DISCOVER WHITEFISH
From here, head anywhere
Whitefish sits between the Whitefish River and the foot of the Whitefish Range, twenty-five miles from the west entrance to Glacier National Park. The town was built on three things: the railroad that came through in 1904, the mountain that became a ski destination in the 1940s, and the park itself. Downtown is walkable. The mountain is ten minutes up the road. The park is a half-hour drive.
Whether you're here to ski Big Mountain, hike in Glacier, paddle the lake, or wander between coffee shops and galleries, Whitefish makes a comfortable base. Small enough to feel local, big enough that you won't run out of things to do. See the guide below for what we recommend during your stay.
Your gateway to Whitefish, Glacier, and the Flathead
In summer, Whitefish opens up. Days are long, the lake warms enough to swim, and Going-to-the-Sun Road reopens after months of snow. Most guests split their time between the water and the park: paddleboarding on Whitefish Lake in the morning, driving up to Logan Pass in the afternoon, dinner downtown after. Fall brings cooler air, gold larches in October, and quieter trails for shoulder-season hiking.
Winter is when Whitefish leans into what it's best known for. Whitefish Mountain Resort runs from December into April, with deep powder, tree skiing, and the snow ghosts that form on the upper runs when the cold sets in. Nordic skiing happens on the golf course in town. After a day on the mountain, walk back into town for a beer at the brewery and dinner by a fire.
“After a few days in Glacier National Park we wanted to spend a few days and see the rest of Northern Montana. We chose the Duck Inn Lodge because it was away from the crowded Whitefish downtown area yet close enough to get there in just a few minutes. We're so glad we did. It was a beautiful location right on the Whitefish River. The room was spacious and comfortable. We were able to observe whitetail deer, beavers, all manner of water fowl and birds from our balcony. Our host Mark was welcoming and gracious. He and his staff provided a delicious breakfast each morning and were very helpful when we experienced the small issue. Mark was spot on in recommending a couple of day trips, especially the one to Fernie, British Columbia. We highly recommend the Duck Inn Lodge and if ever in the area again it will definitely be our choice for lodging."
S. Sashack
Glacier National Park
Less than a half hour from the Duck Inn, Glacier National Park stretches across a million acres of the northern Rockies. Going-to-the-Sun Road climbs across the park from June through October, opening up some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in the lower 48. Lake McDonald sits at the west entrance, with Apgar Village at its foot. Beyond, the trails climb to hanging valleys, glacial lakes, and the Continental Divide. Vehicle reservations are required during peak summer; check the NPS site before driving up.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Locally called Big Mountain, Whitefish Mountain Resort sits ten minutes up the road from the lodge. Three thousand acres, 105 marked runs, and 2,300 feet of vertical for skiers and snowboarders in winter. In summer, the chairlift opens for sightseers and hikers, with summit views over Glacier and Flathead Lake, alpine slides, zipline tours, and twenty-four trails for downhill mountain biking. Open December through early April for ski season, and mid-June through Labor Day for summer.
We Recommend:
Handpicked local experiences, trails, and hidden gems we love to share
The fifty-mile drive across the park, switchbacking from Lake McDonald up to Logan Pass and back down the east side. Alpine meadows, hanging valleys, the Weeping Wall. The road opens in late June or early July depending on snow and closes by mid-October. Vehicle reservations are required during peak summer; check the NPS site before driving up.
West Entrance, West Glacier, MT 59936 - 27 miles
The largest lake in Glacier and the closest entry point to Whitefish. Ten miles long, glassy in the morning, hemmed in by mountains on three sides. Apgar Village sits at the foot of the lake, with a camp store, boat rentals, and the colored pebbles the shoreline is known for. Lake McDonald Lodge at the north end was built in 1913 and is worth walking through even if you aren't staying.
