Lake McDonald Tours and Activities

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


Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake McDonald

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
Glacier Snow Fox Lodge - Inside Glacier Park - Creek-front

Glacier Snow Fox Lodge - Inside Glacier Park - Creek-front

West Glacier
Glacier Snow Fox Lodge - Inside Glacier Park - Creek-front
West Glacier Bear Cabin In Glacier National Park

West Glacier Bear Cabin In Glacier National Park

Flathead County
West Glacier Bear Cabin In Glacier National Park
Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.

Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.

West Glacier
Upgraded suite inside Glacier National Park.
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

Lake McDonald offers a range of delightful activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets and sunrises that enhance the natural beauty of the area. Popular options include boat tours, day trips, and exhilarating backpacking adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the breathtaking hikes that showcase the stunning landscape, making it a perfect destination for those seeking memorable experiences in the heart of Montana's wilderness.

Shopping

You can shop at Willow's HuckleberryLand, a delightful store located 24.1km away from Lake McDonald, offering unique gifts and local products. If you're up for a drive, this charming spot is perfect for finding souvenirs to remember your trip.

Recreation

Experience the breathtaking Glacier View Golf Course, a scenic 9.7km drive from Lake McDonald, offering stunning views and outdoor sports vibes. For a unique thrill, visit Stumptown Ice Den, 35.4km away, where you can enjoy ice skating amidst an adventurous atmosphere. Don't miss the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, located 37.0km away, perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water adventures at Glacier Anglers, located 9.7km from Lake McDonald, where outdoor enthusiasm meets sports excitement. For family fun, visit Big Sky Waterpark, 29.0km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the breathtaking scenery along Scalplock Lookout Trail, 20.9km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Nightlife

At Lake McDonald, the nightlife offers exciting options like the Amazing Fun Center, an arcade adventure zone filled with thrilling games only 19.3km away. For a cultural experience, the Whitefish Theatre Company, 35.4km out, presents charming performances, while Glacier Lanes and Casino, 29.0km away, combines arcade fun with gaming excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake McDonald

Lake McDonald in West Glacier, Montana, offers a stunning blend of outdoor adventure and romantic experiences. Visitors can explore the picturesque lake and enjoy breathtaking views, while the nearby Glacier National Park lodges provide comfortable accommodations. With attractions like the national park and visitor centre, there's something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in nature.

  • Glacier National Park: Just 9.7km from Lake McDonald, this stunning national park offers breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor adventures. Explore its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife, perfect for hiking and photography enthusiasts alike.
  • Apgar Visitor Center: Located 8.0km away, this visitor centre is your gateway to family-friendly adventures. With educational exhibits and access to scenic trails, it’s ideal for families looking to connect with nature and learn about the park's ecosystem.
  • Bob Marshall Wilderness Ranch of Montana: Situated 14.5km from Lake McDonald, this attraction combines spectacular scenery with a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy horseback riding and guided tours, making it a fantastic spot for families seeking a friendly, immersive experience in the wilderness.

Best time to go to Lake McDonald

The best time to visit Lake McDonald can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lake McDonald falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Lake McDonald falls in January and December. December has moderately low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

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 RainSunnyModerately HighModerately High
August64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighModerately High
September55.0°F (12.8°C)No RainMostly 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 money on your trip to Lake McDonald, consider visiting during the off-peak months of March to April and November when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Saturdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Tuesdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and prefered location, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, 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: Book your hotel around Lake McDonald about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Lake McDonald hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia