easy
1–4 hours
Suitable for beginners and casual adventurers with basic balance and swimming skills.
Dover Bay in Sandpoint, Idaho, offers a refreshing lakeside adventure with kayak rentals, boat moorage, and a one-of-a-kind igloo dining experience. Get a closer look at what makes this waterfront destination stand out on Lake Pend Oreille.
Located on the shimmering shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint, Idaho, Dover Bay offers a unique blend of lakeside recreation and cozy hospitality. This stretch of one of Idaho’s largest lakes is known for its striking clear waters framed by forested hills and the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Dover Bay has engineered a distinctive set of offerings that connect visitors to this vibrant waterfront in both dynamic and relaxing ways.
Dover Bay’s standout feature is its Lakeside Igloo Dining experience—inviting guests to enjoy seasonal menus within clear, heated domes right on the water’s edge. It’s an intimate way to take in the fresh lake breezes and panoramic views after a day of outdoor activity. When the sun is high, Dover Bay’s kayak rentals and stand-up paddleboards provide direct access to gliding across calm waters peppered with occasional wildlife sightings—otters and eagles are common visitors here.
The facility also accommodates boaters with moorage options and even offers secure overnight trailer storage, making it a practical hub for Lake Pend Oreille enthusiasts. This infrastructure supports extended adventures, from sunrise paddle expeditions to late-afternoon cruises.
Sandpoint itself, just east of the Cascade Mountains, is an outdoors hub with hiking, biking, and water sports year-round. Dover Bay captures this energy while balancing relaxation—its igloo dining offers warmth and ambiance during colder months, contrasting with bright summer days spent on the lake. The clear waters owe their clarity to Lake Pend Oreille’s deep glacial origins and the surrounding undeveloped watershed.
Whether you’re after an active day on paddleboards or a unique dining experience under the stars, Dover Bay’s mix of amenities and location make it a must-visit for adventurers and leisure seekers aligned with Idaho’s outdoor spirit.
Lakeside igloos fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays—reserve early to secure your spot.
Morning sessions offer calmer water and fewer crowds, ideal for standup paddleboarding beginners.
Idaho law requires personal flotation devices for kayak and paddleboard use—safety first on Lake Pend Oreille.
Weather on the lake can shift quickly; dress in layers and be prepared for wind changes.
Lake Pend Oreille is a glacial lake formed during the last Ice Age and has been central to local tribes and settlers in the Sandpoint region.
Dover Bay supports lake health by encouraging responsible boating and limiting shoreline disturbance, promoting sustainable recreation practices.
Protects from spring showers and cool lake breezes during paddle sessions.
spring specific
Provides traction and comfort when entering and exiting the water with kayaks or paddleboards.
summer specific
Keep warm during chilly evenings and sunrise outings near the lake.
fall specific
Necessary for comfort during outdoor moments before and after igloo dining.
winter specific