Under Canvas Glacier is conveniently located in Coram, MT, just 7 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park. While Glacier National Park is one of the top attractions in the area and offers outdoor adventures in arguably one of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes, there is so much to see and do in the area outside of Glacier National Park as well. Add these eight activities to your itinerary during your stay at Under Canvas Glacier to avoid the crowds and explore Big Sky Country outside of the park.
Soar Through The Sky on a Zipline
One of the best ways to see Big Sky Country is from the treetops. Get your adrenaline pumping with a zipline tour through the sky. Check out Glacier Highline just minutes from camp for zipline adventures, an aerial adventure course, and an inflatable water course in a beautiful mountain setting.
Bike Through Big Sky Country
There are so many trails and roads for biking in the Flathead Valley near Under Canvas Glacier. Bring your bike or rent one from a nearby outfitter in Coram or Whitefish, MT and head out for a day of adventure on two wheels. One of our favorite areas for mountain biking is The Whitefish Trail, which is a growing network of multi-use trails that are mostly beginner or intermediate. If you want a little more downhill, check out Whitefish Mountain Resort which offers more than 25 miles of lift-accessed and cross-country mountain bike trails above the Flathead Valley. If you’re looking to bike on pavement instead, check out the Gateway to Glacier biking trail which is a 10.5 mile trail from Hungry Horse to West Glacier. This multi-use paved trail is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of the area and travel between the communities leading up to the entrance of Glacier National Park.
Play On The Water
From lakes to rushing rapids, there are so many water activities to enjoy around Under Canvas Glacier. Enjoy fly-fishing on the Flathead River, or get your heart racing on a whitewater rafting trip through Montana rapids. Check out Whitefish Lake for a day of stand up paddling or kayaking on the calm lake waters with a mountain backdrop. Book an adventure during your stay at Under Canvas for fly-fishing or white water rafting and our Adventure Concierges will take care of the advance planning for you.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
There are so many waterfalls around Montana, and many of them can be found outside of Glacier National Park. Some of our favorites include Columbia Mountain Trail, which has three beautiful waterfalls along its path and is just 8 miles from camp, Holland Falls & Lake which is 90 miles from camp, and Kootenai Falls which is a two hour drive from camp but also features a large suspension bridge over the river. We think its a worthy day-trip if you have a car.
Hike Through Flathead National Forest
While Glacier National Park has hundreds of miles of beautiful hiking trails, Flathead National Forest, in particular the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, which neighbors Glacier National Park to the south, is full of seemingly endless trails with beautiful vistas along the way. Not to mention, unlike Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest allows dogs on all trails. Some of our favorite hikes include Birch Lake Trail, which is a 6.2 mile intermediate trail offering valley, mountain peak and lake views, Crater Lake Trail which is a 10.8 mile intermediate trail and Strawberry Lake Trail No. 5 which is a difficult 6 mile trail to a stunning alpine lake.
Have a Beach Day at Whitefish Lake
There’s nothing quite like swimming in a mountain lake in Montana. During summer months when the sun heats up the day, Whitefish Lake is the place to be. Breathe in fresh mountain air as you relax on the beach. Soak in the pristine mountains surrounding you as you wade out into the water. If you’re looking for some adventure, rent a SUP board for SUP Yoga or a jet ski to cruise around the lake. Bring along a picnic lunch to set up on the beach and don’t forget to pick up some sunscreen from our lobby tent for your Montana beach day at Whitefish Lake.
Pamper Yourself in Whitefish, MT
Whitefish, MT is a small resort town in the mountains of Northwest Montana and is located just 25 minutes driving from Under Canvas Glacier. This quaint Montana town offers a great downtown area featuring local shops, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, spas and more. Head to town and hop between shops before heading into one of the many spas around town for a massage or facial. This is the perfect activity after a long day of hiking or mountain biking. Take a load off and pamper yourself during your stay at Under Canvas Glacier.
Visit Local Breweries & Distilleries
Montana is known for its great options of breweries, cideries and distilleries. Word on the block is the fresh mountain water sources make for some of the best craft beer and spirits in the U.S. Close to Under Canvas Glacier there are a handful of breweries and distilleries to check out and our favorite time to enjoy them is after a long hike. Closest to Under Canvas Glacier, in Coram, MT, is Glacier Distilling. They specialize in small-batch whiskeys that reflect the rugged beauty of Montana. Next up is Backslope Brewing, just 10 minutes from camp in Columbia Falls. Swap stories from your Montana adventures over a beer and lunch at this beautiful brewery and kitchen. In Whitefish, MT make a stop at Spotted Bear Spirits, specializing in a wide range of spirits and libations and don’t miss Bonsai Brewing Project downtown. If you’re looking to sit back and relax as you explore the different breweries in Northwest Montana, book a tour with Big Sky Brews Cruise during your stay.
We love Glacier National Park and definitely suggest visiting during your stay at Under Canvas Glacier. But if your plans don’t allow for it, or you want a Montana experience off the beaten path, there is plenty to do outside of the national park. Book your stay at Under Canvas Glacier and add these fun activities to your itinerary.