Canoeing in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

Canoeing

Paddling Montana’s Waters
in a Classic Canoe

Paddling Montana’s Waters
in a Classic Canoe

Note: Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

Channel the spirits of Lewis and Clark and hop in a canoe for a traditional and relaxing way to explore Western Montana's rivers, lakes, reservoirs and streams. For a real adventure, turn your canoe trip into an overnight camping adventure.

Many of our adventure guides, outfitters, resorts and ranches offer canoe rentals (note that there are many different types of canoes, and there’s a right one for you) and gear like paddles and PFDs. Some also offer guided canoe trips. See our featured business listings below for more information.

Where to Paddle

Most of Montana’s rivers can be run in a canoe, but, like any water sport, the less experienced you are, the flatter you’ll want the water to be. Local outfitters can help you find the best match.

Here are a handful of good places to start:

  • Clearwater River Canoe Trail in the Seeley Valley
  • Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park
  • Flathead Lake
  • Lake Como in the Bitterroot Valley
  • Kootenai River (from Libby Dam to Libby)

PLAY IT SAFE!

Montana river conditions can be dangerous. Be sure to use proper caution, wear a PFD and dress appropriately when hitting the river. Know your limitations, respect the river and exercise proper caution by avoiding rivers when they are running high or during cold weather. Also, be sure to respect property rights and stream access laws. Visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the latest information on stream access.

Featured Listings

Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge
150 Flathead Lodge Road
Bigfork, MT 59911
406.837.4391
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Bar W Guest Ranch
2875 U.S. Highway 93 W.
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.863.9099
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Dog Creek Lodge + Nordic Ski Center
8775 U.S. Highway 93 N.
Olney, MT 59927
406.881.2071
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Enjoy Montana Vacation Rentals
20 Summit Ave.
Somers, MT 59932
406.203.5055
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Glacier National Park
64 Grinnell Drive
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-888-7800
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Great Northern Resort & Whitewater Rafting
12127 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936
406.387.5340 | 800.735.7897
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Haymoon Resort
1845 Hodgson Road
Whitefish, MT 59937
406.730.8786
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Montana River Guides
138 Big Bend Lane
Alberton, MT 59820
406.722.7238
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Paddle Ridge
12400 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936
406-888-5454
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Rocky Mountain Hi RV Park & Campground
825 Helena Flats Road
Kalispell, MT 59901
800.968.5637
Directions
Email
Visit Website
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Ave.
Whitefish, MT 59937
877.887.4026
Directions
Email
Visit Website
The Resort at Paws Up
40060 Paws Up Road
Greenough, MT 59823
800.473.0601
Directions
Email
Visit Website
The Sitting Duck
15265 State Highway 35
Bigfork, MT 59911
406-692-6024
Directions
Email
Visit Website
Action Rentals
1027 Martin Creek Road
Olney, MT 59927
406.881.3510
Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides
44227 A St.
Big Arm, MT 59910
406.260.5090
Crazy Moose Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
511 W. Main St.
Thompson Falls, MT 59873
406.827.3030
FLUX Adventure Designs

Whitefish, MT 59937
4062532356
Lake Five Resort
540 Belton Stage Road
West Glacier, MT 59936
406.387.5601
RiverView Ranch Retreat & Western Adventures
28800 Southside Road
Alberton, MT 59820
406.382.9020 | 800.357.4456
Slow Drift Shuttles
Blackfoot River
Missoula, MT 59801
406.285.8638
Tamaracks Resort
3481 State Highway 83 N., Mile Marker 17
Seeley Lake, MT 59868
406.677.2433
The Lakeside Motel & Resort Inc.
2955 State Highway 200
Trout Creek, MT 59874
406.827.4458 | 888.827.4458
The Lodge & Resort at Lake Mary Ronan
52012 Lake Mary Ronan Road
Proctor, MT 59929
406.849.6279