Edmonton to Motana Round Trip Itinerary

10 Jun 2026Updated last time

Trip Itinerary: Edmonton to Montana Adventure

Embark on an enchanting round trip from the vibrant city of Edmonton, Alberta, down into the heart of Montana’s scenic wonders. Your journey begins in Edmonton, where you can explore the famous West Edmonton Mall, enjoy the city's diverse culinary scene, and walk through the picturesque river valley. After soaking up urban life, hit the road to Montana’s Glacier National Park, a treasure trove of nature's splendors. Here, hiking trails wind through pristine landscapes, revealing views of majestic peaks and tranquil lakes. As you continue South, stop in Helena, Montana’s historic capital. Wander through its storied streets, visit the Montana State Capitol, and immerse yourself in local history. The adventure continues in Bozeman, a city boasting a vibrant mix of outdoor activities, from fishing to skiing, and a bustling downtown area rich with arts, culture, and dining. Don't miss the Museum of the Rockies, known for its extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. Next, move on to Missoula, a city renowned for its strong sense of community and stunning natural surroundings – perfect for river rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. Lastly, before making your way back to Edmonton, visit Great Falls and experience the legacy of Lewis and Clark, captivating riverfront vistas, and diverse artistic offerings. This trip offers an inspiring blend of urban charm and wilderness, leaving you with cherished memories.


Recommended Activities

  • 1

    Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Edmonton is a cultural, governmental and educational centre. It hosts a year-round slate of festivals, reflected in the nickname 'Canada's Festival City'. It is home to North America's largest mall, West Edmonton Mall, and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum.
  • 2

    Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

    Glacier National Park boasts breathtaking natural beauty with pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. It's an outdoor enthusiast's haven, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
  • 3

    Helena, Montana, USA

    As the state capital, Helena has a rich history to explore, featuring gorgeous architecture, the Montana State Capitol Building, and the charming Last Chance Gulch downtown area with museums, galleries, and shops.
  • 4

    Bozeman, Montana, USA

    Bozeman offers a charming mix of cowboy culture and hip vibes, with access to world-class outdoor activities, the Museum of the Rockies, and proximity to Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone National Park.
  • 5

    Missoula, Montana, USA

    Missoula is a lively university town surrounded by natural beauty, offering vibrant cultural experiences, thriving local food and craft beer scenes, and numerous trails and rivers for outdoor recreation.
  • 6

    Great Falls, Montana, USA

    Great Falls is steeped in the heritage of Lewis and Clark with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and provides beautiful landscapes like the Giant Springs State Park and trails along the Missouri River.
  • 7

    Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Edmonton is a cultural, governmental and educational centre. It hosts a year-round slate of festivals, reflected in the nickname 'Canada's Festival City'. It is home to North America's largest mall, West Edmonton Mall, and Fort Edmonton Park, Canada's largest living history museum.

Restaurants

  • Picture for OEB Breakfast Co.

    OEB Breakfast Co.

    10174 100a St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R6, Canada
    A popular brunch spot in Edmonton known for its creative and upscale twists on breakfast classics.
  • Picture for Spiral Staircase Diner

    Spiral Staircase Diner

    630 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States
    An iconic diner in Helena that offers a unique dining environment, including sitting in a historic, spiral staircase setting.
  • Picture for The Sip 'n Dip Lounge

    The Sip 'n Dip Lounge

    17 7th St S, Great Falls, MT 59401, United States
    A tiki bar in Great Falls famous for its mermaid show, where swimmers can be seen through an underwater window.
  • Picture for The Dinosaur Cafe

    The Dinosaur Cafe

    600 W Kagy Blvd, Bozeman, MT 59717, United States
    A quirky cafe in Bozeman with a prehistoric theme, complete with dinosaur skeletons and fossils.
    4.8
  • Picture for Second Set Bistro

    Second Set Bistro

    111 N Higgins Ave #100, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
    Located in a converted train car in Missoula, this bistro offers a unique dining experience with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Picture for Izaak Walton Inn

    Izaak Walton Inn

    290 Izaak Walton Inn Rd, Essex, MT 59916, United States
    An unusual and historic hotel near Glacier National Park that features a restaurant in a refurbished dining car.
  • Picture for The Staggering Ox

    The Staggering Ox

    400 Euclid Ave, Helena, MT 59601, United States
    Known for its 'Clubfoot' sandwiches served in a unique cylindrical shape, this eatery in Helena offers a one-of-a-kind dining adventure.
  • Picture for The Raven
    15321 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911, United States
    Situated on the shores of Flathead Lake, this charming spot near Glacier National Park offers eclectic cuisine with a stunning view.

