Can You Rent Kayaks In Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park offers a variety of kayak rentals for those looking to explore the park without bringing their own boats. Single and tandem kayaks can hold up to two people, with a max weight capacity of 20-25 pounds. Kayak rentals are available at various locations in the park, with prices typically between $15 and $18 per hour. There is no need to register or pay a fee to use your own canoes, kayaks, or other equipment.

Swiftcurrent Lake, located at the base of sky-scrapping peaks, can be explored by non-motorized boats like single and double kayaks. Glacier Outfitters, located in Apgar Village, offers single, tandem, and triple kayaks, as well as stand-up paddleboards. Renting kayaks at the shore of Lake McDonald allows you to enjoy the majesty of Glacier’s peaks mirrored on the water surface.

Kayaking in Glacier National Park is a great way to experience the park’s nature and wildlife, with unmatched views from its many lakes. The best places to rent a canoe, SUP, rowboat, or kayak are at Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, or Two Medicine. Outside of Glacier Park, Boat Co. has locations for rentals in Apgar and at the other end of the lake near Lake McDonald Lodge.

In 2022, visitors must purchase tickets for both the Going to the Sun Corridor and the Northfork if they want to rent kayaks. Glacier Outfitters provides top-of-the-line paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, bear spray, camping, and fishing gear in Glacier National Park, with rates starting from $20-25 per hour for canoes, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks. Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks also offers guided day kayaking and kayak rentals, with prices starting at 697-2257.

Can you carry in Glacier National Park?

As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

Each year the Superintendent, under his discretionary authority, establishes certain amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 1.7(b)) that designate certain closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions in the park.

The 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium is now available online on our Superintendent’s Compendium page.

The public may not launch, land, or operate unmanned aircraft (aka remote piloted vehicles, or drones) in the national parks.

Do you need a permit to kayak in Glacier National Park?

Dated sealing documentation must be presented prior to launching. Non-motorized watercraft will only be issued launch permits after free inspection by Glacier National Park personnel. All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) with un-inspectable water holding compartments are prohibited from launching.

All watercraft launched within Glacier National Park MUST be inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) prior to launching. Glacier National Park honors motorized watercraft inspections and seals from Montana State, Whitefish Lake, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Blackfeet Tribe, and Waterton Lakes National Park, following a 30-day quarantine. Dated sealing documentation must be presented prior to launching.

Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) are required for all watercraft users. Launch permits will not be issued without proof of a PFD for each boater.

• Boating Permits and Season Dates. Vessels are permitted on park waters on the west side of the Continental Divide between the second Sunday in May and October 31
• Vessels are permitted on park waters on the east side of the Continental Divide between the last Saturday in May and the last Thursday in September

Do you need a jacket in Glacier National Park?

What to Pack For Your Trip to Glacier National Park.

Expect warm days and chilly nights in the lower altitudes of Glacier National Park. Snow is possible year-round in the higher elevations so bring lots of layers if you plan to hike in these areas. Be prepared for afternoon storms and bright sunshine during the day. In addition to your usual active vacation attire, be sure to bring:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Rain jacket
• Synthetic layers
• Hiking boots and/or comfortable shoes
• Extra socks
• Camera
• Refillable water bottles
• Bear Spray* (available for purchase at all Glacier National Park Lodge retail locations)

*NOTE: Bear spray is considered a weapon and cannot be brought onto commercial flights. Bear spray is available for purchase at all Glacier National Park Lodge retail locations. A recycling program is also available to guests to safely dispose of their bear spray after their trip.

Are you allowed to swim at Glacier National Park?

The answer is yes! You can absolutely swim in any lake and get in any river you want to in Glacier National Park. Keep in mind, that the water is extremely cold and can be uncomfortable to swim in for long durations. The average lake temperature does not get above 50 degrees in the summer. Despite this, swimming is a common activity in Glacier and one you can engage in safely if you make good choices.

I highly recommend it on your next visit. There is something special about being in that beautiful, cold water!

Keep reading to learn how to stay safe and enjoy a refreshing swim in Glacier National Park.

How hard is Hidden Lake Trail in Glacier?

Head out on this 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near Siyeh Bend, Montana. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete.

Can you swim in the water at Glacier National Park?

The answer is yes! You can absolutely swim in any lake and get in any river you want to in Glacier National Park. Keep in mind, that the water is extremely cold and can be uncomfortable to swim in for long durations. The average lake temperature does not get above 50 degrees in the summer. Despite this, swimming is a common activity in Glacier and one you can engage in safely if you make good choices.

