The Boathouse on the shores of Lake McDonald Glacier National Park

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Entire home

Enjoy Lake McDonald out your front door Boat not included in rental

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Ocean view

Check-in time

4:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Explore the area

West Glacier, MT

Lake McDonald13 min walk
Apgar Visitor Center19 min walk
Glacier National Park5 min drive
Kalispell, MT (FCA-Glacier Park Intl.)36 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen

Balcony

Dining Area

About this property

Skip the hassle with entering the park daily by staying inside Glacier National Park. Our quiet cozy location inside Glacier National Park, steps to Lake Mcdonald pristine glacial lake. Enjoy coming back from your GNP adventures to your own private rock beach with outstanding views of the garden wall. The Boathouse offers a private master bedroom with king bed and seperate loft area bedroom with two twin beds all accessible by seperate staircases. Each bedroom offers views of Lake McDonald. The loft twin bedroom also features a private deck and Hulu TV. The main level has a large full bath and full kitchen for all your cooking needs. Our living area features a comfortable area to relax from a day in the park with a dining area. Our place is surrounded by an old cedar forest with views of the Garden wall too. Enjoy your own private beach on the shores of Lake McDonald. Boat rentals are available in Apgar. We do not offer use of owners private boats or the boat in the picture for rental use.

Additional guests must be approved by manager. Max total guest for our rental is 4 guests.

This property does not allow pets or smoking inside.

Note: This property is located inside GNP on the West side of the park.As of November 9th, 2024, this property will now require a Going to the Sun Vehicle reservation ticket to access points from Apgar Village check station to Logan's pass on the West Side of the park. You will still need to purchase a National Parks Pass and a vehicle reservation ticket for any other gates inside the park you wish to access. I.e. Many Glacier, Northfork, Polebridge.

At time of reservation, we do require reserved guest to sign a rental agreement. Our confirmation email will include the link to the agreement from Glacier View Vacation Rentals.

2025 Reservations: We will open our calendar to all 2025 reservations starting August 1st, 2024. Please check back with us, to reserve your spot with us.

Amenities:

Electric Heat

Gas Grill

Lighter

Silverware & utensils, knife set

Dishes (cups, plates, bowls), plastic cups

Corkscrew, Can opener, Wine tool, small utensils measuring cups, etc

Kitchen towels & wash clothes

Pots & Pans

Cutting board

Ice Trays

Toaster

Blender

Crock pot

Electric range and oven

Refrigerator

Microwave

Portable cooler with freezer pack

Coffee Filters, Coffee Maker Drip, tea kettle, Coffee Grinder, Kuerig Coffee Maker

Linen, towels & blankets, beach towel for lake days. *please do not use our bath towels

Small S& P shakers

Dish detergent

Hand soap

Bath soap

Hairdryer

Board games, cards, movies

TV: hula only

*Glacier day hikes book (please leave for future guest)

*Bear spray (please leave for future guest)

Starter items for you:

Toilet paper

Paper towels

Trash bags

Coffee Filters

hand soap, dish soap, bath soap, shampoo/conditioner

Things you may need to purchase or bring with you:

Spices & Cooking oils that you may need

Coffee

Tinfoil, zip lock bags

Food items

Any starter items that need to be replenished for your needs

Coffee

Tinfoil, zip lock bags

Food items

Ice

Property manager

Christie Dunn Glacier View Vacation Rentals

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Ocean view

Barbecue grill

View from bedroom window, photo courtesy of Greg Pasek, 2018 guest

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

The guest can cancel free of charge in 60 days before arrival. After that 100% amount of the reservation applies for the cancellation. No prepayment n

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

West Glacier

Located in West Glacier, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Glacier National Park and Apgar Visitor Center. Glacier Anglers and Amazing Fun Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

West Glacier, MT

What's nearby

Lake McDonald - 13 min walk
Apgar Visitor Center - 19 min walk
Glacier National Park - 5 min drive
Glacier View Golf Course - 9 min drive
Bob Marshall Wilderness Ranch of Montana - 25 min drive

Getting around

West Glacier Station - 6 min drive
Kalispell, MT (FCA-Glacier Park Intl.) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

‪Freda s West Glacier Bar - ‬6 min drive
‪West Glacier Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
‪Crown of the Continent Discovery Center - ‬8 min drive
‪Wandering Gringo Cafe - ‬8 min drive
‪Belton Grill Dining Room & Tap Room - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Boathouse on the shores of Lake McDonald Glacier National Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Boathouse on the shores of Lake McDonald Glacier National Park?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Boathouse on the shores of Lake McDonald Glacier National Park?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Boathouse on the shores of Lake McDonald Glacier National Park located?

Nestled on the beach, this West Glacier holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake McDonald and Apgar Visitor Center. Glacier National Park is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Carly W.

26 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous!

Loved the boathouse! I can’t believe this place exists! Its location right inside the park is perfect and made sightseeing so much easier. The home itself was lovely with the red accented kitchen! My kids didn’t want to leave!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

24 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home inside of Glacier NP

This home was truly the perfect spot for our family of 3 on our first time visiting Glacier NP the middle of June. We loved the location being inside the park gate and directly on the beautiful lake. It is extremely close to the area that has cafe, kayak/boat/bike/paddleboard rentals. It is also really close to the area with the Apgar visitors center. The GTTS Road didn't open all the way up until a few days after our departure, but we were able to enjoy numerous hikes, kayaking, a visit to McDonald Lodge, etc. Being June, we never had problems finding a parking spot anywhere no matter what time of day it was. We also drove out and around to visit the St Marys entrance. We cooked breakfast and dinners there and used the cooler to pack lunches/water bottles each day for the road. The home was well stocked with dishes/bowls/silverware, very nice pots/pans, cooking utensils, two bear sprays. I appreciated things that you don't always find at VRBO's - hangers, abundance of nice towels/wash cloths, kleenex, comfortable beds. I would highly recommend the GuideAlong app on your phone and purchasing the Glacier tour. It is an audio guide that knows your location and tells you what you are approaching and helpful info as your drive through the park. Christie was a wonderful host with welcome snacks, suggestions on a large grocery store, etc. All three of us want to visit Glacier again and definitely will stay at this fantastic home.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kelley Oglesby

