Lake cruises help drive North Idaho tourism
A Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises boat glides past eagles in trees on the the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene
Tourism remains Idaho’s third largest industry, behind agriculture and technology, with more than 100,000 Idahoans employed in related industries.
Much of this growing sector is based on the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by land, rivers and lakes throughout the Gem State.
In North Idaho, cruise boat services play an important role this industry, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore the waters that are the lifeblood of the region — and with the summer season fast approaching, many are eager to do just that.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises now has seven watercrafts: the Mish-an-Nock, the Coeur d’Alene, the Kootenai, the Osprey, the Spirit of Coeur d’Alene and the Shadow.
Unlike many cruise boat services in other areas, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises run all year, offering daily scenic cruises, as well as dinner cruises, Sunday brunch cruises, holiday cruises and many more. These tours offer a mix of picturesque scenery, local history and wildlife.
Guests can also charter a private cruise boat for special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, graduations and corporate events.
At the height of summer, family-friendly Independence Day cruises provide direct views of the fireworks over the lake. These cruises often include refreshments and live music, making them among the top ways to celebrate July 4 in North Idaho.
The “Bands on Boats” summer concert series is another popular recreation option. The concert series takes place on select dates in July and August.
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises also offers family-friendly cruises on the scenic Spokane and St. Joe Rivers, from summer through fall.
Less than an hour’s drive north is Lake Pend Oreille, the largest in Idaho at 43 miles long, with 111 miles of shoreline and a depth of 1,158 feet. Only four other lakes in the nation are deeper.
Running from summer through fall, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises are a must for wildlife lovers and anyone interested in the region’s history. The cruises offer unique opportunities to spot bald eagles, osprey and even moose along the shoreline while exploring the lake’s hidden coves and bays.
In addition to stunning views, passengers on the daily afternoon cruise departing from Sandpoint are in for a local history lesson, ranging from ice age floods to a world-record fishery and submarines.
The daily cruise makes a 10-mile loop near the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. As a special treat, children can be “Captain of the Day” and take a turn at the wheel.
