Motel Lake McDonald or Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins? GNP
My husband and I are planning our first trip to GNP and I'm trying to decide between Motel Lake McDonald or Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins (front motel). Any advice?
Apgar Village looks more scenic, but I think it's outside the park entrance, right? We would like to avoid having to get a day permit for Going to the Sun road. Can anyone share their experience?
Both Motel Lake McDonald and Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins are great choices for your first visit to Glacier National Park (GNP), but each has its own pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in terms of convenience, scenery, and access to the park.
Motel Lake McDonald Located inside the park, Motel Lake McDonald offers direct access to the stunning Lake McDonald, one of GNP’s most iconic spots. If you’re looking for a place that puts you right in the heart of the park with easy access to nearby trails, this is a solid option.
- Pros:
- Convenient location inside the park, providing easy access to Lake McDonald, which is great for photography, kayaking, or simply enjoying the views.
- Great access to nearby trails, such as the Avalanche Lake Trail, which is a popular hike in the park.
- No need for a day pass to use Going-to-the-Sun Road if you’re staying inside the park (assuming there’s no capacity limitation on the day of your visit). This could be a big plus since you mentioned wanting to avoid permits for Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Cons:
- While the location is ideal, Motel Lake McDonald is a more basic accommodation compared to Apgar Village, so if you're looking for something a bit more charming or with more amenities, this might feel more utilitarian.
- The motel setting could feel a bit more like a standard hotel, with fewer rustic or cabin-style vibes.
Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins Apgar Village is located just outside the park’s west entrance, offering a more scenic, village-like atmosphere with a combination of motel rooms and cabins. While it's outside the park, it still provides close proximity to the park's entrance and services. It’s a popular spot for those wanting easy access to both the park and nearby amenities.
- Pros:
- The setting is incredibly scenic, with views of Lake McDonald and the surrounding forest. The cabins and lodge rooms offer a more charming, rustic feel.
- Close to the west entrance, so access to the park is quick and easy. You’re just a short drive to popular spots like the visitor center, boat rentals, and hiking trails.
- It offers more of a "village" experience, with a small, walkable area that includes shops and restaurants, so you have some additional options for dining and relaxation.
- Cons:
- Since it’s located just outside the park, you will need to use the park’s entrance and Going-to-the-Sun Road, which may require a day-use permit, especially during peak season. However, this could be managed with proper timing or by adjusting your visit to less-busy hours.
- The location, while close to the park, is not as central as Motel Lake McDonald for accessing some of the deeper park areas like Logan Pass. However, it’s still relatively close and the drive is scenic.
Which One Should You Choose? - If your main priority is to be *inside the park* and avoid having to deal with a day-use permit for Going-to-the-Sun Road, Motel Lake McDonald would be your best option. It offers more direct access to the park and allows for easy exploration of the surrounding areas without worrying about permits for the road. - If you’re looking for a more scenic, rustic experience with charming cabins and the option to explore a small village with more dining and shopping options, Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins is a wonderful choice. However, you should be mindful of the possibility of needing a permit for the road, depending on the time of your visit.
Additional Considerations: - Apgar Village is perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed stay with great access to the west side of the park and the ability to walk around the village. You can enjoy the convenience of being close to the park’s entrance, but be aware that permits may be required for access to Going-to-the-Sun Road. - Motel Lake McDonald offers quick and easy access to key areas of the park, which is ideal if you want to minimize travel time within the park and avoid the hassle of permits for the Going-to-the-Sun Road. However, you may feel that the accommodations are a bit more basic compared to the cabins at Apgar Village.
In conclusion, both options are fantastic, but it depends on whether you prefer the convenience of being inside the park or the scenic charm and village atmosphere offered by Apgar Village. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Glacier National Park!
