West Glacier vs East Glacier: Which Is Better?
Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.
Just a thought of Glacier National Park could bring such joy and excitement to the soul, planning a trip of a lifetime. Is it like other national parks or is it different? What to do and what to see? There are 2 ends or beginnings of Glacier: West and East. Where should you start and end? Why is there a West and East Glacier?
Glacier National Park is situated in northwestern Montana, cozy with the Canadian border. It is a seasonal park, only open in the summer and into the fall, weather permitting. It is full of tower high mountains, with its highs and lows as you drive throughout the park. Full of trees, a gorgeous lake and river, lots of hiking trails and plenty of photographic moments.
Approaching a tunnel on Going to the Sun Road, East Glacier.
There is one main road you will drive on, Going to the Sun. Cute name, huh? You can access this famous road either from the east or the west sides. This road is 2 lanes, 1 lane on each side with plenty of trees and rock (sometimes your vehicle will hug the rock as I will share) and even some exposure to take those amazing photos from up high.
Lets compare the 2 sides of Glacier National Park:
West Glacier has plenty of eateries, and especially if you like huckleberry or want to try it for the first time, check it out! East Glacier has some eateries and a cute village, St. Mary’s Village.
Both sides have plenty of camping, even a KOA. But plan early for camping as campgrounds book fast no matter what side you choose! Even a year in advance would be advisable.
Easier access for shopping on the west side where the east side has a small supermarket and a town further down the road (Browning) for your shopping needs.
You are first to the lake, Lake McDonald that is if coming from the west side. This is a must no matter what side you start from! You can take a boat ride, bring your paddleboard or kayak and have fun!
The east side offer Logans Pass which is also the Continental Divide. Another “must see” on your itinerary! You can access it from the west side as well, but it is easier from the east side.
There is a lodge with lots of parking right between both entrances, that also offers boat rides and rentals of kayaks. An eatery is also at the lodge for your culinary tastes, and pretty good too!
We went in the middle of September when fall was moving fast forward and much cooler temps with plenty of wind. I booked a cabin rental in April of the same year, one of the last cabins, and lots of places were already booked! Wanted to go in August, but nothing was available. We had a lot of clouds as we approached East Glacier which would make fantastic photos, and definitely did not feel like summer, but it was fun to go without a car entry reservation, which sometimes can be a pain in the butt to get! The KOA we stayed at was REALLY close to the entry of East Glacier and a nice easy ride till we started going up.
East Glacier entry
I highly advise driving a small car throughout the park. The main road, Going on the Sun, gets narrow near Logan’s Pass. You will be hugging either the rock or side of the mountain as you drive along this famous road or the double yellow lines if you are close to the exposure or straight drop down! We never had any problems the couple times we went and everyone seems to drive carefully and slowly up the high parts. Make sure you park in destinated areas to take photos and sometimes these areas are jammed pack.
Don’t want to drive through the park? No problem! There is a free bus shuttle (check this LINK) or you can take a red bus for a fee (check this LINK). Plenty of people take either the previous options with ease. The free bus shuttle is first come first serve and has drop off and pick up points throughout the park. The red bus is by reservation only, fee based and also stops for you to take photos.
Lots of pretty rainbow rock to see here!
In my humble opinion, if you are wanting to stay near Glacier National Park, go for the west side for the many amenities. But if you want something small and quiet, then the east side is the place for you. Just make sure you go when the season is still open (July or August) so you can eat out. Once the season is over, around the middle of September or when the car entry system is done, businesses will close! We experienced this as the supermarket was running out of stuff and eateries were shut down, with only a few open!
Plan at least a year in advance and enjoy a truly wonderous park, Glacier National Park! Which side will you start with and why?