2022 Tour Pricing
** Optional Guided Hike to Grinnell Lake at no additional charge. Including the 1.5 hour boat tour, time required is 3 to 4 hours. Guided hikes will begin June 25, 2022.
Can you take a boat ride in Glacier National Park?
Glacier National Park is a land of big lakes. Boat tours with commentary are available at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, and Lake McDonald. Optional guided hikes are offered on some cruises at Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun.
How long is the Lake McDonald boat tour?
The Lake McDonald boat tour is a one-hour cruise that includes informative and entertaining commentary by your boat captain along with the stunning views. The boat tours at Lake McDonald depart at 11:00am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 5:30pm, and 7:00pm.
Where does Lake McDonald boat tour start?
The Lake McDonald Boat Tour starts off at the Historic Lake McDonald Lodge. You simply walk out of the lodge and down some stairs and board the historic Desmet. The Desmet was built in 1930 by Captain Swanson for the Glacier Park transport company.
How long are boat tours in Glacier National Park? – Related Questions
Do you need a reservation for Lake McDonald?
2022 Tour Pricing
Glacier National Park has implemented a Vehicle Reservation system to drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR). Reservations for Lake McDonald guarantee entry to the GTSR on the day of your reservation.
What is the best way to visit Glacier National Park?
While some of the park can be seen on scenic drives, like Going-to-the-Sun Road, the best way to see Glacier National Park is on a hike! The park has hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. No matter your skill level, you will be able to find the perfect hike for you in Glacier National Park.
How long does it take to do Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Without stopping, it takes approximately 2 hours to drive the full 50 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road. Logan Pass is the highest point on Going-to-the-Sun Road at 6,646 feet (2,026 m). Logan Pass is 32 miles (51.5 km) from the west entrance and 18 miles (29 km) from the east entrance.
Where is Going-to-the-Sun Road closed?
Park Closures
The Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) is closed on the west side of the park at the four-way intersection in Apgar due to a construction project. From the east side of the park, the GTSR is currently open from St. Mary to Rising Sun.
Can you drive to Lake McDonald?
Lake McDonald is one of the stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and following the road is the easiest way to get there. The lake is located around 15 minutes from West Glacier.
Can you boat on Lake McDonald?
Glacier National Park offers a variety of boating experiences. Boat launching ramps are available on Bowman and McDonald Lakes on the west side, and St. Mary and Two Medicine Lakes on the east side of the park. Boat rentals are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine.
How cold is the water in Lake McDonald?
Lake McDonald’s current water temperature is 56°F.
Do I need a permit to kayak in Glacier National Park?
When boating in Glacier National Park, be sure to pick up a free launch permit at permit stations, visitor centers or park headquarters. Boats and hand-propelled watercraft like rafts, kayaks and canoes need to be certified that they are free of aquatic invasive species prior to being launched on the park’s lakes.
Can I use my own kayak in Glacier National Park?
An important note: If you bring your own boat, you’ll need to have it inspected for invasive aquatic species before putting it in the water. You can do that at an inspection stop anywhere in Montana, or at a ranger station in the park. You’ll get a tag to attach to your kayak for the duration of your visit.
Do you need a kayak permit in Montana?
Montana Kayaking Operator Education Laws
Do you need a license to kayak in Montana? No. A license or certificate is not needed for adults to operate any water vessels in Montana.
Can you rent canoes at Glacier National Park?
Rentals & Fees
You can rent kayaks at many locations in the park. The cost is usually $15 an hour for a kayak and $18 an hour for a canoe. There is no need to register or pay a fee to use your own canoes, kayaks and other hand/wind propelled boats.
Can you kayak Lake McDonald Glacier?
Swiftcurrent Lake
Like Lake McDonald and many other Glacier lakes, Swiftcurrent sits at the base of sky-scrapping peaks and can be explored by non-motorized boats like single and double kayaks and canoes.
Can you swim in Lake McDonald?
For just swimming, there are several pull offs between the West Entrance and the Lake McDonald lodge where you can easily access the water. But If you’d like to hike around the lake, go towards McDonald Creek, continue down the unpaved road to the end, then you can hike 2.4 miles to a campground with a little beach.
Can you kayak at Many Glacier?
Description. The Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park is well-known for its popular hiking trails, but it also provides travelers with the opportunity to kayak. Swiftcurrent Lake is easily accessed along the shores of Many Glacier Hotel where ample parking is available.
Can you paddle board in Glacier National Park?
Paddle boarding is possible both on lakes and rivers in Glacier National Park. For lake stand up paddle boarding, check out Lake McDonald while river stand up paddle boarders will enjoy the calm areas of Flathead River in West Glacier.
What is there to do on the east side of Glacier National Park?
9 Amazing Things to Do on the East Side of Glacier National Park
- Take the Eastern Alpine Red Bus Tour.
- Hike the Sunrift Gorge to St. Mary Falls trail.
- Hike to Grinnell Glacier.
- Have dinner (or drinks!)
- Stop in at the St.
- Attend a Ranger Program at the St.
- Hike the Hidden Lake Trail at Logan Pass.
- Hike to Iceberg Lake.