Experience tranquil views of Glacier National Park’s west side on this scenic hour-long boat tour. Climb aboard the historic vessel, DeSmet, the flagship vessel in our historic 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 emerald-hued Lake McDonald while enjoying the majestic view of the Continental Divide.
Reservations at Lake McDonald will provide a vehicle reservation to GTSR for the day of your tour.
Lake McDonald
2023 Boat Tour Schedule
| Tour Time | 2023 Dates |
|---|---|
| 11:00am | May 17th to September 19th |
| 1:30pm | May 17th to September 19th |
| 3:00pm | May 17th to September 19th |
| 5:30pm | May 17th to September 19th |
| 7:00pm | May 17th to September 4th |
2023 Tour Pricing
- 2023
- Child (4-12)
- $12.70
- Disability Access
- Book Now
- 2023
- Child under 4
- Free
- Disability Access
- Book Now
Glacier National Park has implemented a Vehicle Reservation System for the Going to the Sun Road corridor (GTSR), Many Glacier valley and Two Medicine valley.
Effective May 26, 2023, through September 10, 2023, vehicle reservations are required to access the GTSR corridor for Lake McDonald or Apgar activities. Please utilize the West Entrance of the park prior to July 1, 2023, as access to these locations from the St. Mary Entrance of the GTSR corridor will not be available until July 1, 2023, or until the GTSR is fully open.
Effective July 1, 2023, through September 10, 2023, vehicle reservations are required to access the Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys for activities, as well as the St. Mary Entrance of the GTSR for activities at Rising Sun on St. Mary Lake.
Reservations for boat tours or watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald, Rising Sun at St. Mary Lake, or Apgar include vehicle access for the GTSR Corridor on the day of your reservation. Many Glacier and Two Medicine reservations will provide access to those Valleys on the day of your reservation. Please remember current Park entry fees still apply.
For more information on the vehicle reservation system at Glacier National Park, please visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
Effective July 1, 2023, through September 10, 2023, vehicle reservations are required to access the Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys for activities, as well as the St. Mary Entrance of the GTSR for activities at Rising Sun on St. Mary Lake.
Reservations for boat tours or watercraft rentals at Lake McDonald, Rising Sun at St. Mary Lake, or Apgar include vehicle access for the GTSR Corridor on the day of your reservation. Many Glacier and Two Medicine reservations will provide access to those Valleys on the day of your reservation. Please remember current Park entry fees still apply.
For more information on the vehicle reservation system at Glacier National Park, please visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
Watercraft Rental Information
Lake McDonald offers a variety of personal watercraft rentals. All rentals are on a first come first serve basis, reservations are not available. The minimum rental time is 1 hour. Life jackets, paddles, oars and fuel are provided at no additional charge.
Watercraft Rental
- 2023
- Paddleboards
- $17.10
- Per Hour
- 2023
- Double Kayak
- $25.10
- Per Hour
- 2023
- Rowboat
- $25.10
- Per Hour
- 2023
- Motorboats (8hp)
- $31.95
- Per Hour *
Lake McDonald Ticket Office
2023 Ticket Office Hours
10:00 am to 8:00 pm May 17th to September 4th
10:00 am to 6:30 pm September 5th to September 19th
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.
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