Ah, the great outdoors - the smell of cedar, hearing the firewood crackling, and the feeling of the early morning chill in the air.

I recently spent a week rediscovering the oft-forgotten north of the United States with a trip to Glacier National Park. I had toured Glacier when I was much younger - that trip afforded me with my first and only overnight backpacking experience - so it was nice to revisit a classic.

I stayed at Under Canvas Glacier, a popular glamping site with safari-style tents near the West Entrance of Glacier.

So, is a glamping experience truly better than camping? Here's what it is like to stay at Under Canvas Glacier.

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About Under Canvas Glacier.

This glamping property features 60 safari-style tents, four picnic tents with separate grills, a leisure area - complete with volleyball court, cornhole (or bags) equipment, and horseshoe posts, a firepit, ample parking, and two shared bathroom facilities. The lobby tent is where you will find the front desk, coffee bar, and lounge area.

The Glacier camp was one of the first campgrounds under the Under Canvas umbrella, and it indeed led the way for glamping establishments with excellent locations. The overall atmosphere was relaxing with a nod to sustainability, and it certainly felt like you were camping without having to rough it.

Getting There.

Under Canvas Glacier is conveniently located 10 miles from the West Glacier National Park entrance, making the early morning trek (a necessity now with the limitations on the number of people in the park) a little easier.

With its location directly off a private turn-off from Highway 2, you should expect some road noise. Also, there is a train track running through the area, and you will notice some horns throughout the night.

Glacier Park International Airport, located just north of Kalispell, MT, is the closest airport to Under Canvas, about 20 miles away. Hertz, Budget, AVIS, and National/Alamo have car rental counters inside the terminal. We recommend that you make your car reservation before traveling to ensure you have a ride when you arrive.

Welcome to “the crown of the Continent.”

The Stay.

MY FAVORITE ROOMS

Most of the tents at Under Canvas Glacier have king sized beds, wood burning stoves, and a small lounge area, perfect for kicking your feet up after a day of hiking the trails!

As you might have guessed from the introduction, I'm not much of a camper. That's not to say I don't enjoy being outdoors, but I like having a private bathroom. Remarkably, all tents except the Safari Tents at Under Canvas Glacier have a private bathroom!

If you are traveling with children, definitely book a Suite or Deluxe + Hive. The Hive houses two twin beds in a teepee structure for an extra-special treat for the kiddos! If you want to appease your inner child, go for the Treehouse, an “elevated” stay among the treetops. For groups of friends, the Safari with Three Twins tent provides separate beds so that everyone has plenty of space.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Under Canvas might act as a hotel, but the gal at the front desk was quick to point out that you are truly camping. You may have a comfortable bed and a private bathroom. Still, the entire experience stays with their eco-friendly model:

the shower is a pull-cord,
heat comes from an oven (each tent has fire starters and kindling), and
all the power for your electronics (including the provided lanterns) is supplied through power packs refreshed at the front desk when they run low.

RECOMMENDED FOR

If you like the outdoors but don't like to sleep on the ground or are like me and a working bathroom is usually a dealbreaker when it comes to camping, then Under Canvas has a tent with your name on it!

DON’T FORGET TO BRING

The big draw to this area is Glacier National Park, so you should be sure to throw a pair of hiking boots or shoes into your luggage! Be sure to bring a board game or two for evening nights out on your deck. We played:

Eat & Drink.

AT THE HOTEL

There isn't a hotel restaurant, but there are several grills and four picnic areas available for free for use by guests. Under Canvas does offer to provide necessary cooking utensils. If you are traveling during COVID-19, however, I would suggest picking some up at the grocery store while you are purchasing the food, plates, cups, flatware, and anything else you might need.

There are several types of dry snacks available for purchase in the lobby. You can pick up your complimentary s'mores kit from the front desk every night from 7-9pm.

Coffee and tea are available in the lobby. Normally self-served, the staff is currently preparing the drinks for you (to limit the number of people touching the dispensers).

ROOM SERVICE

Under Canvas Glacier is located in the middle of bear country, so no food is allowed in your tent. Be sure to lock it up tight in your car trunk every evening.

Be bear aware!

BEST LOCAL HAUNTS

Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls are all within a thirty-minute drive, so if you don't feel like grilling out or eating cereal out of your vehicle's trunk, you can undoubtedly find something delicious to eat no matter what time of day. Here were some of our favorites:

FOR BREAKFAST

Uptown Hearth
619 Nucleus Avenue
Columbia Falls, Montana 59912

Montana Coffee Traders
5810 Hwy 93 South
Whitefish, MT 59937

FOR LUNCH OR DINNER

The Desota Grill
This place is known for its BBQ! I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was very tasty.
227 1st St W
Kalispell, MT 59901

Bonsai Brewing Project
We had a great time with our dogs out on the patio.
549 Wisconsin Ave.
Whitefish, MT 59937

Great Northern Railway Cafe
12127 Hwy 2E
PO Box 269
West Glacier, MT 59936

Time to Play.

BEST SHOPPING

You'll find the best shopping in this area in the adorable downtown of Whitefish. Here, you'll find art studios, outdoor apparel and gear, souvenirs, and locally-made jewelry. The folks at Whitefish Quilts & Gifts were incredibly welcoming to Evie, our dog, so be sure to stop in for a browse if you are traveling with your own furbaby.

OUR MUST-DOS NEARBY

At the Camp

The camp offers daily programming for guests included in your rate, including bird demonstrations, live firepit music, and morning yoga. Be sure to check the board near the lobby tent for that week's activities when checking in!

Hiking

With over 700 miles of trails, there is a trail for every ability and interest. Are you looking for an approachable lake hike? Try the Avalanche Lake trail. Are you interested in a full day or possibly overnight hike? Check out the Cracker Lake trail. Want amazing views? It's the Highline Trail, for sure.

Take a Drive

One of the number one things to do in Glacier National Park is to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50 mile scenic stretch through the park and up into the mountains. Parts of Going-to-the-Sun Road are open all year round; however, the higher portions typically open in late June or July and close again in October (weather dependent).

Paddle Board

Head to Apgar Village and rent a paddleboard that you can take out on Lake McDonald.

White Water Rafting

Explore the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which forms the southwesternmost border to Glacier National Park, on either a scenic or adventurous rafting excursion.

Fly Fishing

You can spend a half or full-day fly fishing in the waters of the Flathead River. If you don't own your fishing gear, one of Under Canvas Glacier's Adventure Coordinators can hook you up with a guide who will provide all necessary equipment. Or, book an experience ahead of time!

Lasting Impressions.

I honestly had no idea that glamping was going to be such a fantastic travel experience. The fact that I could hike during the day and relax after a hot shower on my private deck in the evening was the perfect blend of "being one with nature" and still having the creature comforts that I look for while traveling.