Bringing your dog to Glacier National Park? Good news: your pup can absolutely come along for the ride. The views are spectacular from the car, the pullouts, the picnic areas, nearby trails, and the cozy campfire at the end of the day. The only catch? Glacier’s pet rules are more limited than you might expect, so the secret to a great dog-friendly Glacier trip is knowing where your four-legged travel buddy can go, where they can’t, and how to build an adventure that keeps tails wagging. Here’s your guide to visiting Glacier National Park with dogs and where to stay nearby.
Is Glacier Dog-Friendly?
Glacier National Park is dog-friendly in developed areas, but dogs are not allowed on most park trails. According to the National Park Service, pets are allowed in cars while driving on park roads, in picnic areas and parking areas, along roads when stopped, and in boats on lakes where motorized watercraft are permitted. Pets are not allowed on trails, along lake shores outside developed areas, in the backcountry, or inside buildings.
With thoughtful planning, you can explore scenic drives, enjoy lake and mountain views from pullouts, walk the dog-friendly Apgar Bike Path when it’s snow-free, and spend more time on nearby dog-friendly trails in Whitefish, Kalispell, and Flathead National Forest.
Top Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Glacier National Park
The best way to experience Glacier National Park with dogs is by treating the park as a scenic driving adventure. Pack water, snacks, a leash, waste bags, and a cozy blanket for the car, then plan for short breaks in areas where dogs are permitted.
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is the big one. Stretching more than 50 miles through Glacier’s alpine heart, this famous drive winds past glacier-carved peaks, blue lakes, waterfalls, forests, and unforgettable overlooks. Stop at pullouts, let your pup stretch on leash, and take in the stunning scenery. Since parking can be limited at popular stops, plan to start early, go later in the day, or build in extra time. Always check the current road status before visiting, especially early or late in the season, since snow can affect access.
Drive to Two Medicine and Many Glacier
Two Medicine and Many Glacier are both classic Glacier areas for mountain scenery, wildlife watching, and Big Sky views from the road. Since dogs are not allowed on park trails, these are best approached as scenic driving days with short stops in developed areas. Check current road conditions before heading out, as many roads in Glacier are open seasonally.
Drive the North Fork Road and Polebridge
For a wilder, quieter side of Glacier country, head toward the North Fork and Polebridge. This less-visited area offers a more remote-feeling drive through forested landscapes, with mountain views and access to places like Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake. Dogs still need to follow park pet rules while inside Glacier, but the drive itself is a memorable way to see a quieter corner of the region.
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Glacier
Inside Glacier, the main dog-friendly walking option is the Apgar Bike Path when it’s snow-free. For more hiking opportunities with your dog, look just outside the park, where you’ll find scenic trails and open spaces that are easier to enjoy with your pup.
Apgar Bike Path
A paved, shaded, flat 1.5-mile one-way multi-use path between Apgar Village and West Glacier. Leashed dogs are allowed when the path is free of snow. The car-free route is perfect for families with kids and walking your dog with scenic views. Walking takes about 30 minutes in each direction.
The Whitefish Trail
This pet-friendly multi-use trail system has 42 miles of trails around Whitefish with forested routes, scenic overlooks, creeks, and 12 trailheads. Dog walkers should keep their dogs under control and on leash. Some favorite routes include the 3-mile Lion Mountain Trail and the 3-mile Woods Lake Trail.
Lone Pine State Park Trails
Located near Kalispell, Lone Pine State Park offers 7.5 miles of trails with views over the Flathead Valley. Favorite hikes include the 2.9-mile Lone Pine Trail and the 2.8-mile Western Larch and Cliff Trail Loop, both offering forested sections and mountain vistas.
Swan River Nature Trail
This 4.2-mile pet-friendly trail in Bigfork parallels the Swan River and is open for walking, biking, and year-round exploring with leashed dogs. Short side trails lead down to the water, perfect for cooling off or splashing around. There are picnic tables and benches for pausing along the way.
Dog Parks Near Glacier
Get the zoomies out at dog parks and dog-friendly spaces for running and playing, many of which are framed by mountain views.
Hugh Rogers WAG Park
This 5-acre fenced, off-leash dog park in Whitefish has paths, open play space, drinking fountains, a separate small-dog area, an agility course, a pond, a dog beach, and a dog-wash station. It’s an enjoyable place for dogs and humans alike!
Paws to Play Dog Park
Located in Kalispell, this off-leash dog park has fenced areas, water fountains, waste stations, and separate areas for small and large dogs.
Les Mason State Park
For a day at Whitefish Lake, this state park has a stretch of dog-friendly beach and welcomes leashed pups in marked areas. It’s a nice option for swimming, picnics, lake views, and a chill outing surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants Near Glacier
Glacier and nearby towns offer dog-friendly dining, especially during warmer months when patios are open.
Freda’s
190 Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT 59936
This casual spot located in West Glacier Village has pet-friendly outdoor seating, burgers, sandwiches, salads, shakes, pies, and a full bar.
Glacier National Pizza
200 Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT 59936
A quick, easy pizza stop in West Glacier Village with dog-friendly outdoor tables, walk-up ordering, and a delivery option.
Montana Coffee Traders
30 9th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912
Head here for breakfast, coffee, a sandwich, or a wrap, and enjoy it at outdoor tables that welcome dogs in summer.
Glacier Distilling Company
10237 Highway 2 East, Coram, MT 59913
Wet your whistle at this fun post-adventure patio stop. This small craft distillery and tasting room serves up its signature Bearproof and Montana’s original huckleberry whiskey. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome outside.
Under Canvas Glacier’s Embers Cafe
101 Under Canvas Road, Coram, MT 59913
If you stay at Under Canvas Glacier, you won’t have to go far for a great meal. Enjoy fast-casual dining at Embers Café, where you can order breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and small bites from the walk-up window. Pair your meal with wine or locally crafted beer, then end the evening with complimentary nightly s’mores around the fire, all in a beautiful outdoor setting near Glacier.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Glacier With Pets?
Summer is the most popular time to visit Glacier with pets, especially from late June through mid-September, when more roads and nearby activities are typically open. This is also when patios, dog-friendly town stops, and scenic drives are at their best, however, this is also when they’re at their busiest. For dogs, early mornings and evenings are especially nice when temperatures are cooler, parking is easier, and pups are less likely to overheat. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even for a quick stop, as temperatures can rise quickly.
Tips for Visiting Glacier With Dogs
- Keep your pup on a leash no longer than 6 feet and follow posted pet rules throughout the park.
- Practice leave no trace principles by staying on trails and cleaning up after your pet.
- Plan your Glacier days around scenic drives, picnic areas, pullouts, and nearby dog-friendly trails outside the park.
- Bring extra water, a collapsible bowl, paw protection, waste bags, towels, a cooling mat or blanket, and a secure harness and leash for car stops.
- Consider doggy daycare or boarding for a day if you want to hike Glacier’s must-do trails without your pup.
Dog-Friendly Stay Near Glacier National Park
Looking for a dog-friendly stay near Glacier that combines comfort and adventure? Under Canvas Glacier, located just seven miles from the west entrance to Glacier National Park, offers an upscale outdoor experience for you and your dog – because dogs love glamping, too. With safari-inspired tents in Montana’s “Big Sky Country,” you’ll have easy access to outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and dog-friendly activities near camp. Spend your days exploring Glacier’s iconic roads, hiking nearby trails with your pup, or wandering through Whitefish and Columbia Falls, then return to al fresco dining, nightly s’mores, and campfire time under the stars.
For more trip planning tips, check out our guide to what to pack for glamping with your dog.