easy
2–6 hours
Basic fitness recommended; suitable for families and beginners
Get on the water near Helena, Montana, with a versatile fleet of kayaks, canoes, pontoon, and fishing boats. Discover how Helena Boat Rental offers both adventure and ease on Hauser and Holter Lakes.
The waters around Helena, Montana, serve as a refreshing invitation to those seeking a hands-on aquatic adventure. Helena Boat Rental commands a prime spot on Hauser and Holter Lakes, two jewels of Montana’s rugged landscape. Their fleet offers a range of vessels—from nimble single kayaks and 18-foot canoes to spacious 10- and 11-seater pontoon boats—perfectly poised for cruising, fishing, or simply soaking in the wide-open sky reflected on placid waters.
Hauser and Holter Lakes are carved through the Helena National Forest, adjacent to the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area. Holter Lake stretches deep into the rocky canyons formed by ancient volcanic activity and constantly shifting river paths. These waters attract anglers chasing cutthroat trout, northern pike, and bass, while landscapes of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir line the shores, providing wildlife sightings of ospreys and bald eagles overhead.
Helena Boat Rental stands out by offering a seamless experience marked by attentive customer care and well-maintained boats. Last-minute bookings are met with patience and practical guidance from local staff who know these waters intimately. Popular trips often combine fishing with scenic cruises aboard the 2022 Crestliner 18’ jet boats or the roomy pontoons “The Cruiser” at Holter Lake, making them ideal for families or fishing groups.
Paddlers enjoy launching from multiple locations, floating past granite cliffs and quiet coves in either single or tandem kayaks. Standup paddleboards add a touch of balance challenge against views of towering cliffs and rich river bottoms. With boats ready and waiting in Helena, adventure seekers find quick, reliable access to moments of waterborne freedom not far from the city.
Helena Boat Rental captures what makes the Montana water experience special—raw nature, top-tier vessels, and local know-how—offering visitors a trusted gateway to one of the region’s freshest outdoor playgrounds.
Reserve your preferred boat or kayak in advance, especially on summer weekends, to ensure availability.
Footwear that handles wet conditions will keep you comfortable when launching or fishing from the shore or docks.
Protect essentials from splashes and unexpected weather with a quality dry bag for phones, keys, and snacks.
Wind can produce choppy water on lakes; calm mornings are ideal for paddleboarding and canoeing.
The Gates of the Mountains was famously named by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805, capturing the dramatic cliffs that frame the waterways.
Helena Boat Rental encourages Leave No Trace principles and supports local efforts to maintain water quality and shoreline vegetation.
Required safety gear that ensures buoyancy and security on the water.
Protects skin from strong UV rays reflected off the water during boat trips and standup paddleboarding.
summer specific
Keeps valuables and electronics dry while on kayaks, canoes, or boats.
Adjustable layers allow comfort amid changing temperatures on open water.
spring|fall specific