Hotels

  • Fantasyland Hotel

    17700 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4V4, Canada

    Located inside West Edmonton Mall, each room has a unique theme, offering an exceptional and imaginative accommodation experience.
  • Treehouse Montana

    2215 Dillon Rd, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, United States

    Nestled among the forested canopy, this treehouse in Whitefish offers a serene and unique stay near Glacier National Park.
  • Lucky Dog Lodge

    338 Graves Trail Unit #C, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States

    Close to Bozeman, this charmingly rustic lodge is particularly welcoming to dog owners and features canine-themed decor.
  • The Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast

    823 39th St, Missoula, MT 59803, United States

    A beautifully restored Victorian mansion in Missoula that allows visitors to step back in time.
  • Grand Union Hotel

    1 Grand Union Square, Fort Benton, MT 59442, United States

    In the heart of downtown Fort Benton near Great Falls, this hotel boasts a rich history, being the oldest operating hotel in Montana.
  • The Fire Tower Inn

    422 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601, United States

    This unique Helena hotel offers a stay in a refurbished fire lookout tower, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for Lacey Sturm

    Lacey Sturm

    The Gate in Lethbridge (53.1 mi)3 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at The Gate in Lethbridge.
  • Picture for 2 Lane Summer - Nashville Hits the Roof!

    2 Lane Summer - Nashville Hits the Roof!

    Sidelines Bar & Grill in Coaldale (55.33 mi)14 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at Sidelines Bar & Grill in Coaldale.
  • Picture for Erin Gibney - Nashville Hits the Roof!

    Erin Gibney - Nashville Hits the Roof!

    Sidelines Bar & Grill in Coaldale (55.33 mi)9 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Sidelines Bar & Grill in Coaldale.
  • Picture for Yo Yo Ma

    Yo Yo Ma

    Wachholz College Center in Kalispell (75.04 mi)4 Aug 2024
    The event will take place at Wachholz College Center in Kalispell.
  • Picture for Aaron Tippin

    Aaron Tippin

    The Newberry in Great Falls (118.05 mi)6 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at The Newberry in Great Falls.
  • Picture for Uncle Kracker

    Uncle Kracker

    The Newberry in Great Falls (118.05 mi)12 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at The Newberry in Great Falls.
  • Picture for Wheeler Walker Jr.

    Wheeler Walker Jr.

    The Newberry in Great Falls (118.05 mi)15 Jul 2024
    The event will take place at The Newberry in Great Falls.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Montana travel itinerary

    /r/Montana

    Montana is glaciated, when you ride around Flathead Lake, take the Elmo to Plains route, you climb right up and over a large moraine and the views are incredible. There's...

  • Road trip through Montana

    /r/Montana

    At West Glacier you should be able to drive into Lake McDonald area, the western entrance to Glacier. From West Glacier take Highway 2 west to Kalispell. Take either Highway 9...

  • Glacier National Park: Where to Stop for the Night

    /r/Montana

    Followed by Cody, Yellowstone NP/Grand Teton NP, Bozeman, Helena, (Scenic - Seeley/Swan Valley, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, East Glacier). Faster to go Helena, Great Falls, Brown...

  • Road trip! What towns and areas should I check out?

    /r/Montana

    Lotta suggestions for western Montana but not eastern. Between miles city and Glendive is a small town called Terry. Go to Scenic Drive road and get an epic view of the Terry ...

  • Looking for advice on a trip to Montana / Glacier NP

    /r/Montana

    Planning a trip this summer. Will be my wife & I, with 3 kids, age 8 through 14. Trying to decide which do do: A.) Fly into Kalispell. Spend a day

  • Coming to Bozeman and going to Glacier. Any recommendations? Thank you!

    /r/Montana

    Then when we go to GNP will be our outdoor activities. Any resturants, truly Montana experiences, tips for us? Thank you so much! Doing a lot of research on my own, and figure...

  • Road trip - Minneapolis to Jaspe/Glacier NP (Montana)

    /r/roadtrip

    8/27 Day 3: Edmonton to Jasper. Lodging: Best Western Jasper ... 9/2 Day 9: Glacier NP - thinking about either the West Glacier KOA or Springhill Suites in Kalispell which wou...

  • Missoula / Helena stops

    /r/GlacierNationalPark

    For various reasons, we will be flying in and out of Bozeman for our trip to Glacier. My plan right now to break up the drive from Bozeman to

  • Drive from Bozeman to East GNP!

    /r/GlacierNationalPark

    Thanks. Share ... Take 287 to 89. Three Forks - Lewis Clark Caverns/ Wheat MT or Teasers.jk. Helena - Capitol. north of Helena - Gates of the Mountain. Wolf Creek Construction...

  • Drive from Bozeman into GNP

    /r/GlacierNationalPark

    Hi all! Im landing in Bozeman tomorrow and driving to West Glacier. Are there any good places to stop along the way? Any worthwhile detours? Option