Glacier National Park Boat Rentals, Canoeing & Kayaking

A trip to Glacier National Park isn't complete until you experience it from the water. Lakes, rivers, and streams provide access to many remote places in the park that cars are unable to reach. If you do not have your own kayak, canoe, or raft, there are many companies that will rent one to you.

Glacier offers a variety of boating experiences. Boat launching ramps are available on Bowman and McDonald Lakes on the west side, and St. Mary and Two Medicine Lakes on the east side of the park.

Boat rentals are available at Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine.

Canoes or rafts can be carried to many smaller waters. White water canoeing, kayaking, or rafting can be enjoyed on the Flathead River which forms the south and west boundary of Glacier.

The rivers and lakes in this mountainous region are very cold. All water users (boaters, swimmers, and skiers) should be aware of the dangers of hypothermia at any time of the year.

Rules of the Waterways

• Keep to the right in channels when safe & practicable.
• Keep to the right when approaching another boat head-on or nearly so.
• Boats propelled by a motor shall keep clear of boats propelled by oars, paddles, or sails.
• Yield right-of-way to vessels on your right side in crossing situations.
• Yield right-of-way to vessels you overtake or pass.

Shoreline Closures

Boating may be restricted in certain areas for safety or to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. Marker buoys and/or signing will be placed to designate the closures.

To provide for the safety of the general public using beaches for swimming and other similar activities, the segments of the south shoreline of Lake McDonald, as described below, are closed to the beaching of any motorized watercraft; and, motorized watercraft are prohibited within an area extending into the water 300 feet perpendicular to the shoreline.

The section of shoreline beginning at the outlet of the lake and extending eastward approximately 60 yards west of the existing concession boat docking facility.

The section of shoreline beginning at the Apgar Amphitheater and extending eastward to the point the shoreline meets the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

*information provided by the park service