Originally Posted by arctos

If you started in Missoula I would recommend turning North from Hwy 200 onto Hwy. 83 to reach Glacier Park. It is more direct, shorter and quite lovely. (The TSRV Tour Of the Swan River Valley is a noted group bike ride using the route). There are even off pavement alternatives paralleling the pavement along 83 [available on Section One of the ACA Divide Ride.] Just a personal preference over the plains East of the Continental Divide.

Time saved on this end can be used to explore more of the Canadian Parks and more of Waterton-Glacier and/or to use VIA Rail for a portion of your return trip from Jasper NP.