July 16-21, 2025
Glacier to Banff Ride
Glacier, Waterton, and Banff National Parks
About the Ride
Glacier, Waterton and Banff National Parks
July 16-21, 2025
Whitefish, Montana
A charitable cycling event spanning three spectacular national parks and two countries, Glacier Ride explores some of the wildest lands in crown of the continent ecoysystem. With spectacular mountains, golden grasslands, and stunning wildflowers, every mile of this ride is a jaw-dropping celebration of our national parks.
Our epic Glacier Ride gets a refresh in 2025. Now with more Glaciers! This event includes the Kananaskis Highway, Alberta’s highest paved road, Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway, and a stop at Lake Louise.
Event Details
Full Event Story
Glacier Ride is a 6-day charitable cycling adventure that takes you through three breathtaking national parks across two countries—Glacier National Park in the U.S., and Waterton and Banff National Parks in Canada. These parks showcase the beauty of the Rocky Mountain region, offering a glimpse into what this pristine wilderness has looked like for thousands of years.
On this ride, you’ll explore some of the wildest landscapes in the West, but also witness the threats facing this fragile ecosystem—ranging from development and climate change to invasive species. By fundraising and joining Glacier Ride, you’re not only raising awareness about these critical issues but experiencing firsthand what’s at stake.
The proceeds from Glacier Ride have supported vital projects in Glacier National Park, including clean energy initiatives, wildlife conservation, research, and ecosystem preservation. For the past 10 years, Glacier Riders have been the top contributors to park conservation efforts. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Photo Gallery
Map
Itinerary Overview
The itinerary subject to change
Day 1
Bike 35 Miles +3,700 feet of climbing
We’ll kick things off by meeting up in the afternoon in Whitefish, MT, before shuttling into Glacier National Park. Get ready to dive right into the adventure with a ride on the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road! To avoid heavy traffic and take full advantage of the park’s biking restrictions, we’ll embark on this stunning evening ride, arriving at camp just before dusk.
Day 2
Bike 48.5 Miles +4,200 feet of climbing
Today, we set off on our ride from St. Mary, heading towards the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park. Our route takes us along the scenic St. Mary Lake to Babb, Montana. From there, we continue our ride up to the Chief Mountain Overlook and cross the U.S.–Canada border at the Belly River. The day wraps up with a breathtaking ride into camp, right by the shores of Waterton Lake.
Day 3
Hike, Bike or Rest options
Spend the day exploring Waterton—hike, bike, or take a boat ride on a stunning alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. This is your time to soak in the beauty of the area and recharge before our big ride into the heart of the Canadian Rockies later in the week!
In 1932, as conflict spread across Europe, the U.S. and Canada made history by creating the world’s first international peace park, uniting Glacier and Waterton in a spirit of goodwill. Today, these parks play a vital role in global conservation efforts and are set to become even more influential, fostering international collaboration and advancing critical research on climate change.
Day 4
Bike 65 Miles +4,500 feet of climbing
After breakfast, we’ll shuttle north to the start of the Kananaskis Highway, where our ride begins. We’ll tackle the 7,238-foot Highwood Pass, the highest paved pass in Alberta, offering breathtaking views of the northern Canadian Rockies. As we descend into the Bow River Valley, we’ll head towards Canmore, Alberta, and wrap up the day by camping along the river after an epic day of cycling.
Day 5
Bike 49 Miles +2,481 feet of climbing
Today, we ride deep into the heart of Banff National Park, passing through the charming mountain towns of Canmore and Banff. We’ll enjoy a scenic, car-free ride along paved bike trails and the Bow River Parkway. Although we’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, today’s route keeps us in the river valley with a gentle climb to our campground for the night.
Day 6
Bike 30 Miles + 2,200 feet of climbing
Today, we continue our ride along the stunning Icefields Parkway, with a grand finale stop at the breathtaking Lake Louise. Along the way, we’ll pass by numerous glaciers, which feed the milky blue waters of the lakes and streams we’ve been pedaling alongside. Our journey concludes at the Alberta-British Columbia border, where we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before taking a scenic shuttle back to Whitefish, arriving around 7:00 PM.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
The Trip Start
Don’t forget your passport! We’ll do a pick up in Whitefish, MT at 2:00 PM. Please arrive with your luggage at our Whitefish meeting spot, ready to ride your bike. We will have long-term parking available. We’ll also have an airport pick up that afternoon.
Please keep a copy with you on your phone that will be accessible during the trip.
Your Glacier, Waterton and Banff National Park entrance fees are included in the fundraising minimum for the trip. If you have a park pass, please bring it with you.
Is there a hotel option?
