Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

Boat Tours & Rentals

Boat Tours & Rentals

  1. Reservations at Lake McDonald will provide a vehicle reservation for GTSR on the day of your tour.

Lake McDonald

Experience tranquil forest, mountain, and lake views of Glacier National Park’s west side on this narrated scenic boat tour. A perfect way to relax after a day of hiking, or a leisurely introduction to Glacier National Park. Climb aboard the historic vessel, DeSmet, the flagship vessel in our fleet. The DeSmet is one of four vessels in our fleet that holds a spot on the National Register for Historic Vessels! Built in 1930, she will take you along the pristine emerald-hued Lake McDonald while enjoying the majestic views of the Continental Divide.

Vehicle Reservations
Reservations for scenic boat tours or watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald include vehicle reservations to the Going To The Sun Road and allow all day access to the entire road from the West or the East Entrances (providing the GTSR is fully open). Vehicle reservations will be emailed to you 2 days prior to the tour, and can be shown on your phone to enter the park.
Tour Length
1 Hour round trip scenic tour.
Hiking Options
There are no hiking options from this tour.
One-Way Return Tickets
One-Way tickets are not available.
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair seating is available on an outside deck for a standard size wheelchair.
Location
Behind Lake McDonald Lodge on Lake McDonald, West Glacier.
For GPS Directions type "Lake McDonald Lodge" into Apple or Google Maps.
DeSMET Tour Boat on McDonald Lake

2024 Boat Tour Schedule


Tour Time 2024 Dates
11:00am May 15th to Sept. 22nd
1:30pm May 15th to Sept. 22nd
3:00pm May 15th to Sept. 22nd
5:30pm May 15th to Sept. 22nd
7:00pm May 15th to Sept. 2nd

The tour time listed is the departure time.

2024 Tour Pricing

Park entrance delays may occur during heavy seasonal visitation. We recommend you plan to arrive at your location at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled tour time to allow extra time to park and check-in at the ticket office. At busy times some entrances may be temporarily closed, please be prepared to present a copy of your Reservation Confirmation on entering the park in case of seasonal closures.
Canoes and Kayaks

Watercraft Rental Information

Lake McDonald offers a variety of personal watercraft rentals. Advanced reservations are available for a limited number of watercraft, reservations will require a minimum of 2-hour rental and are available at the first time slot in the morning only at 10am. Remaining rentals will be available on a first come first serve basis at the ticket office location. Paddleboards are not available for Advanced Reservations they are first come first serve only.

Life jackets, paddles, oars and fuel are provided at no additional charge.

Watercraft Rental

  • 2024
  • Paddleboards
  • $17.75
  • Per Hour

*All motorboat rentals are subject to Montana State Motorized Vehicle use tax of 4%.

To rent watercraft you must be 18 years of age, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (over 18), either in the same watercraft, or on an additional watercraft. Watercraft must not be transported to a different loccation.

Lake McDonald Ticket Office

2024 Ticket Office Hours

10:00 am to 8:00 pm      May 15th to September 2nd
10:00 am to 6:30 pm       September 3rd to September 22nd

The Lake McDonald ticket office is located near the dock behind Lake McDonald Lodge. Customers may either walk through or around the Lodge and take the stairs or walking path to the lake shore. The ticket office is located at the end of the stairs. The nearest restroom facilities are located in Lake McDonald Lodge or there are pit toilets at the west end of the parking lot.

For GPS directions type "Lake McDonald Lodge" into Apple or Google Maps.

Ticket Booth at McDonald Lake

This service is operated by Glacier Park Boat Company, a Concessioner under contract with the U.S. Government and administered by the National Park Service. The Concessioner is responsible for conducting these operations in a satisfactory manner. Services and prices are approved by the National Park Service.

Please address comments to:
Superintendent
Glacier National Park
PO Box 128
West Glacier, Montana 59936

Contact Us Today
Glacier Park Boats Logo

Glacier Park Boat Company
282 Sunrise Creek Loop
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
406-257-2426
888-611-0747

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