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.
**Closed for 2024, 2025 reservations now open** Reservations at Lake McDonald include Vehicle access to the GTSR on the day of your tour.
Lake McDonald
Vehicle Reservations
Reservations for scenic boat tours or watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald include vehicle reservations to the Going To The Sun Road (GTSR) 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.
Boat Dock/Ticket Office Location & Arrival Time
Behind Lake McDonald Lodge on Lake McDonald, West Glacier.
For GPS Directions type "Lake McDonald Lodge" into Apple or Google Maps.
Arrive in parking lot: 1+ hour prior, allow an additional 30 minutes for delays at the West Entrance.
Check In at Ticket office: 30 min. prior
Boarding Begins: 15 min. prior
For GPS Directions type "Lake McDonald Lodge" into Apple or Google Maps.
Arrive in parking lot: 1+ hour prior, allow an additional 30 minutes for delays at the West Entrance.
Check In at Ticket office: 30 min. prior
Boarding Begins: 15 min. prior
Boat Tour Schedule
| Tour Time | 2025 Dates-May & Sept dates will be available Nov/Dec |
|---|---|
| 11:00am | May to Sept |
| 1:30pm | May to Sept |
| 3:00pm | May to Sept |
| 5:30pm | May to Sept |
| 7:00pm | May to Sept |
The tour time listed is the departure time.
Book 2025 now at 2024 Pricing!
- 2024
- Child (4-12)
- $13.15
- Disability Access
- 1 Hour Tour
- Book Now
- 2024
- Child under 4
- Free
- Disability Access
- I Hour Tour
- Book Now
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.
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
- 2024
- Double Kayak
- $26.00
- Per Hour
- Book Now
- 2024
- Motorboats (8hp)
- $33.10
- Per Hour *
- Book Now
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.
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