I highly recommend it on your next visit. There is something special about being in that beautiful, cold water!

Keep reading to learn how to stay safe and enjoy a refreshing swim in Glacier National Park.

Is there kayaking in Glacier National Park?

KAYAKing OR PADDLE BOARDing. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in Apgar Village to use on Lake McDonald. If you bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard, you will need to get it inspected for aquatic invasive species. Thanks to donations to the Glacier Conservancy, the park provides these inspections for free.

Inspection stations for motorized and non-motorized watercraft for the west side of the park are located in Apgar Village (for Lake McDonald and Bowman Lake).

GOING-TO-THE-SUN-ROAD. The iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road runs through the heart of the park and provides access to many locations and activities in Glacier. Take a drive or guided tour via ahistoric red busorNative American interpreted Sun Toursto experience the grandeur of this historical landmark.

Do you need bear spray in Glacier?

What should I do if I encounter a bear?. First and foremost, stay calm. If you’re safe, try to enjoy the sighting. The rule of thumb is you want to stay 100 yards (91 metres) away from the bear. If you happen to find yourself within that distance, back away slowly, talk quietly to the bear and avoid eye contact. Most times, the bear will continue on its way.

Photo: Hitting the trails? Bear spray is a hiking essential in Glacier.

In the rare case that a bear is intent on approaching, gather your group, wave your arms and make noise to discourage it from getting closer. Prepare your bear spray and deploy it if necessary. If you don’t have bear spray and contact is imminent, drop to the ground on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your neck and leave your backpack on for protection. The bear will likely leave you alone once it recognizes you aren’t a threat, but if it doesn’t, fight back.

What should I do after a bear encounter?. For quick, typical bear encounters, you don’t need to do anything. If you happen to see a ranger, let them know about your spotting. They like to hear what the park’s bear population is up to!

Do cell phones work in Glacier National Park?

Visitors should not expect any reception in Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Logan Pass, the North Fork, Goat Haunt, or anywhere within Glacier’s backcountry. Even along U.S. Hwy 2 on the southern edge of the park, there is no cell reception. There is little WiFi connectivity in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park is a remote place filled with pristine forests and rugged mountains. Visitors to Glacier will find that cell phone and internet connectivity is very limited. Enjoy the respite.

This lack of on-the-go communication makes planning ahead imperative. Consider logging a Day Trip Plan before hitting the hiking trails. And don’t make your mom worry. Explain to friends/family members that you may be abnormally out of touch during your stay in Glacier.

Check the Glacier National Park Lodges website for a summary of services available to in-park lodge guests.

Do you need a kayak permit in Montana?

Nonmotorized watercraft fee is $10. Required for all nonmotorized watercraft (both hard/rigid and inflatable) including drift boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, catamarans, row boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards, fishing pontoon boats and other similar vessels.

Planning to Bring Watercraft into Montana?. INSPECTION REQUIRED. All watercraft entering Montana are required to be inspected for aquatic invasive species. You must obtain an inspection before launching on Montana waters. Stop at all open inspections stations you encounter.Find inspections stations here.

Boats with a ballast or bladder, such as wakeboard or wake-surfing boats, that intend to launch on Montana waters must be decontaminatedbefore launching.

StartFragment While planning your trip to Montana, if you find you will not encounter a watercraft inspection station on your way to your destination, Idaho and Wyoming inspection stations fulfill the before-launch requirements of Montana. EndFragment.

Do I need bear spray in Glacier National Park?

What should I do if I encounter a bear?. First and foremost, stay calm. If you’re safe, try to enjoy the sighting. The rule of thumb is you want to stay 100 yards (91 metres) away from the bear. If you happen to find yourself within that distance, back away slowly, talk quietly to the bear and avoid eye contact. Most times, the bear will continue on its way.

Photo: Hitting the trails? Bear spray is a hiking essential in Glacier.

In the rare case that a bear is intent on approaching, gather your group, wave your arms and make noise to discourage it from getting closer. Prepare your bear spray and deploy it if necessary. If you don’t have bear spray and contact is imminent, drop to the ground on your stomach, clasp your hands behind your neck and leave your backpack on for protection. The bear will likely leave you alone once it recognizes you aren’t a threat, but if it doesn’t, fight back.

What should I do after a bear encounter?. For quick, typical bear encounters, you don’t need to do anything. If you happen to see a ranger, let them know about your spotting. They like to hear what the park’s bear population is up to!