is, how to get there and when to go. Last checked November 6, 2026.
What you need to know
- Reservations in 2026. No vehicle reservation was needed, according to an NPS announcement from June 2026.
- Entrance. $35 per vehicle in peak season and $25 from November to April, valid for 7 days.
- International visitors. A $100 surcharge per person aged 16 or older, unless you have an annual pass.
- Location. Northern Montana; the closest airport is in Kalispell.
Does Glacier National Park require a reservation in 2026?
Not to drive in. According to the National Park Service announcement of June 18, 2026, the park did not use vehicle reservations in 2026, unlike previous seasons, when you had to book a time slot to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Instead, the NPS announced a three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, and a ticketed shuttle to Logan Pass starting July 1. Since these rules change every year, check the park website before planning a trip for next season.
How much does it cost to enter Glacier National Park?
| Entry | Peak season | November 1 to April 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35 | $25 |
| Motorcycle | $30 | $20 |
| Per person, on foot or bicycle | $20 | $15 |
Source: National Park Service, November 2026. Valid for 7 days.
Nonresidents also pay the surcharge: according to the NPS, each person aged 16 or older pays an additional $100, unless they enter with an annual pass. For a car with four foreign adults, the bill comes to $35 for entry plus $400 in surcharges: $435. In that case the $250 nonresident annual pass is much cheaper, and it also works at other surcharge parks such as Yellowstone, a day's drive away. The detailed comparison of the pass and the surcharge is in US national parks for international visitors.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is the park's main attraction: according to Wikipedia, a road of about 85 kilometers (53 miles) that crosses the mountains from west to east and climbs to Logan Pass, at about 2,026 meters (6,646 feet), with curves on the edge of cliffs, waterfalls spilling over the road and views of the glaciers. Because of snow, it only opens fully for part of the year: in 2026, according to the NPS, it was expected to open to cars on June 22. You can drive it in about two hours without stopping, but most people spend the whole day, stopping at overlooks and at Logan Pass, where trails lead to huge views over the glacial valleys.
If you'd rather not drive hairpin turns along a drop-off, there are shuttles inside the park and guided tours in the park's classic red buses.
What to see in Glacier besides the road
- Lake McDonald. The park's largest lake, on the west side, famous for the colorful pebbles visible through its clear water.
- Many Glacier. On the east side, with lakes, peaks, some of the park's best trails and good odds of seeing wildlife.
- Waterton Lakes. Across the border in Canada; according to Wikipedia, the two parks form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. To cross, you need the documents Canada requires for your nationality.
Grizzly bears: staying safe
According to Wikipedia, the park is home to more than 1,000 grizzly bears, plus black bears. On the trails, hike in a group, make noise and carry bear spray, which is sold in the nearby towns; learn how to use it before you set out. Never leave food in an open car or in your tent. If you see a bear, keep your distance and don't run.
Where is Glacier National Park?
In northwestern Montana, on the Canadian border. According to Wikipedia, the closest airport is Kalispell, on the west side. Amtrak's Empire Builder, which links Chicago with Seattle and Portland, stops at East Glacier and West Glacier, an unusual way to arrive; we explain it in our guide to Amtrak train travel in the US. From a big city, Seattle is a day's drive away. You'll need a car in the area: read driving with a foreign license.
When to visit Glacier National Park
The main season runs from late June to September, when the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open and the high-country trails are free of snow. July and August are the busiest months with the best weather, although in some years wildfire smoke reduces visibility. September brings fewer visitors and fall colors, with cold nights. From November to April the entrance fee is lower, but much of the park is under snow and the main road is closed.
Where to stay
Inside the park there are a few historic hotels, such as those at Lake McDonald and Many Glacier, and several campgrounds, but they are booked many months ahead. Outside the park, on the west side, the towns of West Glacier, Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Kalispell have more hotel and cabin options; on the east side, St. Mary and East Glacier are smaller. Since the park is big and the main road crosses it from side to side, the ideal plan is two nights on each side, so you can explore the west and the east without spending the whole day driving.
What to bring
- Warm layers. Even in July, it can be cold and even snow at Logan Pass.
- Bear spray, which you can't bring on a plane: buy it when you arrive.
- Water and food: there are few stores inside the park.
- Downloaded maps, because much of the park has no cell service.
- Good insurance, since a rescue in remote areas can be very expensive; see travel insurance for the US.
Glacier and Yellowstone on the same trip
Many travelers combine Glacier with Yellowstone, a day's drive to the south. If you visit both, the $250 nonresident annual pass saves you the surcharge at each. See Yellowstone: entrance fee and how to get there.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entrance fee for Glacier National Park?
$35 per vehicle in peak season, valid for 7 days. Foreign visitors aged 16 or older also pay $100 per person, unless they have an annual pass.
Do you need a reservation for Glacier National Park?
There were no vehicle reservations in 2026, according to the NPS. There is a three-hour parking limit at Logan Pass.
Where is Glacier National Park?
In northwestern Montana, on the Canadian border. The closest airport is in Kalispell.
When does the Going-to-the-Sun Road open?
It depends on the snow; in 2026 the NPS expected to open it to cars on June 22.
Are there bears in Glacier National Park?
Yes, more than 1,000 grizzly bears according to Wikipedia, plus black bears. Carry bear spray on the trails.
Is the nonresident annual pass worth it for Glacier?
Almost always, if two or more foreign adults are traveling. The $250 pass waives the $100 per person surcharge and covers the whole vehicle, including at other surcharge parks like Yellowstone.
Can you go from Glacier to Canada?
Yes, to Waterton Lakes National Park across the border. You need the documents Canada requires for your nationality, and you should check the border crossing's hours.