St. Mary Lake Scenic Boat Tour in Glacier Park
Description
Cruise across one of Glacier National Park’s most photogenic lakes aboard a historic wooden boat. This 1.5 hour scenic boat tour on St. Mary Lake blends breathtaking alpine vistas with a peaceful, open-water experience. It's a must-do for those craving a serene way to explore Glacier Park by boat, allowing you to get off the beate path without having to hike!
Your tour begins at the Rising Sun boat dock, just minutes from the St. Mary entrance to Glacier National Park (east side of Going-to-the-sun Road). Step aboard a vintage wooden vessel—like the Little Chief or Joy II—and relax as you cruise across the park’s second-largest lake. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of famed Wild Goose Island, Sexton Glacier, and the rugged skyline that defines the east side of Glacier.
During the tour, you’ll make a brief stop at the stunning Baring Falls waterfall, where you can take in the natural beauty and snap some photos. At this stop, you will be allowed 15-20 minutes to view the waterfall, it is an easy 5 minute walk to the falls, then you will head back to the boat to continue your lake tour. As the boat adventure unfolds you'll get views of the iconic Wild Goose Island—a highlight of the tour with 360-degree panoramas of towering peaks.
Narrated by knowledgeable guides, the journey is as informative as it is beautiful. This family-friendly adventure is ideal for all ages. With multiple daily departures and affordable pricing, it’s a seamless way to connect with the beauty of Glacier without the hassle of backcountry permits or intense elevation gains.
Spots fill fast during peak months, so booking in advance is highly recommended. IMPORTANT This tour offers a short 15 minute walking break to Baring falls. For the 2-hour hiking option to St. Marys falls, see below.
Hiking Combo & Other Options
Want to explore even further? Choose the boat and hike combo 3.5-hour option, which combines the St. Mary boat ride with a moderate hike to two waterfalls (St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls) before your return boat ride—a perfect mix of lake and trail.
Looking to enjoy a Glacier Park boat ride on the West side of Glacier Park instead of St. Marys? Lake McDonald boat tours begin mid-May departing from the Lake McDonald Lodge near the West Glacier entrance.
Seasonality & Pricing
St Mary Lake boat tours run from early June through early September, 7-Days a week with eight different departure times ranging from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The Boat Ride + Scenic Hike option departs at 9:00AM, 11:00AM and 1:00PM. Many of the tours sell out early, so if you don't see availability above, please send us an inquiry with the potentail dates that work for you and our team will see if we can find and book a date and time that work for you along with recommendations for other things to do in the area. Please note that a $5 booking fee is included in the price above and part of our service. Standard price is $40.50 for adults + $5 booking fee added in checkout, which provides you flexible cancellation, free custom itineraries and more.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a vehicle reservation for this tour?
Vehicle Reservations are not required to enter the St Mary Entrance of the GTSR, and Tour Reservations at St Mary Lake will not include Vehicle Reservations to the GTSR Corridor. You must enter the park from the East entrance of the GTSR unless you obtain a Vehicle Reservation on your own to enter at West Glacier.
Are restrooms available?
Restroom facilities are located near the ticket office, available before or after the tour. There are no restrooms aboard the boat.
Can I bring food or drinks on board?
Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drink. Due to limited trash cans on board, we ask that keep all trash with you.
Is this boat tour accessible by wheelchair?
Yes, wheelchair seating is available on an outside deck for a standard size wheelchair on the Lake St Mary boat tour in Glacier National Park.
Are pets allowed on the boat tour?
Only service animals are permitted on the boat.
Can I get off the boat and hike during this tour?
This is a scenic tour only and does not include stops to get off the boat. The St. Mary and Two Medicine boat rides to offer a chance to get off the boat and hike.
Is this the lake with the iconic Wild Goose Island?
While there are a number of iconic Glacier National Park photo spots, one of the most well-known is here on St. Mary Lake with Wild Goose Island proudly displayed in the middle of the lake.
Do I have to get off the boat partway through the tour?
No, you do not need to get off at Baring Falls. You may stay onboard for this short stop if you prefer.