About
The backdrop to any visit to Downtown Coeur d'Alene is the lake. The postcard-perfect waters, framed by evergreen mountains, are home to wildlife, history, and breathtaking scenery. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises lets you safely explore this water wonderland on any number of seasonal tours.
While the lake isn't very wide, it is 26 miles long with over 135 miles of curves, bays, and inlets. Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises explores these waters year-round, offering daily public and specialty cruises. We'll explore some of the more popular options in our next section, but suffice it to say, there's a cruise for every age and budget!
Long before the cruise industry existed, steamboats crisscrossed the lake moving people, mail, and supplies to various towns and logging camps.
As the road network improved, the role of the steamboats shifted from necessity to leisure. When the vessels became obsolete, owners scuttled them, while others sank due to bad weather. The cruises provide historical context into the region's logging and mining past, the indigenous Coeur d'Alene Tribe, and facts about those sunken vessels. These details transform a scenic boat ride into an educational exploration.
Today, Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises operates six modern vessels designed for comfort and sightseeing. Tours are offered year-round, with many featuring dinner, cocktails, live music, and even Jolly Old Saint Nick!
Each voyage showcases panoramic views of forested shorelines, luxurious lakefront homes, and the lake's majestic mountains.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises: Fun Facts & Cool Features
What makes this outdoor outfit so unique is the variety of tours offered. There are so many that we can only scratch the surface!
The most popular voyage is the Daily Cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene. You'll pass the world's only floating green at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course, along with landmarks like Tubbs Hill. This 90-minute adventure is offered April through late October on one of its double-decker boats. With indoor and outdoor seating, a heated seating area, and a full bar, it's a comfortable voyage for all ages.
For the ultimate immersive adventure, sign up for the St. Joe River Cruise. This 6-hour voyage passes through Lake Chatcolet to the geographical wonder where the St. Joe River meets Lake Coeur d'Alene.
One of the most popular Specialty Cruises is the Journey to the North Pole. This 40-minute holiday event transforms the lake into a winter spectacle, complete with millions of lights and a visit from Santa himself!
Another winter feature is the Eagle Watching Cruise. From November through January, a large population of bald eagles migrates to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. The cruise lets you view and photograph these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Come summer, the options expand to include live music, a Fourth of July celebration, and dinner cruises. The Bands on Boats concert series features live musicians on the top deck. This cruise sails from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, offering dancing beneath the stars!
A trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises offers a comprehensive and relaxing way to see the best of the area. It encapsulates the charm and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, making any vacation to Coeur d'Alene feel complete.
Local Tips
- Parking cost is not included with the ticket.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can be cooler on the water even on warm days.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Cruises operate in the rain and snow; plan accordingly.




