Glacier Park Boat Company

#6 in Best Things To Do in Glacier National Park

All Things To Do

glacier-park-boat-company

Key Info

Price & Hours

Varies by tour
Varies by location

Details

Tours, Sightseeing
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

If a boat tour is booked up, don't give up hope! Show up ahead of time to add your name to the tour's waitlist. There are sometimes a few no-shows, so there's a chance you'll score a seat. – Kelsey J. Lawrence

Historic Family-Owned Boat Company

This historic family-owned boat company dates back to 1938, when it became the first tour operator in Glacier National Park. Its handcrafted wooden boats take visitors on narrated tours of Lake McDonald, St. Mary's Lake at Rising Sun, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier.

Tour Experience and Wildlife Sightings

Visitors have enjoyed the narrated tours and commented on the excellent narration provided by the captains. No matter which lake they toured, all travelers raved about the incredible scenery, and some mentioned spotting wildlife such as bald eagles. Many hikers use the Glacier National Park boat as a shuttle across the lakes to reach various trailheads.

Hiking Options and Return Boat Rides

For more information about hiking options and how to catch a return boat when you're done, check the Glacier Park Boat Company's FAQ section on their website. This resource can help you plan your trip efficiently.

Reservations and Waitlist

Advance reservations are encouraged, and passengers should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure to allow time for parking. Those without a reservation can request to be placed on the walk-up waiting list.

Ticket Pricing and Discounts

Prices vary based on the tour's location and ticket type, with round-trip and one-way tour tickets starting at $20.25. Discounts are available for children. For hikers taking the boat, a return ticket will be issued by the boat captain as you exit, though return trips are space-available and could require a longer wait during peak season.

Rental Services

Glacier Park Boat Company is also the park's official concessionaire for rentals, providing kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and rowboats at Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Apgar.

For more information about tours, rentals, and reservations, visit the Glacier Park Boat Company's website.

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