A Local's Guide To Whitefish, Montana
When I started this blog in 2016, the very first article I published was a guide to exploring the resort town of Whitefish, Montana. It felt like a fitting way to jumpstart my journey of sharing travel tips and city guides, as Whitefish is a destination this Montana girl knows like the back of her hand. Fast forward 6 years and the popular-yet-quiet ski town (which hasn’t changed all that much in the past few decades) has evolved from a relatively under-the-radar escape to a highly-sought after destination (along with the rest of The Last Best Place). With many of you planning trips to Glacier National Park and the surrounding area, it felt like it was time to update this guide.
Situated twenty-six miles from the west entrance of Glacier, Whitefish is a year-round mountain playground, offering 300 acres of world-class skiing in the winter and countless types of outdoor recreation in the summer, all set against the backdrop of small-town charm and jaw-dropping natural beauty. It’s the type of town where your day can seamlessly go from hiking grassy slopes to window shopping high-end art galleries, or where the foodie in you can enjoy a fresh açaí bowl in the morning, sip on a local ginger brew in the afternoon and finish with a classic Montana bison burger at night. In almost every aspect of Whitefish, the traditional local scene is very much alive and well, just now alongside a new wave of youthful startups offering a fresh perspective - beautifully balanced yet true to its roots.
Explore the endless hiking and biking trails. Take a morning spin class. Cruise the gorgeous 7-mile long glacial lake. Sample local libations at a downtown distillery. Discover your inner cowboy on a trail ride. Tee it up on championship golf courses. Experience world-class fly fishing with a local guide. From my lifelong tried-and-true favorites to new discoveries, below are my recommendations for first-time visits and annual arrivals alike.
Where To Stay
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake - Inspired by the grand lodges of the past, with all the conveniences of the present, The Lodge has been the place to stay in Whitefish for decades. Surrounded by mountains and the pristine waters of Whitefish Lake, it offers all the amenities of a full-service resort hotel, as well as the perfect home-base for your Northwest Montana adventure.
The Galleries - Location meets luxury in this collection of six high-end vacation suites in downtown Whitefish. Accommodating 2-6 guests each, these rentals blend modern, rustic and industrial elements while honoring Montana’s heritage.
The Firebrand - Another option with a prime downtown location, the owners behind The Lodge opened this traditional hotel in the summer of 2016. Urban meets adventure is the best way to describe the vibe.
Bar W Guest Ranch - If you’re heading out West in search of simpler times, it’s likely the dude ranch experience is high on your must-do list. Enter Bar W Guest Ranch. Nestled between two pine-covered ridges less than 5 miles from Whitefish, this small ranch welcomes guests for a 6-night stay during which cattle drives, line dancing and cookouts are the way of life. I’ve spent time at the property for a winter sleigh ride and was impressed, and while it’s not as luxurious as some other dude ranches in the state, it offers close proximity to Whitefish and Glacier and a more affordable weekly rate - two major benefits!
Montana Treehouse Retreat - This stunning double-decker treehouse (which has been featured on HGTV) offers not only a unique place to rest your head at night but is centrally located to the area's top attractions. Note, it is 10 miles from Whitefish.
What To Do
Whitefish Farmers’ Market - Venture into town on a Tuesday evening in the summer and you’ll undoubtably be drawn to the north end of Central Avenue for this weekly market that features local farmers and craftsmen selling the best of “Made in Montana” products, as well as live music and food trucks.
Play at Whitefish Mountain - One of the best spots for both adventure and family fun in the area is the local ski hill, Big Mountain. In the winter, skiing is the name of the game, while in the summer, everything from zip lining, mountain biking, tubing and hiking are offered. The alpine slide is a great option for families with small children, and the enclosed gondola ride to the top of the mountain is a must-do for the spectacular view of the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines.
Trail Rides - There are plenty of outfitters in the area that will get you saddled up and on the trails in no time, but I recommend booking through Bar W Guest Ranch. The ranch is on the outskirts of Whitefish and offers daily rides May - November that allow you to take in woodlands and open meadows with expert wranglers ($110/guest for two hours). If you visit during ski season, head to the ranch for a scenic sleigh ride.
Enjoy the Lake - No visit to Whitefish is complete without time spent on the water! If you aren’t staying on the lake, head to the Whitefish City Beach, just one mile from downtown for free public access, as well as kayak and SUP rentals. For boat and jet ski rentals, check out Whitefish Marine or the marina at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
Explore Glacier National Park - If I had to suggest just one thing to do while visiting the area, it would be to spend time in Glacier National Park, which likely is what is bringing you to Whitefish! With Whitefish conveniently located just 26 miles from the park’s west entrance, you can easily explore the park by day and then head back to your lodging in town at night. Glacier will forever hold this Montana girl’s heart, and here are some of my suggestions for first-time visitors.
Where To Eat
Jersey Boys Pizzeria - For a true taste of the East Coast, head to Jersey Boys for a slice of New York style pizza in a casual, laid-back environment.
Stumptown Restaurant - The town’s newest restaurant which opened December 2021 serves small plates, sweets and drinks in a fittingly ski-themed space.
Montana Coffee Traders - If you're in need of a caffeine fix, Montana Coffee Traders is the place to go! They have numerous shops located around the Flathead Valley. My personal favorite drink: The Jitterbug.
Fleur Bake Shop - A bright and beautiful European cafe serving French-style pastries, breads, small plates and coffee, all made in-house daily. Or, stop by on Tuesday nights from 5-8pm for pizza by the slice, featuring rotating flavors all made on their house sourdough crust.
Boat Club Restaurant - With stunning views of the lake, the Boat Club Restaurant at Whitefish Lake Lodge is the perfect spot for a lunch on the patio or dinner at sunset.
Loula's Cafe - When it comes to brunch, look no further than Loula's Cafe in the heart of downtown. Their made-from-scratch dishes make Loula's a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Be sure to finish your meal with a slice of their specialty pies.
Piggyback BBQ - Serving authentic pit barbecue, Piggyback smokes all types of meat using Flathead cherry wood for a unique, local home-cooked flavor.
The Wich Haus - A farm-to-table sandwich shop with a rotating menu of homemade breads, salads, desserts and of course, sandwiches. Enjoy a casual lunch on their patio or grab to-go sandwiches for your day’s adventure.
Spotted Bear Spirits - Sample local libations in this distillery’s downtown tasting room.
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream - A Flathead Valley favorite, this artisanal ice cream shop sources milk and cream from Montana Hutterite dairy farms, which is then mixed with local flavors to create its unique, crave-worthy scoops.
Where To Shop
Harlow - Youthful women’s boutique full of great denim, fun tees, dresses and accessories.
Mum’s Flowers - You can’t help but feel good while perusing Mum’s. This charming gift shop and boutique floral design studio sells everything from houseplants and ceramic planters to organic baby apparel and body oils.
The Village Shop - Women’s boutique with an unexpected mix of established and up-and-coming designers. It’s always worth a browse and I never leave without getting a fresh-brewed iced tea at Steeps Tea which is tucked inside the shop.
The Toggery - For all your Montana recreational needs and sporty clothing, The Toggery offers a wide variety of the best outdoor brands for men and women.
Boudoir Bar - An unexpected European-inspired café which not only serves delicious coffee drinks and gelato, but also sells a selection of luxurious loungewear, beauty products and fun, feminine gifts.
S.M. Bradford Co. - The go-to shop for upscale Western wear that will have you looking like a rodeo queen in no time.
Meriwether of Montana - This cheeky shop is full of one-of-a-kind gifts that make for great souvenirs of your Montana travels. Bonus: it’s impossible to not have a few good laughs while shopping!
