Discover the hidden gems of Canada’s wilderness.
Have you ever imagined paddleboarding surrounded by towering glaciers and pristine lakes?
The best places to paddle board in Glacier await your adventurous spirit.
Embark on a breathtaking journey through Canada’s natural beauty. Are you up for the challenge?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Glacier
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Lake McDonald
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Apgar Village (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Lake Water, Can be Windy in Afternoon
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- ️ 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, surrounding mountains, dense forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, follow National Park regulations
Lake McDonald, located in Glacier National Park, is a popular spot for paddleboarding. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning mountain views, and serene environment, it offers an unparalleled experience.
Explore the calm shoreline or venture out further into the lake while enjoying the breathtaking scenery and observing local wildlife.
#2 Bowman Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Bowman Lake Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold waters, possible afternoon winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- ️🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, surrounding mountains, dense forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, follow National Park regulations
Bowman Lake, another beautiful destination in Glacier National Park, offers a more remote and tranquil paddleboarding experience.
With its pristine waters, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife, Bowman Lake provides an ideal escape from the crowd.
#3 Two Medicine Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Two Medicine Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold waters, possible afternoon winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, surrounding mountains, dense forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, follow National Park regulations
Two Medicine Lake, situated in the southeastern part of Glacier National Park, offers paddleboarders a serene and picturesque escape.
Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, this lake provides a memorable experience to paddle amidst the beauty of nature.
#4 Kintla Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Kintla Lake Campground (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold waters, possible afternoon winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, surrounding mountains, dense forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, cold water can be a risk, follow National Park regulations
Kintla Lake, located in Glacier National Park’s remote northwest corner, offers a truly peaceful and secluded paddleboarding experience.
Its unspoiled waters and spectacular scenery make this lake an ideal destination for those seeking a true wilderness adventure.
#5 Avalanche Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Trail of the Cedars Trailhead (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, waterfalls, surrounding mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in cold water, follow National Park regulations, be aware this lake is only accessible via a hike
Avalanche Lake, accessible by a scenic hike through the Trail of the Cedars, offers paddleboarders an unforgettable experience surrounded by stunning waterfalls and a pristine alpine environment.
This hidden gem, nestled in the heart of Glacier National Park, is well worth the hike to reach its tranquil waters.
#6 Swiftcurrent Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Many Glacier Hotel (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, birds, occasional deer or elk
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Glacier National Park, Grinnell Glacier, surrounding mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in cold water, follow National Park regulations
Swiftcurrent Lake, located near the Many Glacier Hotel, is a popular paddleboarding destination in Glacier National Park.
With its calm waters, striking views of Grinnell Glacier, and majestic mountain surroundings, this lake offers a rewarding and picturesque paddleboarding experience.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Glacier?
Paddle boarding in Glacier is popular in Lake MacDonald, Bowman Lake, and Saint Mary Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Glacier?
No, you don’t need to register paddle boards in Glacier.
When is the best time to paddle board in Glacier?
The optimal months for paddle boarding in Glacier are July through September, when the weather is warmest.