Top Montana Cruises: Sail into Big Sky Adventure
Thinking about Big Sky Country might conjure up images of, say, vast plains and snow-capped mountains, too it’s almost certainly picture postcard views of adventures up high. What many folks don’t know, is that Montana also has some seriously incredible opportunities to get out on the water, really making for some truly memorable vacation experiences. From huge, shimmering lakes to free-flowing rivers, there is that something to float almost everyone’s boat. Let’s check out the very best Montana cruises and sailing trips that might well give your vacation that, perhaps, missing touch.
Flathead Lake Charters: Big Sky on Big Water
Flathead Lake, that big, shining gem in northwest Montana, is actually just calling your name, in some respects providing some seriously striking vistas and, arguably, unbelievably clear water. A Flathead Lake charter, that could be something, offers just the ticket for soaking it all in. That, it seems, you can find that plenty of local companies offer both daytime and sunset cruises. Think of just lazily drifting along, perhaps with a cold drink in hand, as you might well keep that very sharp eye out for wildlife. I mean, it may often includes sightings of eagles and deer along the shoreline. The charters themselves often provide quite a variety of vessels, from comfy pontoons to classy sailboats, actually adapting for that family outing or romantic getaway.
One favorite, it could be said, is a sunset cruise. I am saying that, with the sun painting those skies in various shades of orange and pink, maybe reflecting on the glassy water, you just feel, just perhaps, like you’re living inside a postcard. It really can be a magical experience. Several charter companies also run specialty trips, like those that might focus on wine tasting or perhaps even a historical tour of the lake’s islands. Very few could dispute that Polson and Lakeside tend to be some of those major departure points, it appears, allowing you that bit of easy access to these fantastic aquatic adventures.
Sailing on Whitefish Lake: Mountain Views and Gentle Breezes
Ah, Whitefish Lake! Just imagine yourself sailing this pretty lake, arguably with the dramatic backdrop of the Glacier National Park mountains nearby; what more could you just want? Now, sailing trips on Whitefish Lake often promise that relaxing day on the water. Plus, you can also expect opportunities to assist with the sailing or basically just lounge on deck and appreciate the beauty. Some captains, now they might really know the area well, so too it’s almost sharing local stories and that tiny bit of insight on the history of Whitefish and, clearly, the surrounding areas. And this is very something! You see, that fresh mountain air, so invigorating, combined with some very calming rhythm of the boat as it slices through the water – really can’t be beaten!
Sailing enthusiasts may likely find that bareboat rentals do tend to be also offered. Yet, it may give the experienced sailor that chance to skipper their own adventure, or perhaps there are skippered charters so too it’s almost that available. Those might just ensure a relaxing sail for the novice or simply those who maybe just want to take it pretty easy. Keep an eye, that’s the one thing to note, out for regattas sometimes taking place in the summertime, just providing that splash of, possibly exciting competition to the scene.
Missouri River Float Trips: Following Lewis and Clark’s Route
Really, for that totally different kind of water adventure, a float trip down, perhaps, that Missouri River, as a matter of fact retracing that very path of Lewis and Clark, is what you might often look for. Now, imagine yourself just drifting along this well-known waterway, seeing that the landscapes which very inspired some exploration back when. Plenty of tour operators may very offer guided trips which not only highlight some areas which are very scenic but also weave together many stories of those historical expeditions and also local ecology. That does add much value, actually.
Most trips just usually involve very gentle rafting, it seems, great for families, or those looking for something very laid back. Bird watchers, basically get ready to have some bit of a treat, for instance with opportunities to spy eagles, hawks, and maybe a whole load of other avian species as they very soar above the water. If you want more information, why not just ask at that local outfitter. Usually they’ll very know which stretches are the prettiest and very peaceful, as well as suggesting launch points to consider that very match your group’s abilities, too it’s almost. And you are going to need to be prepared!
Canyon Ferry Lake Cruises: History and Recreation Combined
That vast reservoir, Canyon Ferry Lake, may also offer much charm; yet, too it’s almost some history. Its origins actually have links to some early Montana history as the valley became a transit spot way back in that gold rush period. I see cruises very offered, so too it’s almost mixing fun recreational activity with bits about some interesting local history.
Consider maybe hopping aboard a boat which could cruise near those ghost towns that are submerged now beneath that lake’s surface, is that telling those stories from some days gone by. Plus, Canyon Ferry Lake is usually very sought after by, now what’s the word, anglers and sunbathers. That seems cruises and boat tours often have combinations with just, say, some fishing expeditions or beach hopping trips to this big man-made lake. If there is very little on those guided excursions then a rental option, so invigorating for sure, it may even allow just your custom exploration of those areas that you, personally, just want to see the most.
Fort Peck Lake Expeditions: Untamed Beauty and Wildlife Encounters
This big, quite rugged reservoir in Eastern Montana, so invigorating, is often well away from some hustle and very bustle of many popular tourist spots. Now, a cruise there becomes that exploration adventure just because it covers that wilder corner which is Montana’s great, big outdoors. Many different tour groups lead what are those multi-day voyages right in that Missouri River Breaks area, or that one where you might often discover geological formations which, arguably, might take someone else’s breath away and possibly, even chances to see things, like some unique wildlife.
Now picture this: perhaps searching, very clearly, for bighorn sheep just along those cliffs or getting the chance just perhaps to spot some prehistoric paddlefish during the fishing trips as they often turn out very fun and rewarding. It could seem that that sheer, vast wilderness surrounding this lake tends to make cruises on this just almost that immersive experience. Think how it becomes the adventure as a result, because too it’s almost every visit actually ends up almost a total exploration discovery kind of tour to Montana’s, that’s true, much more raw beauty. So those boat trips might just take on an educational bent if those excursions cover all those aspects about ecosystem protection efforts underway in and around Fort Peck’s borders, too it’s almost. Either that’s what they’ll call ‘responsible exploration’.