Top 11 Pet-Friendly Lodgings in Glacier National Park Area

What do you think of when we say ‘Glacier National Park’? Majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, picture-perfect landscapes – these are some of the things that make Glacier National Park such a beloved destination. However, traveling with your four-legged family member can be challenging as finding accommodations that cater to both humans and pets isn’t as easy as it seems. But today is your lucky day, as we’ve done all the hard work. We’ve explored most of the available options and we’re here to show you your best pet friendly lodging in Glacier National Park area. From cozy cabins nestled in the woods to luxurious resorts with dedicated pet amenities, this list definitely has something for everyone and every pet. Get ready to discover unforgettable adventures together with your lovely pet!

Do you want to stay inside instead? Here are our favorite lodgings inside Glacier National Park!

Rustic Range Retreat

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The first option on this list is the Rustic Range Retreat. This place is a haven for dog owners, and of course, their fidos. When we first arrived, our dog was greeted with hugs and belly rubs. Speaking of which, the property allows up to two dogs of any size, which is a huge plus for us. We did have to pay an additional fee of 200 USD per dog for our stay, but considering the amenities, I thought it was well worth it.

The highlight for our dog, though, was the garage. It has a built-in, spacious kennel. It was the perfect place for when we needed to leave our dog for a short while. But the real star was the dog door that connects the kennel directly to a fenced backyard! Our furry buddy spent hours sniffing around that yard, happily running around. It was amazing to see him roam free with such peace of mind, knowing he was safe and secure.

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: 200 USD per stay
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 19.3 mi (24 min)

Elk Street Retreat

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While there are so many amazing lodgings near Glacier National Park to choose from, the Elk Street Retreat remains a standout. Our dog had plenty of space to sprawl out after a long day of hiking. There’s a pet fee, though, so be sure to factor in an additional 125 USD per pet for your stay. Just a heads-up for fellow pet owners: the lodging doesn’t allow pets to be left alone inside the retreat, so plan your outings accordingly. But since there were so many things to explore around the retreat, we didn’t have any problem at all.

The Elk Street Retreat was such a comfy place to call home. It’s a cozy two-bedroom cabin with a fully equipped kitchen, so we could always make our own breakfast and our dog’s favorite pancake. Having laundry facilities on-site made everything much more convenient as well, especially since our dog managed to find every mud puddle on the trails. Moreover, our evenings were spent curled up by the fireplace, reminiscing our exciting adventures.

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: 125 USD per stay
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 7.5 mi (10 min)

Wander Camp Glacier

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Best Outdoor Area. When we stumbled upon Wander Camp Glacier, we were thrilled. Not only were they welcoming our furry companion at no extra charge, but the location sounded absolutely idyllic. This place is nestled in nature, close to Glacier National Park, and offers a unique glamping experience. Our stay at Wander Camp Glacier, as expected, didn’t disappoint. The Twin Tent, though rustic, was surprisingly spacious and comfortable for us. The twin beds were perfect for stretching out, and the solar lanterns provided a nice touch for cozy evenings spent listening to the sounds of nature.

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Now, let’s talk about the best part for our pup – the wide-open space! Those 40 acres of meadows and pine trees were his personal doggy paradise. We spent hours exploring the property, sniffing out new scents, and chasing squirrels. Thankfully, though, they were much faster. The location, just 13 minutes from Glacier National Park, was also ideal for incorporating dog-friendly hikes into our itinerary.

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: Free
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 7.3 mi (13 min)

Glacier’s Edge Cabins

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Glacier’s Edge Cabins in Columbia Falls was another highly rated option on this list. The lodging welcomed my furry friend with smiles. Though there was an additional pet fee of 100 USD, it was worth it. Our cabin was cozy and perfect for unwinding after hours at Glacier National Park. The best part? With a private entrance, we didn’t have to wrestle leashes in the hallway, and there were no stressed-out neighbor dogs to worry about. We could come and go as we pleased.

Speaking of exploring, the location was fantastic. Just a short drive from the park entrance, it was easy to pop back to the cabin for midday breaks or to grab forgotten hiking essentials. Furthermore, the mountain views from our cabin were stunning. Plus, our four-legged pal loved curling up by the fireplace. We cooked most nights in the fully-equipped kitchenette, and the comfy bed ensured a good night’s sleep for us.

• Number of pets: 1 dog of any size
• Fee: 100 USD per stay
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 9.1 mi (18 min)

Great Northern Resort

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Only minutes away from the Glacier National Park, you should definitely consider the Great Northern Resort. We were happy to find out about such an amazing pet-friendly resort, and it even accepts large breeds. So, if you have a golden retriever or other big buddies, this may be the perfect place. During our trip, we stayed in the cabin, which is the only type of pet-friendly accommodation on the property. We didn’t mind, though, as it provided us with a more relaxed environment.

