McCall is an extremely special place for me and one of my all-time favorite spots in Idaho in the winter. It’s also super fun in the summer.
Every year when I come to McCall I get a little giddy inside because of the small-town charm and beautiful scenery. Plus, there is so much to do and so many ways to relax, it’s hard not to have a good time. The best part? It still hasn’t lost its small-town vibes yet like Vale or Aspen and is the perfect mountain getaway.
Heading up for the McCall Winter Carnival? Read more about that here. Also, let’s be friends on Instagram while you’re at it!
What to Do In McCall, Idaho In the Winter
WHERE TO STAY
Shore Lodge
This is McCall’s most famous resort. It’s located right on Payette Lake and has gorgeous views, great amenities, and wonderful restaurants. I actually got married here, and it’s the most luxurious property you’ll find in McCall! See the most recent prices here.
Airbnb Cabin Rental
I highly recommend booking a cabin if you can find one near the lake or town. I’ve rented a few different cabins in McCall, and one of my favorites is The Violet Retreat!
Hotel McCall
Scandia Inn
Rent a Yurt
My husband and I rented the Silver Fox Yurt one weekend, and it was an adventure. It’s not quite in McCall, but close to Jug Handle Mountain, and we had a blast. We even had to melt our own snow!
SEE & DO
McCall Winter Carnival
This was a first for me this year and so much fun! Yes, it’s one of the most crowded times to come up to McCall, but it’s so fun and the ice sculptures truly are amazing. Check out my weekend guide to the McCall Winter Carnival.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Brundage Mountain Resort or Tamarack Resort
Brundage Mountain Resort is super fun! The lodge is a little janky, but I grew up going here so there’s a bit of charm, plus it’s really close to McCall. Tamarack Resort is south of McCall and closer to Donnelly, Idaho (I haven’t been here yet, but heard it amazing). Wondering what to pack for a ski trip? Check out this post.
Go on a sleigh ride to see reindeer
Aching to see some wildlife? This sleigh ride is magical with . I’ve done it a few times and every time I just love it because it takes you right to where all of the reindeer (elk) actually live! You can see them in their natural habitat and it’s just a super cool family-friendly activity and so exciting to be so close to them!
Hit the trails on a snowmobile
Rent snowmobile’s at Cheap Thrills and go snowmobiling to Burgdorf Hot Springs or McCall’s backwoods.
Go to the McCall Activity Barn for tubing,
I’ve been to the Activity Barn to go snow tubing a few times and it’s always a blast! Check out the Activity Barn for all of these fun adventures.
Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Jug Mountain Ranch
Jug Mountain Ranch is a golf course in the summer and a perfect Nordic sports location in the winter. I recommend cross-country skiing or snowshoeing here or through Ponderosa State Park!
Take a dip at the local hot springs
There are a few hot springs around McCall, but some of the ones that you can actually pay to go to are Burgdorf Hot Springs and GoldFork Hot Springs. They can both get crowded during this time of year, especially during the Winter Carnival, so just be mindful. Remember to be respectful of these hot springs and don’t trash them! Idahoans take their hot springs really seriously. 🙂
Have a night out on the town
McCall brings out all sorts of wild and fun crowds, depending on when you are there. Head over to Foresters or the Yacht Club for some interesting nights. If you’re looking for something more casual, go to Salmon River Brewing or McCall Brewing Company.
Have a spa day at the Shore Lodge Cove Spa
Looking for some luxury inside? Go to the Shore Lodge spa for a relaxing and delightful spa day on the water.
EAT & DRINK
**Check out my master list of favorite places to eat in McCall here.
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
LUNCH
The CutWater @ ShoreLodge – I love eating here for lunch. It’s so peaceful and has a view of the water, plus their food is amazing.
My Father’s Place – Go here for the perfect down-home burger, fries, and a shake. Don’t forget to get fry sauce!
Stax – This is a great spot to grab an awesome sandwich and soup.
Salmon River Brewing – Need a liquid lunch? Come here for a beer flight and good pub food.
Frenchies on 3rd – This is a Creole/Cajun restaurant that serves lunch and dinner. Try a po-boy!
DINNER
Steamers – This is a popular spot for steak and seafood in town.
The Sushi Bar – I know, sushi in a mountain town? Trust me, it’s good! The wait can be really long, but it’s one of the best spots in town!
Rupert’s – They have views of the Payette Lake and offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, they have some of the best food in town and offer locally sourced and seasonal dishes with a great cocktail and wine selection!
Bistro 45– They have moved locations and are now in an old gas station. They have great food and an even better wine selection!
The Narrows Steakhouse at Shore Lodge – If you want a fancy and delicious meal with a view, come to the Narrows at Shore Lodge!
I hope you do get to visit McCall in the winter and get to experience some of the fun winter activities I’ve listed above. Let me know if you’ve discovered any other really fun activities to do there in the comments below!
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Hi Katie! Wanted to quickly write you and let you know how helpful I found your blog for my first trip to Idaho. We did a night in McCall and a night in Boise. We fell in love with McCall! A night at the Shore Lodge with the mineral pools, dinner at Cutwater, drinks (and views) at their bar, and breakfast in bed. We rented snowmobiles from Cheap Thrills and had the incredible (once in a lifetime like surprise) of getting to wander through the trails and end up at Burgdorf hot springs. We couldn’t believe the hot springs were nestled for far back into the back country only accessed by snowmobile, truly incredible. The sleigh ride to reindeer was equally incredible. Couldn’t agree more that they are must-do activities even for 24 hours in McCall. Thanks again!
Awww thank you! This type of comment really makes my day! I’m so glad you fell in love with it. It’s definitely one of my favorite places! I’m so glad you got to do all of those things!! Makes me so happy 🙂