Empire Builder with Glacier National Park - Train holiday on Amtrak’s Empire Builder to Glacier National Park and the Crown of the Continent
Discover the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the scenic wonders of 'The Crown of the Continent' as you travel from Chicago to Seattle with a stay at one of America’s best-loved natural attractions, Glacier National Park. Settle in and enjoy the glorious scenery as you follow a legendary route once travelled by America’s great explorers.
Your well-planned 7-day rail adventure includes two nights onboard Amtrak’s famed Empire Builder as well as two nights each in Glacier Park Lodge and Many Glacier Lodge. Explore the best of Glacier National Park, often referred to as the 'Switzerland of North America,' with tour highlights including the Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Cruise and 'Crown of the Continent' tour.
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder
Board Amtrak’s Empire Builder for a 14:15 departure and begin your travels northwest towards Montana’s Big Sky Country. Chat with fellow travellers, read, or listen to music as you enjoy the magnificent scenery of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Sleeping car passengers may wish to participate in a complimentary wine and cheese tasting taking place in the Lounge Car. Don’t miss a Trails & Rails presentation as you travel from Chicago to Winona, where you will meet volunteer rangers from the Chicago/Mississippi National River and Recreation Area sharing their educational, historical, and cultural insights about the region through which you’re travelling. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 2 - Arrive East Glacier Park, Montana
Spend the day enjoying the passing scenery or learning about the North Dakota and Montana parks from volunteer rangers who will be sharing stories and artifacts from the area as part of the Trails & Rails programme. Arrive in East Glacier Park at 18:45 this evening. Covering more than 485,500 hectares of lakes and waterfalls, dramatic peaks and breath-taking ice-carved glaciers, Glacier National Park is yours to explore for the next four days. Your first overnight will be spent at Glacier Park Lodge, where you will experience this charming Swiss-style lodge. The heated outdoor swimming pool and nine-hole golf course make it a spectacular retreat. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge. (B, L , D Sleeping Car passengers only)
Day 3 - Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Cruise
Your Glacier National Park adventure continues with your transfer to the Many Glacier Hotel, situated on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake in the heart of Glacier National Park. This national landmark, built by the Great Northern Railroad in 1915 to create the 'American Alps,' boasts a true Swiss atmosphere. Later today, enjoy a delightful 1 ½-hour boat ride on Swiftcurrent Lake showcasing the alpine beauty and grandeur of the Park. Overnight Many Glacier Hotel.
Day 4 - Crown of the Continent Tour
Today brings the breath-taking 'Crown of the Continent' tour. Board a vintage red open-air Jammer bus for your full-day tour. Travel to the heart of Glacier National Park just as they did in the 1930s, along the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass for awe-inspiring views. Overnight Many Glacier Hotel.
Day 5 - Transfer to Glacier Park Lodge
Experience pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes today and discover why Glacier National Park is considered the birthplace of mountaineering in North America. With over 700 milesof trails, Glacier National Park is paradise for visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer are among the most commonly spotted animals but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, and grizzly and black bears roam the vast wilderness and are often spotted by visitors. Overnight Glacier Park Lodge.
Day 6 - Transfer to Amtrak Station
Much of the day is yours to revisit some of your favourite parts of the Park or set off to explore new areas. This evening board the 18:45 westbound Empire Builder and continue your journey to Seattle. Snow-capped volcanoes and forested mountains dot the landscape as you make your way toward your final destination. Overnight train.
Day 7 - Arrive in Seattle, 'World Capital' of Coffee.
Mount Rainier and the Space Needle rising in the distance indicates your rail journey is coming to an end. The Empire Builder arrives in the Emerald City at 10:30 this morning. Now the question isn’t what to do, but where to begin! You won’t want to miss landmark attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chinatown, the Experience Music Project, and Pioneer Square. Your rail holiday comes to a close today, but consider extending your stay to fully explore this quintessential Pacific Northwest city. (B Sleeping Car passengers only)
Reverse itinerary is available.
| Chicago - Glacier National Park - Seattle | |||
| Date | Coach | Roomette | Bedroom |
| 18th June - 18th September, 2013 | £914 | £1,128 | £1,469 |
| Chicago - Glacier National Park - Chicago | |||
| Date | Coach | Roomette | Bedroom |
| 18th June - 18th September, 2013 | £990 | £1,245 | £1,650 |
| Seattle - Glacier National Park - Seattle | |||
| Date | Coach | Roomette | Bedroom |
| 18th June - 18th September, 2013 | £837 | £1,011 | £1,287 |
The Empire Builder travels daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail. Enjoy magnificent views of the mighty Mississippi, Minneapolis’ glowing night skyline, the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle, and the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Jammers are vintage 1930’s era red open-air touring buses that take travellers along the Going-to-the-Sun Road into the heart of Glacier National Park.