We also loved how the resort had plenty of grassy areas for pet relief, which was what our dog needed. However, make sure always to bring your own poop bags. What about the fee and policy? As we said earlier, this generous resort welcomes big dogs. However, there’s a one-time 200 USD pet fee. However, if you plan to stay for a while, it might be worth considering. Unfortunately, the resort doesn’t allow cats.

• Number of pets: 1 dog of any size
• Fee: 200 USD per stay
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 1.8 mi (3 min)

The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection

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Best for Long Stays. Our stay at The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection, was nothing short of amazing. As a pup owner, finding the right pet-friendly lodging in the Glacier National Park area can be tricky, but this hotel went the extra mile. This place accepts both dogs and cats, with a maximum of two pets per room (up to 80 lbs each). While we were there, we had to pay a small nightly fee of 25 USD, but it was capped at a very reasonable weekly rate of 100 USD. This makes the hotel a nice option for longer stays.

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When we arrived, our pup was greeted with a warm welcome and a delicious treat at the front desk. It was a small touch, but it really showed that the hotel cared about our furry companion. What’s more, the hotel has a grassy area specifically for pet waste disposal, complete with a waste station. This makes cleaning up after your pet a breeze. Just remember to be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your doggie. Also, we didn’t have to worry about leaving our dog behind in the room as long as he was crated.

• Number of pets: 2 pets up to 80 lbs
• Fee: 25 USD per night (max 100 USD per week)
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 25.8 mi (31 min)

North Forty Resort

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Another great addition to this list is the North Forty Resort. We were looking for a getaway in nature, and this place was ‘it’. They have designated pet-friendly cabins. That way, we could keep our furry friend comfortable. There was a small pet fee that we had to pay, but at only 10 USD a night, it was very reasonable. One thing to note is that you should put your dog inside a crate if you want to leave them alone. This wasn’t a problem for us, but if your pet has separation anxiety, it’s something to consider. On the plus side, the staff at the front desk were super friendly and even had dog biscuits on hand, which our friend devoured happily.

The resort itself is beautiful. There are plenty of grassy areas for walks, and waste stations are set up throughout the property, which makes cleaning up after your pet a breeze. Just remember to keep your furry companion on a leash—safety first! Are you looking for a new one? Check out these best Chewy dog leashes for travel.

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: 10 USD per night
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 21.3 mi (27 min)

Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge

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Here we have another lodging in Whitefish. Say hello to the Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge. Our dog weighs in at a hefty 75 lbs, but he was welcome with open arms and some belly rubs from the staff. The hotel has designated pet-friendly rooms on the ground floor, which are perfect for quick potty breaks. That said, the suites aren’t pet-friendly. But for us, a comfy standard room with easy access to the outdoors was just what we needed.

Speaking of the outdoors, our dog loved sniffing around the pet relief area. It was clean and well-maintained, with plenty of waste stations to keep things tidy. They even have treats, beds, and bowls available at the front desk in case you forget your own. We gave our dog some of the treats from the hotel, and he loved them. Best of all, we were allowed to leave our dog in the room unattended. This meant we could finally enjoy a worry-free soak in the hot tub without feeling guilty about leaving him behind.

• Number of pets: Two dogs up to 80 lbs
• Fee: 20 USD per night
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 25.4 mi (32 min)

Grouse Mountain Lodge

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When we were in Whitefish, we had the chance to spend a night at Grouse Mountain Lodge, and it was a delightfully positive experience. This hotel allows up to two furry friends of any size in their designated rooms. During our trip, we were charged a small, refundable deposit of 50 USD, which was pretty standard. Just a heads up, though, the fancy lofts and corner suites aren’t pup-approved, so make sure to book a pet-friendly room.

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Our pet wasn’t stressed at all during our stay. The hotel was generous enough to allow well-behaved pups to be left alone in the room, which was great for those times when we wanted to explore the shops downtown without worrying. Not to mention, our room was sparkling and cozy. We couldn’t ask for a better spot for those post-adventure naps. Best of all, this lodge is set right next to a field, which made potty breaks a breeze for our dog.

“This place is pawsome! It offers clean pet-friendly rooms, a convenient location with a pet relief area, as well as amazing amenities.”

WOW Travel

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: 50 USD refundable deposit
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 27.6 mi (36 min)

Glacier Acres Guest Ranch

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Best with No Pet Fee. Traveling with your pet can cost some extra money, but that’s not the case with the Glacier Acres Guest Ranch. Set in Columbia Falls, Montana, this place exceeded all our expectations. First and foremost, Glacier Acres truly lives up to its pet-friendly name. They welcomed our furry companion (and wouldn’t mind another, up to 120 lbs each) with open arms. On top of that, we weren’t charged any hidden fees. There’s also a designated pet relief area within walking distance, which was handy for us, and the overall vibe was relaxed and pet-positive. A+ for this hotel.