Yes, there are hotels located very close to all of our camps. Glacier, Waterton and Banff National Parks are very popular destinations. With high visitation and limited hotel options in the area, we advise booking your hotels well in advance. The Glacier area is remote, so participants may only book the hotels from our approved list that are within walking distance from our camps. If you want hotels, please email us immediately for the list.
If you decide to stay in hotels during the trip, please notify your participant manager to let them know which nights you will be staying out of camp and where. If you choose hotels that are not within walking distance or that are not on our approved list, we cannot promise that we can shuttle you back and forth before dinner and after.
Do I need a tent? Can I rent a bicycle?
Cyclists must bring their own tent, sleeping bag, and pad if not booking hotels for the week.
You can bring your own bicycles or can rent locally in Whitefish, Montana. We recommend Bike Flights if you are going to ship your bike. In your Ride Guide, there is information about how to rent bikes or how to ship your bike to a local bike shop.
This is a road bike ride, so we recommend you bring or rent a road bike. A hybrid or gravel bike is also fine. We do not recommend mountain bikes for long mileage on roads, but if you are most comfortable on a mountain bike, it is your choice!
Getting to Whitefish and Departing
PLANE: The closest airport is in Kalispell, Montana (airport code: FCA). The airport is a 20-minute drive to Whitefish. Delta, United, Allegiant, Avelo, and Alaska/Horizon are the main carriers. There are several rental car companies at or near the airport. Reservations are advised. We recommend Dollar Rent A Car (800-800-3665), Avis (800-331-1212), or Budget (800-527-0700). Car rentals are also available in West Glacier. For a shuttle to and from the airport to West Glacier or Whitefish, you may contact Glacier Taxi (406-250-3603). To West Glacier, the cost is approximately $50-55. To Whitefish, the cost is approximately $32. Please call for exact rates. Uber is now available.
TRAIN: Amtrak has service from Seattle and Chicago to the Whitefish station or to West Glacier/Belton station (where the trip starts). The Chicago train arrives each day at 8:23 PM. The Seattle train arrives each day at 8:16 AM. NOTE: the trains can be delayed several hours to days. There is no checked baggage service at the West Glacier/Belton stop. If you are traveling to the ride with Amtrak, you may be able to bring your bike onboard. Learn more here.
CAR: You may park your vehicle at the trip start in Whitefish while you are on Glacier Ride, or you can ask your hotel if they will allow you to park your car for the week.
Glacier Ride will end back in Whitefish at approximately 7:00 PM on Day 6. We’ll say our goodbyes before collecting our luggage, bikes, and gear and departing. We recommend making flight arrangements from FCA the following day.
Extending Your Trip in Canada
This trip officially starts and ends in Whitefish, Montana but if you’d like to extend your trip in the Canadian Rockies, you could skip the post ride shuttle to Whitefish and stay in Lake Louise. Banff National Park has transit options into Jaspar or back to Canmore where trransportation can be arranged to Calgary Internationl Airport.
If you are renting, or shipping your bike through our bike rental or bike shipping partners in Whitefish, Climate Ride can arrange to return/ship your bike for you as you continue your travels in Banff or Jasper National Parks.
Accommodations & Meals
Glacier Ride is a 5-night, 6-day charitable camping trip in Glacier National Park, Waterton National Park and Banff National Park. Imagine falling asleep under the stars, beneath the trees, in your own tent after an amazing day of cycling. It’s the best! In camp, we take care of all the details so you’re free to relax and connect with other Glacier Riders.
Amenities in camp include beautiful scenery, hot showers (4 of the 5 nights – where there’s no shower, we have excellent swimming opportunities and warm hand towels), nearby restrooms, electricity, potable water and a great spot to set up your tent.
We camp at nearby ‘front country’ campgrounds where our camp chefs prepare delicious, healthy, warm meals for the group. Think hot, filling breakfasts with coffee and tea, and tasty dinners with delicious desserts. Each morning you will pack snacks to carry with you. Our morning snack table will have items to keep you energized all day while cycling. We reduce waste by using compostable items for our picnics and pack lunches, and for dinner, we use real plates & cutlery. All Meals are included starting with lunch on day 1 until lunch on day 6 excluding one on your own dinner in Waterton National Park.
Do I need my passport?
Yes! If you forget your passport, you will not be able to enter Canada on Day 2 of the trip. According to Canadian Law, your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Fundraising Beneficiaries
The Glacier National Park Conservancy is the sole beneficiary for this ride. Proceeds from this event go towards GNPC and their work in Glacier National Park and the Climate Ride cause. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 4/05/2025 |
| $1600 to be raised by: | 5/15/2025 |
| Transfer deadline: | 5/15/2025 |
| $3200 to be raised by: | 6/17/2025 |
Learn more about deadlines and transfers on our Policies page.
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
