Crown of the Continent
Tour Description
National Parks Conservation Association released the Crown of the Continent MapGuide in 2008 through a collaborative project with National Geographic Society. The world-class environmental and cultural heritage region includes more than 10 million acres of plunging valleys, sparkling waters, dramatic mountains, native prairie, and distinctive small towns in southeastern British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, and northern Montana. It is also home to America’s Glacier National Park and Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. Join NPCA to learn first-hand about one of the premier mountain ecosystems of the world—enjoy spectacular mountain hikes in both parks; interpretive tours at a First Nations Reserve and a Native American Reservation; a walk through ancient, uncut rainforest in British Columbia; and frequent wildlife sightings.
ParkScapes Highlights
Unparalleled Beauty
Travel over mountain passes and through river valleys via spectacular routes like the incredible Going-to-the-Sun and Chief Mountain Roads. Enjoy a range of easy to strenuous mountain hikes in both parks, including Avalanche Lake, Grinell Glacier, and Crypt Lake.
Cultural & Historical Touring
Visit the Blackfeet Reservation with a Native American guide and learn the tragic history of Frank’s Slide in Fernie, British Columbia.
Exceptional Lodging
Great Bear Lodge and Resort offers the ultimate in comfort and style, with stunning mountain views from your private deck. Waterton Lakes Lodge is a modern lodge sitting one block from the lakeshore in Waterton Lakes National Park. Each building is decorated with local art, and rooms offer either a lake or mountain view. Island Lake Lodge, tucked into the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, offers distance from the pressures of everyday life.
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Tour Map
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Daily Itinerary
July 19: Arrival in Kalispell, Montana
Meet your group in the morning in Kalispell, Montana. Then head straight to Glacier National Park where we hike the Avalanche Creek Trail. One of the prettiest hikes in the park, the trail winds up through the forest until it reaches Avalanche Lake. After our hike we drive the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass. Great Bear Lodge and Resort (D)
July 20: Glacier National Park & St. Mary, Montana
Right after breakfast we meet Curly Bear Wagner, a Blackfeet cultural interpreter and guide who will show us around the Blackfeet Reservation and share with us his perspective on Native American history and Blackfeet tradition. You're free to explore on your own this afternoon, with hiking to Red Eagle Lake, canoeing on St. Mary Lake, or whatever suits you. Great Bear Lodge and Resort (B,L,D)
July 21: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
Fortify yourself with a good breakfast, then depart for Many Glacier where we meet our local hiking guide and take a boat across Swiftcurrent Lake to get to the Grinell Glacier trailhead. After our hike we drive north into Canada and on to Waterton Lakes National Park. Waterton Lakes Lodge (B,L,D)
July 22: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada
A boat shuttle takes us to our trailhead for a full-day hike to the awe-inspiring Crypt Lake. The trail includes a natural tunnel and cliff traverse on the way to the turquoise lake. Watch for mountain goats and the rare alpine pygmy poppy. Waterton Lakes Lodge (B,L,D)
July 23: Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
We leave Waterton and head west, stopping for a docent's tour of the tragic rockslide that covered three square kilometers, thundering over homes, a coal mine, and railroad tracks, killing 80 people. Then it's on to the quaint town of Fernie, with a quick stop at Sparwood to see the largest truck in the world! In the early evening we drive up to Island Lake Lodge. Island Lake Lodge (B,L,D)
July 24: Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
The Island Lake Lodge is surrounded by 7,000 acres of wilderness. Hiking is right out the door, and today you'll have guided options ranging from a walk in old-growth forest to a full-day hike to a mountain peak. Fly-fishing on the Elk River is also an optional activity* for today. Island Lake Lodge (B,L,D)
July 25: Transfer to Departure in Kalispell, Montana
Today we head back across the border to catch afternoon departures from Kalispell, Montana. (B,L)
Note: Optional activities include some additional fees.
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Tour Details
NPCA Member Price
$3,395 per person double occupancy; $770 single supplement
Price Includes
Airport transfers, transportation during the journey, all accommodations, meals specified in the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, and D-Dinner), professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses.
Price Does Not Include
Roundtrip airfare to and from destination, gratuities for professional guides, alcoholic beverages, optional activity fees, or personal expenses.
Payments/Cancellations
Space is confirmed by calling the NPCA at 800.628.7275. A $500 per person deposit is due at registration. Final payment will be invoiced separately and is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation notice must be submitted in writing and is effective upon date of receipt. Cancellations up to 90 days prior receive a refund, less the $250 per person handling fee. Cancellations 90-61 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour cost is forfeited; 60-31 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour cost is forfeited; 30 days or fewer prior to departure result in the loss of 100% of your total cost.
Travel Insurance
To protect yourself from the loss of deposit and cancellation fees, you are encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
Arrive/Depart
Whitefish, Montana/Kalispell, Montana
Length of tour
7 days/6 nights
Pace
Moderately active, offering a choice of activities each day to suit different activity levels and interests. Be prepared for a variety of hikes and walks on uneven trails.
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