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As someone who lived and worked in Glacier National Park, I’m so happy I ended up with a job on the east side, because honestly, the west side doesn’t even begin to compare. Both sides are pretty, don’t get me wrong. The west side has Lake McDonald, which is beautiful, and some great mountain views. But the east side is comparable to Switzerland, and I’ve lived and worked in Switzerland too, so I feel like I can say that.
Here’s exactly where to stay in Glacier National Park, and why.
- Short answer: Stay on the east side, at Many Glacier Hotel or St. Mary Lodge
- If you only pick one: Many Glacier Hotel. It’s pricier, but it’s worth it.
- Book: As early as possible. These lodges sell out.
- How long: At least 5 days if you’re a hiker
Why the east side of Glacier is better
The east side has the best hikes and the best views. Many Glacier, St. Mary and the east half of Going-to-the-Sun Road are where you’ll find Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, Cracker Lake, Piegan Pass, Siyeh Pass and so much more. Here are my favorite Many Glacier hikes and the underrated east side hikes I can’t stop talking about.
Best places to stay on the east side
Many Glacier Hotel (my top pick)
If you can only choose one, choose Many Glacier Hotel. It really is that stunning, it looks like the Switzerland of America. You’re right next to the trailheads for some of the best hikes in the park, so you can literally grab breakfast and go. It has dining inside the hotel, so you don’t need to drive anywhere for meals. It’s the pricier option, but it’s worth it.
- Hikes nearby: Grinnell Glacier, Cracker Lake, Iceberg Lake, Swiftcurrent Pass, Piegan Pass (finish)
- Good to know: It’s about 20 miles (around 40 minutes) from St. Mary, the east entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Booking: Xanterra opens reservations up to 13 months ahead, and it sells out
St. Mary Lodge (best location for Going-to-the-Sun Road)
St. Mary Lodge is a little cheaper and sits right at the start of Going-to-the-Sun Road, so you’re close to St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls, Siyeh Bend and Logan Pass. There’s a small grocery store right next to it, which is definitely a nice convenience, plus a coffee shop, ice cream, and the Snowgoose Grille restaurant.
Glacier Park Lodge (East Glacier)
Glacier Park Lodge is also on the east side and it’s a beautiful historic hotel, but it’s not as close to as many hikes. You are closer to town, golf and shops, and it’s a good base for Two Medicine.
You can also split your trip between Many Glacier Hotel and St. Mary Lodge, which is what I’d do if you have 5 or more days.
Where to eat near Many Glacier and St. Mary
- Two Sisters Cafe (a few miles south of Babb): a local favorite for dinner, known for its huckleberry pie. Check what time they open and whether they’re open that day of the week, then get there right as they open, because the waitlist gets long quickly.
- Snowgoose Grille at St. Mary Lodge, basically open from 6:30am to 10pm in peak season, so it’s a good place to get food if you’re hungry after a hike nearby. The St. Mary coffee shop has great pastries too. Here are all the dining options at St. Mary.
- Curly Bear Cafe in St. Mary for ice cream
- Ptarmigan Dining Room inside Many Glacier Hotel
What about staying on the west side?
The west side is really known for Lake McDonald and the Avalanche Lake hike. If those appeal to you, stay a night or two at Lake McDonald Lodge or near Apgar, then head east. Driving Going-to-the-Sun Road from one side to the other takes about 2 hours, and longer with photo stops (which you’ll want to make). Wondering what the drive is like? I wrote about whether Going-to-the-Sun Road is scary and which direction feels easier.
Getting around: Whichever side you choose, you’ll want a car to get between the two sides of the park. Most people fly into Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell and pick one up there. There’s no real public transportation around Glacier, and the park shuttle only runs along Going-to-the-Sun Road in summer, so having a car is really the only way to get around. 🚗 Book your rental car here
Should you stay inside or outside the park?
There are plenty of places to stay outside the park, but I’d stay inside if you can. The experience is even more magical when you wake up right next to the trails. Just book as early as you can, especially for Many Glacier Hotel.
I recommend at least 5 days in Glacier to get the most out of the park, especially if you hike. I have hiker and non-hiker itineraries for 2 days, 3 days, 5 days and 7 days, and my guide to the best time to visit Glacier.
Want to stay nearby instead? Compare places to stay
If you don’t want to stay at the lodges I mentioned (or they’re booked for your dates), there are plenty of hotels, cabins and vacation rentals just outside the park. Use these maps to compare live prices and pick a spot close to where you’ll be exploring each day.
West Glacier and Lake McDonald area
East Glacier and Two Medicine area
St. Mary and Many Glacier area
Where to Stay in Glacier FAQ
Is it better to stay on the east or west side of Glacier National Park?
The east side, in my opinion. It has the best hikes and views, especially around Many Glacier and St. Mary. The west side is great for Lake McDonald and Avalanche Lake, but you can do those in a day or two.
Is Many Glacier Hotel worth the price?
Yes. You’re right next to some of the best trails in the park, with dining in the hotel and views that look like Switzerland. If it’s out of budget, St. Mary Lodge is a little cheaper.
How far is Many Glacier from Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Many Glacier is about 20 miles (around 40 minutes) from St. Mary, where the east end of Going-to-the-Sun Road begins.
