Lake McDonald Tours and Activities

Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald
Photo by Ian Smith
Photo by Narissara Khaochim


Popular places to visit


Top Lake McDonald Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lake McDonald Lodge - Inside the Park

Lake McDonald Lodge - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
288 Lake Mcdonald Lodge Loop, West Glacier, MT
Lake McDonald Lodge - Inside the Park
Lake home w private deck in Glacier Park, 1 wk left Sept. 3bd 2b. Near McD lodge

Lake home w private deck in Glacier Park, 1 wk left Sept. 3bd 2b. Near McD lodge

Glacier National Park
Lake home w private deck in Glacier Park, 1 wk left Sept. 3bd 2b. Near McD lodge
West Glacier Cabin Village

West Glacier Cabin Village

4.5 out of 5
350 River Bend Rd., West Glacier, MT
West Glacier Cabin Village
Village Inn At Apgar - Inside the Park

Village Inn At Apgar - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
1039 Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT
Village Inn At Apgar - Inside the Park
Belton Chalet

Belton Chalet

3 out of 5
12575 Highway 2E, West Glacier, MT
Belton Chalet
Apgar Lookout Suites

Apgar Lookout Suites

2 out of 5
236 Apgar Lp Rd, West Glacier, MT
Apgar Lookout Suites
Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.

Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.

West Glacier
Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.
Paddle Ridge

Paddle Ridge

3.5 out of 5
12400 U.S. 2, West Glacier, MT
Paddle Ridge
Glacier Guides Lodge

Glacier Guides Lodge

3 out of 5
120 Highline Blvd, West Glacier, MT
Glacier Guides Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake McDonald

At Lake McDonald, you'll find stunning sunsets and sunrises, perfect for capturing breathtaking views. Enjoy activities like a scenic boat tour on the lake, explore nearby Glacier National Park, or embark on a multi-day adventure filled with horseback riding and thrilling river rafting experiences. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, Lake McDonald offers a variety of unforgettable outdoor activities for every traveller.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Willow's HuckleberryLand, a delightful store located 24.1km away from Lake McDonald. If you're up for a drive, this spot offers a variety of local gifts and huckleberry-themed souvenirs that make for perfect mementos from your trip.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Glacier View Golf Course, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, or head to Whitefish Lake Golf Club for another beautiful golfing experience. For some fun on ice, Stumptown Ice Den offers thrilling ice skating adventures, perfect for the whole family.

Adventure

The Sperry Trailhead, located 4.8km from Lake McDonald, offers breathtaking hiking experiences amidst stunning scenery. For water sports enthusiasts, Glacier Anglers, situated 9.7km away, provides thrilling aquatic adventures. Families can enjoy the fun-filled Big Sky Waterpark, found 29.0km from the lake, ensuring a memorable day of entertainment.

Nightlife

At Lake McDonald, the nightlife offers a blend of fun and culture. The Amazing Fun Center, 19.3km away, is perfect for family-friendly arcade gaming. For a touch of romance and entertainment, visit the Whitefish Theatre Company, 35.4km away, or catch a film at Cinemark Signature Stadium Kalispell 14, 48.3km away.

Find the best attractions near Lake McDonald

At Lake McDonald in West Glacier, Montana, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and adventures. Key attractions include the breathtaking Glacier National Park, the scenic shores of Lake McDonald, and the local visitor centre. Whether you're seeking romance or thrilling experiences, this stunning destination offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure for every traveller.

  • Glacier National Park: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, located 9.7km from Lake McDonald. This stunning park offers adventurous hikes, striking scenery, and outdoor activities that showcase the rugged wilderness of Montana.
  • Apgar Visitor Center: Situated 8.0km away, Apgar Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for families. It features engaging exhibits, informative rangers, and access to numerous outdoor adventures, making it ideal for all ages.
  • Bob Marshall Wilderness Ranch of Montana: Located 14.5km from Lake McDonald, this ranch offers a picturesque escape with family-friendly activities and a warm atmosphere. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and connect with friendly locals in this serene wilderness setting.

Best time to go to Lake McDonald

The best time to visit Lake McDonald is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). January and December are its coolest month on average. At the time of December, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January20.8°F (-6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February21.0°F (-6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March30.6°F (-0.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageModerately Low
April38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighModerately High
July66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighModerately High
August64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighModerately High
September55.0°F (12.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November28.8°F (-1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowModerately Low
December20.8°F (-6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake McDonald

To save on your trip to Lake McDonald, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March to April or November for lower hotel rates. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can secure better deals, and keeping an eye on last-minute offers on platforms like Expedia may yield savings. Saturdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay. For transport, utilise the local public transport options or explore the area on foot for free. Look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Lake McDonald is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Lake McDonald are March to April and November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lake McDonald is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake McDonald is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake McDonald is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Lake McDonald hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia