Montana offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire United States, abundant with wildlife and beautiful natural wonders. With prime access to Montana’s “Big Sky Country”, Under Canvas Glacier sits just 7 miles from the entrance to Glacier National Park—where your head will be spinning with endless photo opportunities. From glistening lakes and flower-filled valleys to snow capped mountains and wide open spaces, check out our top 5 most Instagrammable destinations in and around Glacier National Park and get ready for a photo-worthy vacation to Big Sky Country.
Flathead Lake
Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi and offers over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. The lake is perfect for a day of adventuring on the water but the scenery will make you want to stay a lifetime. Surrounded by beautiful Montana vistas and towering pine trees, your perfect mountainside photo is just waiting. Enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddling while you are on the lake and don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes aboard to visit Wild Horse Island State Park, which is only accessible via the water. This island in Flathead Lake has a myriad of hiking trails and stunning views. We suggest bringing a picnic along from Under Canvas and enjoying sunset views (and photo ops) from the island.
Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge
A two-hour drive from camp and you will be in a prime spot to take photos on this beautiful suspension bridge built over the rushing Kootenai River. With the backdrop of Montana’s breathtaking mountains, blue raging waters, and rocky cliffs—you’ll be granted a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. Just a short distance from the suspension bridge, take in the beautiful Kootenai Falls which is the largest undammed waterfall in Montana and one of the largest waterfalls in the U.S. by flow rate.
Lake McDonald
Of course many of the most picturesque spots around Under Canvas Glacier can be found in Glacier National Park itself. One of the best places for an iconic Montana photo is at Lake McDonald. Directly created by glacial carving, this lake provides for some amazing scenery. Take a photo of the colorful pebbles under the crystal clear waters of Lake McDonald, or snap an image at the edge of the lake with the stunning mountain backdrop. Looking for a little more adventure? Take your kayak or stand up paddleboard out on the lake and get photos from the water.
Going to the Sun Road
The well-known Going to the Sun Road is extremely popular, but is also one of the best places in the national park to fill your camera roll with stunning photos. Winding through the park, this road brings you to new heights with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape. Drive through tunnels carved into the mountainside, past waterfalls pouring over cliffs, and don’t skip the pull-offs because each one offers jaw-dropping views of the towering mountain peaks and lush green valleys. Currently, Going to the Sun Road requires timed reservations to be purchased in advance in order to enter. If you are planning on visiting the park and checking out Going to the Sun Road during your stay at Under Canvas, be sure to book your reservation in advance! Tickets will be released two days in advance and do sell out.
Logan Pass
Snow capped peaks, wildflower fields lining the valleys, and rushing mountain rivers are all features of Logan Pass that make it one of the most Instagrammable places in Glacier National Park. There is wildlife all around Logan Pass including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots and you might even spot a bear. Always be sure to stay far from wildlife while photographing them so you are not putting yourself or the animal in danger. Take a short walk from the visitor center to Hidden Lake Overlook where you can catch a spectacular angle of Hidden Lake and the unique rocky craig that sits behind it.
After your day of exploring and picture-taking, head back to camp at Under Canvas Glacier and enjoy your upscale outdoor accommodations. Sleep in a treehouse with a plush king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. Head to the fire pits at dusk for complimentary s’mores and good conversation in good company with other Montana explorers. Wake the next morning rested and ready for your next adventure in Big Sky Country.