Glacier National Park Authorized Concessioner

Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald

Boat Tours & Rentals

Boat Tours & Rentals

Book a Tour

  1. **Opening day May 16th 2025!** Reservations at Lake McDonald include Vehicle access to the GTSR on the day of your tour.

Lake McDonald

Explore Lake McDonald: Scenic Boat Tour Aboard the Historic DeSmet

If you’re seeking a peaceful way to take in the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, look no further than the scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald. Departing from the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, this 1-hour tour is the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking or to kick off your Glacier adventure.

Tranquil Views and Narrated Insights

As you glide across the pristine emerald-hued waters of Lake McDonald, you’ll be surrounded by tranquil forest, stunning mountain vistas, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the park’s west side. This narrated tour provides fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area, including how glaciers shaped this remarkable landscape. It’s a great opportunity to learn while you relax and soak in the scenery!

Aboard the Historic DeSmet

Your journey will be aboard the DeSmet, the flagship vessel of the fleet. Built in 1930, the DeSmet is not only a charming part of the tour but also a vessel with a rich history—one of four vessels in the fleet that holds a spot on the National Register for Historic Vessels. As you cruise along, you can appreciate the craftsmanship of this historic boat while enjoying the majestic views of the Continental Divide.

Why You Should Experience This Tour

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a hike or seeking an introduction to the stunning landscapes of Glacier National Park, this boat tour offers a unique perspective that shouldn’t be missed. With knowledgeable narration, beautiful scenery, and the charm of a historic vessel, it’s a relaxing way to connect with nature.

So, grab your friends or family and get ready to create unforgettable memories on 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

Going to the Sun Road, 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
*Seating is first come first serve, when inside seating is full outside seating is available.

Click this link for Maps & Driving Times
DeSMET Tour Boat on McDonald Lake

Boat Tour Schedule


Tour Time 2025 Dates
9:30am June 13 to Sept 25
11:00am May 16 to Sept 25
1:30pm May 16 to Sept 25
3:00pm May 16 to Sept 25
4:15pm Sept 8 to Sept 25
5:30pm May 16 to Sept 7
7:00pm May 16 to Sept 1

The tour time listed is the departure time.

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

Lake McDonald Lodge Watercraft Rentals

Nestled in the mountains at the north end of the lake, experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake McDonald with our diverse selection of personal watercraft rentals. Options include kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards and motorboats, perfect for exploring the serene waters.

Reservations:
Advanced reservations are available for a small number of watercraft. These require a minimum rental of two hours and can only be made for the 10:15am time slot.

After the morning reservations, any remaining watercraft will be available on a first come, first serve basis. This means if you’re feeling spontaneous, arrive early for the best chance of snagging your desired watercraft.

If paddleboarding is on your list, keep in mind that these rentals are only available on a first come, first serve basis, with no advanced reservations.
Whats Included:
All rentals include life jackets, paddles, oars, and fuel at no extra charge, ensuring a hassle-free adventure on the water.
Important Notes:
Motorboat rentals must not be beached, and for safety reasons swimming from motorboats is not permitted. Each motorboat rental comes with approximately three hours of fuel. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Apgar Village from the Lodge, where you can re-fuel and take a dip!
Vehicle Reservations:
Reservations for watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald Lodge 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.

Enjoy your day on the lake safely and responsibly!

Watercraft Rental

  • 2025
  • Paddleboards
  • $24.20
  • Per Hour
  • Paddleboards are first come first serve

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

To rent watercraft you must be 18 years of age. Children 13 or under must be accompanied by an adult (over 18), in the same watercraft. Children must be 14+ to operate their own craft with adult supervision. Watercraft must not be transported to a different loccation.

Lake McDonald Ticket Office

2025 Ticket Office Hours

10:00 am to 8:00 pm      May 16th to June 12th
9:00 am to 8:00 pm        June 13th to Sept 2nd
9:00 am to 6:30 pm        Sept 2nd to Sept 25th

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
Customer Service Office
282 Sunrise Creek Loop
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
888-611-0747

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