With its breathtaking lake views, a world-class spa, and fine dining, Shore Lodge McCall has mastered the perfect balance of upscale luxury and outdoor adventure. McCall, Idaho is a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Boise and is one of the top Idaho vacation spots because of the surrounding landscape, 8,000ft mountain peaks, and abundance of recreation.
Shore Lodge is the area’s premier destination with 77 well-appointed rooms and suites, an unmatched location, luxury amenities, and fine dining. Situated within the Idaho forest and alongside the Payette Lake, Shore Lodge is a true four-season destination resort — and a Family Vacay favorite.
No matter what time of time year you stay at the Shore Lodge you will have access to the great Idaho outdoors and everything the resort has to offer — including their nightly, freshly-baked turndown cookies.
Shore Lodge Restaurants
Where do I even start highlighting the features of this resort? There are so many good things to say about the Shore Lodge, but I will start with dining. There are three onsite dining options, each offering something different.
• The Bar. Expansive space, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake, and plenty of seating options (couches, high tops, booths, and bar stools). This is a lively and popular spot with both locals and guests. They have a wide selection of drinks and small plates; however, only adults are allowed to enjoy this special part of the resort.
• The Narrows Steakhouse. Upscale dining and kids are welcome. And don’t let the steakhouse reference deter your plant-based aspirations; in addition to satisfying the meat-eaters in your family, they can also accommodate vegetarian and vegan guests as well. The dining area is dimly lit, classy, and features incredible views of Payette Lake with tree-covered mountains in the background.
• The Cutwater. For on-site family breakfast and lunch, this is our go-to option. It is on the first floor and has a large menu with plenty of options to try over multiple mealtimes. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re lucky enough to visit the Shore Lodge in the warmer months you must eat al fresco on the patio. With the sunset setting over the lake, delicious food, great drinks, and your family – you will never want to leave!
The Cove Spa
Immersion pools, outdoor firepits, relaxing music, and quiet time. Spending a day at the Cove Spa is pretty much my description of heaven on earth. Besides the relaxing treatments (facials, massages, body wraps, etc.), they have both indoor and outdoor immersion pools to send your serenity to another level. This place is a retreat for the soul, somewhere you can go to de-stress and get your Zen on. Keep the kids and pets away for this must-enjoy experience — the spa is an adults-only sanctuary.
Upon arrival, they give you a cozy robe and slippers which sets the tone for your experience. Make sure to take advantage of your allotted time in the spa area to dip in the pools, read, nap, or enjoy the food and drink options. And don’t forget to book in advance to guarantee your spot, and you’ll need to book a treatment to enjoy the full spa amenities.
Family-Friendly Amenities
A heated outdoor pool, nightly s’mores, movie theater, and game room are just some of the features that keep families coming back to the Shore Lodge. All year long you can swim in the outdoor heated pool or soak in the large hot tubs. In the summer you can take your swimming to Payette Lake, where the resort has its own private beach and marina where you can try out a kayak or paddleboard. Every night after dinner you and your family can head outside to the fire pits to assemble your s’mores dessert and then head inside for some fun in the game room. Check with the concierge for the movie schedule or reserve all 40+ seats for a private screening in the resort’s movie theater.
Offsite Activities
Whether it is skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or boating — with each season McCall offers a new opportunity for outdoor adventure. McCall is an outdoor paradise, and the Shore Lodge provides convenient accessibility via shuttle service to Brundage Mountain Resort and downtown, and concierge services to help make your planning a breeze. Below are several nearby attractions that I recommend.
- Ponderosa State Park. In less than 10 minutes from the Shore Lodge, you can visit Ponderosa State Park. They have miles and miles of trails surrounding the mountain lake perfect for mountain biking, hiking, or snowshoeing. This is a Family Vacay must-do activity every time we visit McCall.
- Brundage Mountain Resort. Just a 10-minute drive from the Shore Lodge and you’re at Brundage – where you’ll find incredible skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. The resort provides a free shuttle here if you don’t want to drive. Ski Magazine credited Brundage with ‘the best powder in Idaho’ and provides lift access to miles of mountain bike trails.
- McCall Activity Barn. During the winter if you’d prefer tubing, snowshoeing, or fat bike riding, visit the nearby McCall Activity Barn.
- Downtown McCall. Take time to walk the streets of this quaint mountain town. You will stumble across some unique shops, breweries, and restaurants.
- Ice Skating. In Downtown McCall you’ll find an indoor ice-skating that is open to the public. Want to hit the ice? Then check out Manchester Ice Center.
- Golf. Shore Lodge guests have access to the prestigious Whitetail Golf Club. Check with the concierge for details.
- Payette Lake. During the warm months, you can paddleboard, kayak, and even rent a boat to cruise around the lake.
Bringing a dog?
I’d be remiss if I did not mention our furry family members. The Shore Lodge does have select dog-friendly rooms. But you need to call in advance to see if they have a room available that can accommodate your pup before you decide to bring them.
And if you’ll be staying in Bosie, then I suggest you check out my post about dog-friendly hotels in Boise.
Questions?
As always, if you have any questions about my family’s experience at Shore Lodge, please send me an email. I’m happy to help!
