Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

Explore Lake McDonald by Kayak & SUP

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Water Rentals Begin May 10th
Steps from Lake McDonald
Apgar Village, Glacier National Park
Kayaks, Tandems & SUPs Available

Lake McDonald Water Rental Pricing

Boat Type2 Hour3 Hour4 HourFull Day
Single Kayak Premium Ocean Brand single kayak. Stable and easy to paddle — perfect for solo adventures on Lake McDonald. $39$51$62$102
Tandem Kayak (2 Person) Ocean Brand tandem kayak for two paddlers. Great for couples or parent/child adventures on Lake McDonald. $57$69$80$130
Triple Kayak (2 adults + 1 child) Family-friendly Ocean Brand triple kayak. Fits 2 adults and 1 child up to 120 lbs. The ultimate family paddle! $65$77$88$138
Child Kayak Kid-sized kayak for young paddlers. Must be accompanied by an adult on the water. $20$30$30$40
Paddleboard (SUP) Premium Viking stand-up paddleboard. Stable and beginner-friendly — steps from Lake McDonald at Apgar Village. $39$51$62$102
Fishing Rod Rental No fishing license required inside Glacier National Park! Cast from the shore of Lake McDonald or fish from a kayak or paddleboard. $12$12$12$20

Add $3 Suggested Damage Waiver

Experience the World's Best Paddling on Lake McDonald

Don't leave Glacier National Park without getting on Lake McDonald. As the pioneers who first brought paddleboards to the park, Glacier Outfitters offers the ultimate way to experience this crystal-clear alpine icon. Whether you choose a kayak or a SUP, it's a bucket-list experience you can't miss!

The Best Time to Go

Book for 9:30 AM to catch the lake at its calmest. Early morning offers those famous glass-like reflections. If you can't make it then, stop by the shop, and we'll get you launched whenever you arrive!

Quick Reservations

Reserve online 24+ hours in advance. For next-day adventures, text us at (406) 219-7466—it's the fastest way to secure your spot on the lake!

What's Included

  • Lake Safety Briefing
  • Life jacket (PFD)
  • Paddle
  • Boat wheels for easy transport
  • Dry bag (available upon request)
  • Lockers for personal items while you are on the water

Still have questions? More info and FAQ below

Lake McDonald

Choosing Your Boat

Not sure what to rent? We can help!

Kayaks

For a stable and effortless paddle, our Ocean Brand kayaks are the premier choice for any lake adventure. Select a Single (360 lb limit) for total independence, or a Tandem/Triple (500 lb limit) to share the experience with friends or family. Small children can even take the helm in their own Kids kayak (up to 120 lbs), designed specifically for their size and skill level.

Stand-Up Paddleboards

Experience the ultimate freedom of Lake McDonald on a Glide paddleboard. These are best enjoyed in calm conditions, offering a peaceful way to relax on the water and soak up the stunning mountain views at your own pace. Weight limit: 300 lbs

Families with Kids

Our Tandems and Triples (2 adults + 1 child) are perfect for shared adventures. For independent young paddlers, our Kids kayaks can be tethered to a larger boat, allowing them to paddle on their own while the family covers longer distances together.

Families with kayaks at Glacier Outfitters
Family adventures at our Apgar Village location

Paddling Tips

Best Times to Paddle

  • 9:30 AM: Calmest conditions
  • Morning: Smoothest water
  • Afternoon: Wind picks up
  • Early/Late Season: Calm afternoons

What to Bring

  • Wear: Quick-dry clothes
  • Feet: Water shoes/sandals
  • Protect: Sunscreen & hat
  • Secure: Sunglasses strap
  • Hydrate: Water & snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about kayak and paddleboard rentals

No experience necessary! We provide basic instruction before you head out. Our staff will show you proper paddling technique and safety guidelines before you head to the water.
We strongly recommend morning bookings starting at 9:30 AM when the lake is usually the calmest. Afternoon winds can make paddling more difficult, especially for SUPs. Early and late season afternoons tend to be calmer.
Online bookings require a minimum 24-hour advance notice. For next-day reservations, text us at (406) 219-7466 - it's the fastest way to check availability and book.
Yes! Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFDs) are included with all rentals and are required to be worn while on the water.
We offer Ocean Brand kayaks in single, tandem (2-person), and triple (2 adults + 1 child up to 120 lbs) configurations. All are stable, easy-to-paddle recreational kayaks perfect for Lake McDonald.
We use Glide paddleboards - stable, durable boards that are great for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Yes! Children can ride in tandem or triple kayaks with adults. Our triple kayak fits 2 adults plus 1 child up to 120 lbs. For SUPs, children should be comfortable swimmers and accompanied by an adult on a separate board.
Reservations are not cancelled for fog, rain or a chilly day. We will cancel if the conditions are not suitable for paddling or biking (lightning, strong winds or extreme weather). Cancellations made at least 3 days prior to the trip will receive a full refund. Cancelling with 24 hours notice or more will be able to transfer payment to a future trip or program. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice will receive no refund. No shows will also forfeit the entire reservation fee. If we cancel due to emergency, extreme weather, or if the rental item is down for repairs you may reschedule or receive a full refund. In the event Glacier Outfitters has to cancel the reservation, we will make every attempt to contact you in a timely fashion.
Safety is our priority. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, lightning, etc.), we will cancel rentals and offer rescheduling or a full refund. Light rain typically doesn't affect rentals - you're going to get wet anyway!
Wear clothes that can get wet (quick-dry materials recommended), water shoes or sandals with straps, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and a hat. Bring water and snacks for longer rentals. We have dry bags available upon request.
Yes, but at your own risk! We recommend a waterproof case or dry bag. Lake McDonald offers incredible photo opportunities, but electronics can get splashed or dropped.
While unlikely to encounter bears on the water, if you plan to beach your kayak and explore the shoreline, we recommend having bear spray. We rent bear spray at our shop.
Tipping is greatly appreciated! Our crew works so hard to make sure your gear is in its best condition before you arrive and we work extra hard to make sure you feel confident about our gear and the park before we send you out on your adventure. While we may not be guiding you all day, we do believe that the service we provide is just as quality and worthy of tipping. We accept credit card and cash tips. No cash? Ask your GO Team Member to add on a credit card tip when you return your gear. Thank you in advance!
For just $3 per item per day, our Optional Equipment Damage Waiver protects you from out-of-pocket costs for accidental damage during normal use. It covers things like minor hull scrapes from submerged rocks, snapped ankle leashes, or cracked paddles. It does not cover theft, loss, negligence, or damage from unauthorized users. Without the waiver, you are responsible for the full cost of any damage or replacement. The waiver can be added at the time of pickup. View Full Damage Waiver Policy

Ready for Your Adventure?

Reserve your kayak or paddleboard and experience the crystal-clear waters of Lake McDonald!

Book Now

©Glacier Outfitters 2026.

Text us! (406) 219-7466