Federal regulations prohibit engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States. As in other National Park Service areas, commercial visitor services or other commercial activities may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the United States.
Concessioners In Glacier National Park, concessions contracts have been issued to provide certain visitor services. These services include transportation and tour services, food services, backpacking and day hiking guide services, boat tours and small boat rentals, horseback riding, lodging, and retail sales. No other businesses are currently authorized to provide these services in Glacier National Park.
Commercial Use Authorizations Glacier National Park issues Commercial Use Authorizations for the following visitor services:
If you are interested in providing these services, please follow the above link to review the informational documents posted, or contact the Concessions Office at (406) 888-7909 to request more information. Specific requirements must be met including insurance coverage, guide training, and payment of authorization fees. No authorizations for Guided Bicycle Tours or Instructional Photography, Birding or Art Workshops will be issued after July 1, and late fees may apply for permits issued between May 1 and July 1. Beginning in 2020, road-based commercial tours entering Glacier National Park may require a CUA. For more information on the definition of a road-based tour and the upcoming road-based tour CUA fee structure, please visit https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-use-authorizations.htm. Park-specific road-based tour CUA information will be posted here in December 2019. Frequently Asked Questions Can I guide a group of hikers in the park? Can I drive a tour through the park? Non-scheduled, infrequent commercial motor vehicle tours are, however, allowed to enter the park from the west to travel to Lake McDonald Lodge and from the east as far as the Rising Sun Motor Inn without written authorizations. These commercial tours are also allowed to travel to the Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas without additional authorization. Commercial tour entrance fees will be charged upon entry to Glacier National Park. Beginning in the 2020 summer season, road-based tour CUAs may be required for motor vehicle tours in Glacier National Park. The park will announce requirements for 2020 road-based tour CUAs in December 2019. No commercial transportation is available or authorized in the North Fork area on the inside North Fork Road. Is what I’m planning defined as a “commercial activity”? What about Non-Profits? Please contact the Fee Program/Special Use Permit Office at either (406) 888-7825 or (406) 888-7832 for additional information. |
Last updated: September 9, 2019