@roamer_1 @goatprairie
I want to take my next family vacation (wife and 16-year-old) next summer to Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes Park (Canada), and possibly Banff. I heard the Sun Road was awesome, but I figure it will be closed most of the year due to snow. Any suggestions on when would be the best weeks to drive it, or anything that cannot be missed? Thanks.
@Hoodat Well, June is kinda iffy up there on Going-to-the-Sun Road... They try pretty hard to have it open by the end of the first week in June, but the problem is that you're just driving through a corridor plowed through 30 ft of snow. Not all that pretty, other than the overlooks.
Late June (last two weeks) through July is just about the best time - The run-off is strong then, so all the falls and weeping walls are in their glory... And the wildflowers are blooming... But you're also fighting the tourist horde. If you land in late July, August, or especially September, there are way less folks (September they're all gone), but it's hot, and you take a chance on getting smoked out, or even closed out due to forest fires...
As for what not to miss, here on the west side (Apgar Village), taking a walk around McDonald lodge is something... Take your lunch on the shore of McDonald lake... I don't know what your family can bear as far as hiking...
But the Cedar Creek loop trail is a boardwalk that most anyone can do... That's down here in the bottom, pretty close to the village... It ain't very long... maybe 3/4ths of a mile IIRC, but it's a dang pretty little forest walk... Another easy walk, though longer and harder than the Cedar Loop Trail, Up at the very top of the Sun Road is a hike into Hidden Lake... About 3 miles... To the overlook is pretty easy, mostly boardwalk, and if you're lucky, you'll be walking with mountain goats. Down to the lake is pretty technical and no fun unless you are in good shape, but to the overlook is a nice hike.
I don't know about your physical ability, nor your wife, nor your kid... And remember, you likely won't have your wind due to the elevation... But for something more rigorous, the Granite Park hike or the hike in to Grinnell Glacier are two of my favorites... Though not to be attempted without pretty good confidence in your ability.
There are also guided rides based out of the west side, which I would highly recommend if y'all can set a horse alright. You can see some nice country that way.
To give you a gradient, If you are confident on the Appalachian Trail, and would consider it a tough go, or you are used to the Ozarks, you are cautiously able. But even if you are hill-folk from back that way, and wise, this is another order of magnitude.
If you are coming with a motorhome, bring a tagalong, because you are NOT gonna want to navigate the park, especially Going-to-the-Sun with that big pig... Though people do do it... If you listen to me, I am sure to save you a pair of underpants.
And I can't tell you about the east side much, but if you are coming in from the west side, it would be best to base out of Kalispell rather than the park itself - Camping is easier to find, and accommodations are somewhat cheaper. And there is a whole lot to do other than the park, in case you get rained out, or are not content to follow the crowds, to include Flathead Lake (likely too cold for you, but...), summer hikes and activities on Big Mountain, and Blacktail Mountain (ski resorts open for hike and bike), Flathead River and tributaries (hella good fishin)... Not to mention that I can tell you where the good eating is... Sykes grocery, Scotties Bar, the Old DeSoto Grill), and all the amenities y'all would expect in a good sized town. If you are coming later, the first week of august is the county fair and rodeo... And let's not forget guided whitewater rafting and canoe/kayak...
I ain't easy to find in the summer time, and busy with kin... But it would be an honor to meet you, sir, if I can. I would hope that would work out. Shoot, if my pins are working, I'd love to show you around...