St. Mary Lake Tours and Activities

St. Mary Lake showing landscape views, a river or creek and tranquil scenes
Western Montana
St. Mary Lake showing mountains, tranquil scenes and a river or creek
St. Mary Lake
St. Mary Lake which includes mountains, tranquil scenes and landscape views


Spot mule deer, elk and bears along the shorelines of this scenic lake, which is bordered by meadows on one side and towering mountain peaks on the other.

Large, pristine and calm, St. Mary Lake offers opportunities for relaxation, boating, wildlife watching and hiking. Admire the breathtaking mountain backdrop during a boat tour and look for wildlife, such as elk and mule deer, grazing in the surrounding meadows.

At 10 miles (16 kilometers) in length, St. Mary Lake is the second-largest lake in Glacier National Park. Bring your camera to capture its beauty. It is known for its teal-colored glacial waters and the rugged mountain peaks that rise up around it.

Boating is one of the most popular activities on the lake during summer. Sign up for a guided tour to see the Sexton Glacier as well as waterfalls cascading down the mountain slopes. Some tours also take passengers close to Wild Goose Island, which offers a splendid panoramic viewpoint of the lake and mountains. Rent a canoe, kayak or motorboat and steer your own adventure.

Fishing is also permitted on the lake and quite popular, with lake trout or mackinaw being the most common catch. For an extra thrill, try water skiing on the serene lake’s surface.

Several hiking trails also crisscross the vicinity of the lake. Embark on the easy 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) route to St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls and look for various wildlife species, including mule deer, elk and bears. During the late spring and summer, colorful wildflowers bloom on the hillsides.

Stay overnight at one of the lake’s campsites and admire the views of the twinkling stars reflecting in the lake’s mirror-like waters. For more information on the selection of activities around the lake, stop at the St. Mary Visitor Center. Staff rangers in the center are available to answer any questions.

Find St. Mary Lake in the eastern part of Glacier National Park. Be aware that the water here is usually too cold for swimming, even in summer. For the best lake views, visit during the warmer months, as the lake’s surface often freezes solid during winter.

Plan a trip to see St. Mary Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Paradise Park
Grouse Mountain Lodge
Kandahar Lodge at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Mary Lake

Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins - Inside the Park

Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins - Inside the Park

2 out of 5
Going-to-the-Sun Road, East Glacier Park, MT
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins - Inside the Park
St. Mary Village

St. Mary Village

3 out of 5
3 Going-To-The-Sun Road, Browning, MT
St. Mary Village
Many Glacier Hotel - Inside the Park

Many Glacier Hotel - Inside the Park

3 out of 5
36 Many Glacier Hotel Loop, East Glacier Park, MT
Many Glacier Hotel - Inside the Park
Glacier National Park central location. Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine

Glacier National Park central location. Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine

2 out of 5
Babb
Glacier National Park central location. Many Glacier, St. Mary, and Two Medicine
Two Medicine INN

Two Medicine INN

4 out of 5
1119 3rd St, East Glacier Park, MT
Two Medicine INN
Hooks Hideaway Motel

Hooks Hideaway Motel

2 out of 5
291 Camp Nine Rd, Babb, MT
Hooks Hideaway Motel
Elk Willows Home -Wildlife & Breathtaking Views-Minutes to Glacier East Entrance

Elk Willows Home -Wildlife & Breathtaking Views-Minutes to Glacier East Entrance

Babb
Elk Willows Home -Wildlife & Breathtaking Views-Minutes to Glacier East Entrance
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
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 St. Mary Lake

St. Mary Lake in East Glacier Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors. Enjoy scenic day hikes through stunning trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. Boat tours provide a unique perspective of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. With various hiking areas available, adventurers can explore diverse terrains and experience the breathtaking views that make this destination a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Adventure

Embark on the Scalplock Lookout Trail, located 12.9km from St. Mary Lake, where stunning views await. The Grinnell Glacier Trailhead, 17.7km away, offers breathtaking scenery and adventure. For a thrilling experience, hike the Piegan Pass Trailhead, also 12.9km from the lake, surrounded by magnificent landscapes.

Find the best attractions near St. Mary Lake

St. Mary Lake offers a variety of attractions suited for adventurous travellers and those seeking romance. Explore the stunning visitor centre, breathtaking waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs surrounding the lake. Whether you’re interested in the serene beauty of Saint Mary Lake or the exhilarating outdoor experiences it provides, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the picturesque views and activities at beautiful St. Mary Lake.

  • St. Mary Visitor Center: Situated 8.0km from St. Mary Lake, this visitor centre offers a warm welcome to adventurers and families alike. It provides valuable information on local trails and activities, making it a perfect starting point for your Glacier National Park exploration.
  • St. Mary Falls: Also located 8.0km from St. Mary Lake, this stunning waterfall captivates with its romantic surroundings. The hike to the falls is an outdoor adventure, where you can experience the beauty of nature up close.
  • Garden Wall: Located 11.3km from St. Mary Lake, this towering cliff offers breathtaking scenery and exhilarating outdoor activities. Hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views, making it a must-visit for adventurers.

Best time to go to St. Mary Lake

Visitor numbers around St. Mary Lake is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. Mary Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Mary Lake falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Mary Lake falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January19.8°F (-6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February19.0°F (-7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March28.0°F (-2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July63.5°F (17.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August62.2°F (16.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December18.7°F (-7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Mary Lake

Visiting St. Mary Lake can be budget-friendly with free entry and activities like Garden Wall and Hidden Lake. The best months for lower accommodation rates are May and October to November, while booking about a month in advance often yields the best prices. Consider last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Mondays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Combine hotel, flights, and activities for better savings. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and always arrange prices from lowest to highest for the best offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Mary Lake are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around St. Mary Lake about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Mary Lake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Mary Lake is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your St. Mary Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.