Glacier National Park's Ultimate Boat Tour Experience

Glacier National Park offers a variety of boat tours to choose from, each providing a unique perspective of the park's pristine lakes, breathtaking scenery, and rich history. With options like St. Mary Lake, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake, and Many Glacier, visitors can enjoy informative commentary, spot wildlife, and even embark on guided hikes. The Glacier Park Boat Company, a long-standing family-owned business, operates these tours, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Many Glacier boat tour

The Many Glacier boat tour is a popular choice for visitors to Glacier National Park. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two stunning lakes: Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. The journey begins at the iconic Many Glacier Hotel, a historic landmark nestled on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. As you cruise across the sparkling waters, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Grinnell Point and possibly even catch a glimpse of wildlife, including bears, moose, and mountain goats.

After enjoying the tranquility of Swiftcurrent Lake, you'll disembark and take a short hike to Lake Josephine. This 0.2-mile trek leads you over a steep hill, offering a rewarding challenge and stunning scenery along the way. Once you reach Lake Josephine, you'll board the historical Morning Eagle vessel, built in 1945. This leg of the journey offers a glimpse into the past as you glide towards the head of the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of Salamander and Gem Glaciers.

At the head of Lake Josephine, you have the option to embark on a self-guided hike. You can choose between a 1.8-mile walk to Grinnell Lake or the more challenging 7.6-mile hike to Grinnell Glacier. Both options promise incredible views and an immersive experience in the beauty of the park. If hiking isn't your cup of tea, you can simply relax and enjoy the round trip back across both lakes, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Many Glacier boat tour is known for its stunning scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. It's highly recommended to make reservations in advance as this tour tends to book out months ahead. Plan to arrive early, especially due to construction in the Swiftcurrent area, which may cause congestion. This tour is typically available from June to September, with specific dates varying slightly from year to year.

The Glacier Park Boat Company, a family-owned business since 1938, operates this tour with a dedication to creating unforgettable experiences and protecting the pristine natural environment of Glacier National Park. Their commitment to environmental stewardship ensures that future generations can also appreciate the park's exceptional beauty.

Two Medicine boat tour

The Two Medicine boat tour is a great option for those looking to explore Glacier National Park. The tour takes place on Two Medicine Lake, which is about 2 miles long, and offers beautiful scenery and informative commentary. The boat used for this tour is the historic Sinopah, a 45-foot vessel built in 1926 that can carry up to 49 passengers.

The tour itself is approximately 45 minutes long and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forest. In addition to the boat ride, there are also optional guided hikes available. One popular option is the hike to Twin Falls, which is about a 1-mile walk from the boat dock and offers a pretty view of the double waterfall. Another option is the Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail, which is a longer hike that offers more of a challenge.

The Two Medicine boat tour also serves as a hikers' shuttle, saving about 2.5 miles (each way) of hiking on the North Shore Trail for destinations like Upper Two Medicine Lake, No Name Lake, Dawson Pass, and Oldman Lake. This can be especially useful for those looking to shave some miles off their backcountry hikes.

The boat tour typically runs from late June through Labor Day, and tickets can be purchased at the boat kiosk. Prices for adults and teenagers were $12.25 as of 2014, with children's tickets priced at $6. It is recommended to make reservations in advance if possible.

Overall, the Two Medicine boat tour is a great choice for those looking to enjoy the beauty of Glacier National Park from the water and learn about the area's rich history. The informative commentary, optional hikes, and stunning scenery make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

St. Mary Lake boat tour

The St. Mary Lake boat tour is a great option for those seeking a unique and adventurous way to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Glacier National Park. This tour offers incredible views that can only be appreciated from the water, including the stunning Baring Falls waterfall and Wild Goose Island. With 360-degree panoramas of towering peaks and glimpses of the breathtaking Sexton Glacier, this cruise is a feast for the eyes.

The boat tour departs from the Rising Sun boat dock on St. Mary Lake, which is centrally located just 5 miles from the park's East Entrance. The tour typically makes a brief stop at Baring Falls, where passengers can take in the natural beauty and capture some memorable photos. As the boat continues its journey, passengers are treated to the highlight of the tour - the breathtaking views of Wild Goose Island.

The St. Mary Lake boat tour is operated by the Glacier Park Boat Company, a family-owned business that has been providing scenic boat tours in Glacier National Park since 1938. The company is committed to environmental stewardship and strives to protect and preserve the park's exceptional beauty for future generations. The boat tour is typically available from June to September, with specific dates and times subject to change. It's important to check the official website or contact the company directly for the most up-to-date information.

In addition to the stunning scenery, the St. Mary Lake boat tour also offers a unique perspective on the rich history of the area. A knowledgeable ranger or guide may accompany the tour, providing interesting insights and answering any questions passengers may have. For those seeking a more active experience, there is also the option to include a guided or unguided hike to St. Mary's Fall, Virginia Falls, or other nearby trails.

The St. Mary Lake boat tour is highly recommended by visitors to Glacier National Park, with many praising the breathtaking scenery, informative guides, and overall enjoyable experience. The tour is suitable for families and individuals of all ages, offering a leisurely way to explore the park and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Lake McDonald boat tour

The Lake McDonald boat tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Glacier National Park. This scenic boat tour offers a peaceful and relaxing way to take in the breathtaking beauty of the park. Here is everything you need to know about the Lake McDonald boat tour to help you plan your visit:

About the Tour

The Lake McDonald boat tour is operated by the Glacier Park Boat Company, a family-owned business that has been providing boat tours in Glacier National Park since 1938. The tour departs from the historic Lake McDonald Lodge and takes visitors on a tranquil journey across the pristine emerald-hued waters of Lake McDonald. As you glide across the lake, you'll be surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, tranquil forests, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the park's west side. The tour provides fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area, including how glaciers shaped this remarkable landscape.

Boat Information

The boat used for the Lake McDonald tour is the DeSmet, the flagship vessel of the fleet. Built in 1930, the DeSmet is a charming and historic boat that is listed 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.

Tour Details

The Lake McDonald boat tour is a narrated tour that lasts for one hour. There are no hiking options available with this tour. It is recommended that visitors arrive at the parking lot at least one hour prior to the scheduled tour time to allow for parking and check-in. The ticket office is located near the dock behind Lake McDonald Lodge, and seating is first-come, first-served. Reservations for the tour include vehicle access to the Going-To-The-Sun Road (GTSR) for the day of the tour.

Watercraft Rentals

In addition to the boat tour, Lake McDonald also offers watercraft rentals, including kayaks, rowboats, paddleboards, and motorboats. These rentals provide a great opportunity to explore the serene waters of the lake at your own pace. Advanced reservations are available for a small number of watercraft, while the remaining watercraft are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Lake McDonald boat tour is a great way to unwind after a day of hiking or to kick off your Glacier National Park adventure. With its stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and fascinating history, this tour is sure to create unforgettable memories for you and your travel companions.

Red jammer bus tour

The Red Jammer Bus Tour is a great way to see Glacier National Park without having to worry about driving. The vintage 1930s buses are an iconic part of the park's human history and heritage, and with their rollback tops, they provide full views of the stunning mountains. The buses depart from both the east and west sides of the park, with several touring routes and destinations to choose from.

From East Glacier, you can try the International Peace Park Tour, which highlights the Old North Trail and Waterton Lakes National Park. This tour lasts 8.5 hours and departs from the Glacier Park Lodge/St. Mary Lodge. Another option is the Eastern Alpine Tour, which includes a visit to Huckleberry Mountain and is open from late May to late September.

If you're departing from the west side of the park, the Crown of the Continent Tour is a great choice. This tour takes you through the Lake McDonald Valley, Going To The Sun Road, Logan Pass, and Swiftcurrent Valley. It lasts between 7.5 and 8 hours, and you can choose from multiple departure points: West Glacier KOA, Apgar Transit Center, or Lake McDonald Lodge. The West Glacier Tour also offers a half-day option if you're short on time.

The Red Jammer Bus tours are led by seasoned park veteran guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors. The buses seat 16 to 17 people, so it can be a bit snug, and they tend to sell out daily. Tours are available from late May to late September, and prices range from $34 to $100 per person. Reservations are required, and it's recommended to book at least one day in advance.

Frequently asked questions