Beyond the pet perks, Glacier Acres offered everything we needed for a relaxing stay. Our room was both clean and comfortable, with a comfy bed big enough for everyone, a private bathroom, and even a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Also, the mountain views were breathtaking! The location in Columbia Falls was great. It was close enough to the Big Sky Waterpark for a fun day trip but also peaceful and surrounded by nature.

• Number of pets: 2 pets up to 120 lbs
• Fee: Free
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 18.3 mi (21 min)

Paddle Ridge

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Best Location. Sitting on top of this list is Paddle Ridge. Throughout our stay, our dog had a blast. He loved exploring the huge grassy area right outside our cabin. It was like her own private park, and there was plenty of space for her to run around and sniff all the interesting smells. Speaking of the cabin, it was perfect for us. The full kitchen was amazing, especially after a long day of hiking in Glacier National Park, which, by the way, is just a short drive away. We whipped up some delicious meals and enjoyed them on the covered patio while our dog relaxed by the fire.

In the evenings, our dog would usually curl up at our feet while we were planning our next adventure with the help of the on-site tour desk. On top of that, the hotel even has a full-service outdoor store and fly shop, which was super convenient for grabbing last-minute gear. The fee? Guests with pets are required to pay a pet fee of 50 USD per pet per stay. But considering the convenient location, it’s worth every penny.

• Number of pets: 2 dogs of any size
• Fee: 50 USD per stay
• Pet relief area: Yes
• Distance to Glacier National Park: 1.3 mi (2min)

While we’re at it, why don’t you spend a minute reading our list of the best hotels near Glacier National Park, too?

Our Verdict!

Every pet friendly lodging in Glacier National Park area offers different things to the table. If you need help picking the right one for you, take a look at our picks below. We’ve categorized some of the lodgings above based on the following:

• Best Location: Paddle Ridge
• Best with No Pet Fee: Glacier Acres Guest Ranch
• Best for Long Stays: The Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, Ascend Hotel Collection
• Best Outdoor Area: Wander Camp Glacier

Where To Stay in Glacier National Park Area with Your Pet

Is Glacier National Park pet-friendly? Perhaps the best answer is ‘partially’. While your furry buddy can’t join you on most hiking trails or in the backcountry, they’re allowed in some developed areas like the picnic areas and campgrounds.

So, what area should you and your dog call home during your trip? First, West Glacier. This is the most popular area to stay, with easy access to the park’s west entrance and Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic mountain road that traverses the park. There’s a variety of lodging options in West Glacier to choose from, from historic lodges to campgrounds. Plus, many of them are pet-friendly. It’s the perfect base to explore all the top things to do in Glacier National Park.

When talking about West Glacier, we should also mention East Glacier. It’s located on the east side of the park and is known for its peaceful setting and beautiful scenery. There are fewer lodging options here than in West Glacier, but there are still a few nice lodges and cabins.

If you don’t mind spending a few more minutes on the road, consider Whitefish. It’s a charming resort town located about 30 miles south of the park’s west entrance. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities, and it’s a great place to relax after a day of exploring the park. Then, there’s Columbia Falls. This small town is located just outside of the park’s west entrance. It’s a good option for travelers who are looking for a more affordable place to stay. Here, you’ll find many pet-friendly stores and restaurants.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants/Bars in Glacier National Park Area

• Great Bear Cafe – Calling all hungry adventurers with furry companions! Great Bear Cafe welcomes travelers and their pups to dine on their dog-friendly patios. Fuel up for your day with breakfast options like burritos or biscuits and gravy before 11 AM, or choose from their lunch and dinner menu featuring hearty soups, salads, sandwiches, and classic burgers.
• Home Ranch Bottoms—Set in Polebridge, this seasonal restaurant welcomes dogs. The nachos and fries are to die for, and you should try the sandwiches, too. You can also try the specialty cocktails outdoors with your dog.

Pet-Friendly Activities In Glacier National Park Area

According to the Glacier National Park pet policy, pets aren’t allowed on most rails and within the park itself due to safety concerns. However, there are still tons of fun things you and your furry partner can do around the park.

• Explore the shores of Lake McDonald – Take a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road and pull over at one of the many overlooks along Lake McDonald. You can let your dog relax in the car while you take in the views, or if the weather is nice, you can find a spot for a picnic lunch. Sounds fun, right?
• Hit the trail on the McDonald Creek Bike Path. This paved 2.5-mile out-and-back path runs between Apgar Village and West Glacier. It’s a great option for a leisurely stroll or bike ride with your dog.

Best Pet Stores In Glacier National Park Area

• Tailwaggers – If you’re looking for raw diets, visit this store, as it has the biggest selection in the area. Aside from the top-notch products, this store is also known for its super friendly service.
• Dee-O-Gee Kalispell – Whether it’s for your dog or your cat, you’ll find whatever you need here. Besides that, it also offers dog grooming and dog wash services.