23 June 2024

It was absolutely gorgeous and we are so blessed to be able to walk out of the back door and be able

It was absolutely gorgeous and we are so blessed to be able to walk out of the back door and be able to see the lake, touch the water and rocks, and even a "polar plunge". Thank you for snacks and gifts, if we ever come back to the area (live in SC) we would love to stay again!

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

8 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Solitude

I am a Montana native living on the East Coast. I return yearly and feel extremely fortunate to have stayed at the boat house. The reflection off the mountains in the lake water changed throughout the day and evening, a bald eagle is nesting behind the house and all is serene. The house is very comfortable, clean and easily accommodated my elderly father and my brother and his wife. We have an unforgettable time on the lake and being together is this very special place. Thank you.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

30 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unmatched Setting

The view is incredible. The boat house is nestled in a wooded area with only three other houses. Services are close to the west entrance. The beds are comfortable. Will be back with the wife if they have us.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

28 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great GNP cabin

Perfect for our family of 2 adults and 2 kids. Very convenient location on the lake and short hike to Apgar village. Gorgeous views on a clear day.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Januarie Fredericks

26 Apr 2024

S

See above Great customer service

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Abigale Stevens

26 Apr 2024

My husband, 2 toddlers, and myself stayed at the boathouse and it was everything we could have hoped

My husband, 2 toddlers, and myself stayed at the boathouse and it was everything we could have hoped for and more!! We stayed mid September and it was very peaceful at the property. The view was beyond beautiful, and we were lucky enough to see a beaver and otter go for morning swims. Our children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we plan on coming back. Christie was quick to respond and always pleasant. The check in process was seamless and we had no issues during our stay.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Karl Braun

26 Apr 2024

Place worked well for our four adult family.

Place worked well for our four adult family. Prompt responses, easy to deal with. They let us drop off food to place in frig early( while cleaning was being done) so we could go explore the Park.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline Wittmeyer

26 Apr 2024

Fantastic getaway.

Fantastic getaway. More extensive review on VRBO where I found the property. Would love to return again. Christie Dunn was.wonderful to work with—quick to respond.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Tom Heginbotham

26 Apr 2024

Christie was very responsive to emails.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julie Karim

26 Apr 2024

Fantastic rental.

Fantastic rental. I was hesitant to do a vacation rental because of prior experiences of problems with cleanliness but this rental was very clean. We loved every minute.

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Shawn Luskey

26 Apr 2024

RECOMMENDATIONS: Would recommend the two small beds in the second bedroom be changed to a larger be

RECOMMENDATIONS: Would recommend the two small beds in the second bedroom be changed to a larger bed (or have two twins that can actually be put together securely), very difficult for taller adults to sleep in. Couch springs/supports are starting to collapse. Shower head requires CLR cleaning or replacement. Christie was very communicative

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

24 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular spot!

There are few places more spectacular than Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, and to be able to stay on the shores and take in the view in a private setting is hard to beat! The property is well equipped and maintained, but we were there to enjoy the outdoors, and our stay was just perfect.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan F.

7 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful experience

Wonderful home, great location!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn C.

2 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

Absolutely perfect stay!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andree L., Kauai

3 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place to stay in Apgar

Five days. Wonderful to be on lake

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

linda p., Tampa

1 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

Beautiful views, perfect spot in GNP no waiting line for GTSR, Clean and comfortable.TEN STARS!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

2 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Getaway

This was perfect for our family of four (including two kids under 10). Amazing views of the lake and mountains from the lower outside sitting area and dock. Enjoyed morning coffee and evening cocktails with that priceless view. So worth it! We loved the convenience of staying in the park. Great location adjacent to Apgar and so close to the West Glacier entrance. Highly recommend and can’t wait to be back!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karl B.

26 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

4 nite stay

Was a great place for our family-4 adults. Location was perfect as was inside the Park, so didn’t need a vehicle pass for GTTS road. Enjoyed a great deal .

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Justin B.

8 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

The location is perfect being right on the lake, can’t beat the spot. The lay out works well for 4 people and there are enough kitchen items to get by. The carpet should be replaced as it looks pretty old and stained. The top deck could use some refreshing as it looks pretty rough. Overall it was a great stay and as expected, just could use a refresh.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison P., Pittsburgh, PA

18 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Glacier Boat House

The boat house was the perfect place for us to stay during our October visit to GNP. It was spacious, comfortable and the views of the lake were breathtaking. Christie was incredibly helpful and responsive leading up to and during our stay. We hope to return someday.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

13 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

The boathouse is in an amazing location, and is perfect for a small family or a couple

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jackie Nolan

17 Sept 2022

Relaxing stay at Boat House.

Relaxing stay at Boat House. Great book containing any activity information needed. Excellent email communication on property, directions and requirements. Questions were answered quickly.

6/10 Okay

Gudrun B.

1 Sept 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boathouse

Location great. Every chair or stool in place had stains and furniture old and worn. No bannister on 14 steps to bathroom..at night this is tricky! Loved the Keurig. They need Adirondack chairs at the water...no place to sit and enjoy glass of wine...ice cream parlor chairs on mini deck don't cut it

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022