Lake McDonald

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


Popular places to visit


Top Lake McDonald Hotel Deals

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
West Glacier Cabin Village

West Glacier Cabin Village

4.5 out of 5
350 River Bend Rd., West Glacier, MT
West Glacier Cabin Village
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
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
Glacier Guides Lodge

Glacier Guides Lodge

3 out of 5
120 Highline Blvd, West Glacier, MT
Glacier Guides Lodge
Glacier Vista Golf Getaway

Glacier Vista Golf Getaway

2 out of 5
149 Glacier Vista Drive, West Glacier,, Montana 59912, United States, West Glacier, MT
Glacier Vista Golf Getaway
Scenic Forest Lodge Outside Glacier National Park!

Scenic Forest Lodge Outside Glacier National Park!

3 out of 5
West Glacier
Scenic Forest Lodge Outside Glacier National Park!
Great Northern Resort

Great Northern Resort

3.5 out of 5
12127 Hwy 2 E, West Glacier, MT
Great Northern Resort
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

At Lake McDonald in West Glacier, Montana, visitors can revel in stunning sunsets and sunrises while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. Popular pursuits include boating on the serene waters and exploring nearby hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. Additionally, golf enthusiasts can find a local golf club to enjoy a round amidst picturesque scenery, making it an ideal destination for adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

For delightful gifts and souvenirs, visit Willow's HuckleberryLand, located 24.1km from Lake McDonald. If you're up for a drive, this charming store offers a variety of local huckleberry products and unique treasures to take home.

Recreation

Glacier View Golf Course offers stunning mountain vistas just 9.7km from Lake McDonald, where you can enjoy a leisurely round of golf amidst nature. For a thrilling experience, Stumptown Ice Den, located 35.4km away, provides exhilarating ice skating and entertainment for all ages.

Whitefish Lake Golf Club, situated 37.0km from Lake McDonald, invites you to unwind with its scenic fairways and tranquil surroundings, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors while enjoying the sport.

Adventure

The Sperry Trailhead, situated 4.8km from Lake McDonald, offers an exhilarating hiking experience amidst breathtaking scenery. For water sports enthusiasts, Glacier Anglers, 9.7km away, provides thrilling aquatic adventures. Families can enjoy fun at Big Sky Waterpark, located 29.0km from Lake McDonald, ensuring a day filled with entertainment and adventure.

Nightlife

For a vibrant night, visit the Amazing Fun Center, 19.3km away, for thrilling arcade games. Alternatively, enjoy a cultural evening at the Whitefish Theatre Company, 35.4km away, or catch a film at Cinemark Signature Stadium Kalispell 14, 48.3km away, perfect for entertainment and romance.

*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, nestled within West Glacier National Park, offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventures and romantic scenery. Visitors can explore the stunning lake, enjoy breathtaking views, and visit the local visitor centre for insightful information. Whether you seek thrilling outdoor activities or serene moments by the water, Lake McDonald promises an unforgettable experience in nature's embrace.

  • Glacier National Park: Experience the breathtaking landscapes and adventure that Glacier National Park offers. With dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, this park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, photography, and stunning vistas, all located a mere 9.7km from Lake McDonald.
  • Hidden Lake: Discover the serene beauty of Hidden Lake, an idyllic spot 17.7km away. With its picturesque beach and romantic atmosphere, it’s an ideal location for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll, surrounded by stunning scenery.
  • Apgar Visitor Center: Located 8.0km from Lake McDonald, Apgar Visitor Center is a hub for family-friendly adventures. Engage with interactive exhibits, plan your outdoor excursions, and learn about the park's ecology in a welcoming environment.

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 during your visit to Lake McDonald, consider travelling in the off-peak months of March to April and November when hotel prices are lower. Aim to book your accommodation one month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's filters to find budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and combine bookings for flights and activities for extra savings. Additionally, explore the area by foot to enjoy free activities amidst stunning scenery.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lake McDonald is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel booking at Lake McDonald with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.