Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
Craving a wild escape? Glacier’s North Fork is your rugged retreat! Think serene lakes, epic mountain views, and more wildlife than you can count. Our audio tour guides you through Polebridge’s quirky charm, Bowman Lake’s peaceful shores, and the park’s untamed beauty. With stories of park history, ecology, and conservation, you’ll feel like an expert adventurer. Download, plug in, and explore Glacier’s remote wonderland—no crowds, just nature vibes!
*Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*
What's included
Tours NEVER expire
Freedom to explore at your own pace
Offline map (no wifi or data needed)
Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive
Private transportation
Meals & Refreshments
Parking Fees
What to expect
Forest and Fire Nature Trail
30m
The Forest and Fire Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip interpretive walk that showcases the park's dynamic relationship with wildfire through a series of recovering burn zones, rated as easy with minimal elevation gain. The trail meanders through areas impacted by the 2003 Robert Fire, allowing visitors to observe forest regeneration stages including young lodgepole pines, pioneer species like fireweed, and patches of surviving old-growth forest.
The Polebridge Mercantile
30m
The historic Polebridge Mercantile, established in 1914, stands as a rustic landmark in Glacier National Park's remote North Fork region, famous for its freshly baked huckleberry bearclaws and other pastries made daily in the century-old building's original ovens
15m
The Polebridge Ranger Station Historic District is located in the northwestern part of Glacier National Park.
It includes historic buildings, such as the ranger station and a nearby barn, dating back to the early 1900s.
This peaceful spot offers a unique look at the park’s history, with beautiful mountain views and nearby access to hiking trails.
The area is also a great place to learn about early conservation efforts in the park.
Bowman Lake
1h
Bowman Lake offers diverse hiking options in the North Fork. Akokala Lake is a 5.8-mile hike to a glacial cirque, while the 7.1-mile Bowman Lake Head Trail features serene lake views. For shorter hikes, try the 1.5-mile Covey Meadow or the 1.2-mile Hidden Meadow trails. For a challenge, Numa Lookout's 5.6-mile hike rewards with stunning vistas.
Kintla Lake
1h
The Kintla Lake Head trail is a 6.6-mile out-and-back hike through rolling hills, starting 0.25 miles west of the Kintla Lake Campground. This trail provides access to the serene northern end of the pristine Kintla Lake, surrounded by towering peaks.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Just north of the gate check just outside of Apgar.
End point
Just north of the gate check just outside of Apgar.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
No vehicle reservations required as of 2026 — park pass still required
Best visited summer and early fall — roads close in winter and can be snowed shut in late fall and spring
Roads are unpaved, bumpy, and very remote — bring a spare tire and jumper cables; plan for slow driving
Limited food and fuel near the North Fork — fill up early and pack meals; top pick is Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery
Prime bear habitat — carry bear spray (accessible, not in your pack), make noise while hiking, never leave food unattended (rentable at Kalispell Airport or Apgar Village)
Main safety concerns: falls, hypothermia, and bears
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