Apgar Village, West Glacier, MT 59936 - 30 miles
Avalanche Lake & Trail of the Cedars
Two of the most popular hikes in the park, accessed from the same trailhead on Going-to-the-Sun. The Trail of the Cedars is a flat one-mile loop through old-growth cedar and hemlock, fully accessible. From there, the four-mile round-trip to Avalanche Lake climbs along Avalanche Creek and ends at a glacial lake with waterfalls coming off the cliffs above. Doable with kids.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, West Glacier, MT 59936 - 43 miles
The high point of Going-to-the-Sun at 6,646 feet on the Continental Divide. Park at the visitor center and walk the boardwalk to Hidden Lake Overlook, where mountain goats are a near guarantee. For a longer day, the Highline Trail traverses west from the same lot, fifteen miles to the Loop with a shuttle back. Parking fills early; plan to arrive before 8 AM or after 4 PM.
Logan Pass Visitor Center, West Glacier, MT 59936 - 59 miles
The remote northwest corner of Glacier. The town of Polebridge is the Mercantile (huckleberry bear claws since 1914, get there before they sell out), the Northern Lights Saloon, and not much else. From here you can access Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake, both glacial, both quiet, no crowds. A longer drive than it looks on the map, and the road is unpaved most of the way. Worth it.
265 Polebridge Loop, Polebridge, MT 59928 - 37 miles
A forty-seven-mile network of hiking and biking trails encircling Whitefish, free to use and managed by Whitefish Legacy Partners. Twelve trailheads, well-marked, well-maintained, with options from flat lake loops to longer mountain ascents. The Lion Mountain and Smith Lake trailheads are the closest to downtown. Open year-round, busiest in summer, mostly empty in shoulder seasons.
Lion Mountain Trailhead, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 2.5 miles
Whitefish Mountain Resort in Summer
The local mountain reinvented for summer. The Big Mountain Express chairlift carries guests to the 7,000-foot summit for views over Glacier, Flathead Lake, and the Whitefish Range. From the top, walk the Danny On Memorial Trail back down (3.8 miles, moderate) or grab a meal at the Summit House. The bike park, alpine slide, and zipline tours all run through summer. Open mid-June through Labor Day.
1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 10 miles
White-water on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, which forms the southern boundary of Glacier. Glacier Raft Company runs half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips from West Glacier. Class III rapids cool to gentle floats by late summer; guides handle the boats while you ride. Family-friendly options available.
12127 US-2 E, West Glacier, MT 59936 - 25 miles
A fifteen-thousand-acre area in the Swan Range with twenty-eight lakes and thirty-five miles of trails, open only to foot traffic. Higher and more alpine than Whitefish proper. From the Camp Misery trailhead it's a short walk to Picnic Lakes or a longer day to the Mount Aeneas summit. About an hour each way from town. Bring layers and bear spray.
Camp Misery Trailhead, Bigfork, MT 59911 - 50 miles
The local mountain, known as Big Mountain. Three thousand acres, 105 marked runs, 2,300 feet of vertical, and some of the best tree skiing in the lower 48. Snow ghosts, the frost-encased trees that form in deep cold, are a Whitefish signature. Three sides of the peak hold different terrain: north for the steepest runs, east for the longest groomers, south for the views. Season typically December through early April.
1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 10 miles
Cross-country skiing on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course in winter. Twelve kilometers of groomed trails for skate and classic skiing, a lit night-ski loop, lessons, and rentals at the clubhouse. Trails open whenever there's snow, usually late December through early March.
1200 US-93 N, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 2 miles
A small mountain at the south end of Flathead Lake, an hour from Whitefish. A thousand acres, four lifts, and ticket prices that haven't broken three figures. Family-friendly, far less crowded than Big Mountain, and you ski down from the parking lot rather than ride a lift up. One of the few ski areas built that way.
1 Blacktail Road, Lakeside, MT 59922 - 45 miles
The river the Duck Inn sits on. Slow-moving and tree-lined, flowing south from Whitefish Lake through town and out into the Flathead Valley. The Riverwalk path follows the bank from downtown through Riverside Park, suitable for an after-dinner stroll or a morning run. Kayaks and paddleboards can be launched from Riverside Park; the current is gentle enough for casual paddling.
Riverside Park, 700 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
Whitefish Lake stretches seven miles north from downtown, a glacial lake hemmed in by forest with the Whitefish Range rising behind it. City Beach sits at the south end, with a swimming area, sandy shore, picnic tables, and seasonal boat rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, small sailboats). Sunset over the lake is one of the town's daily rituals. In winter, parts of the lake freeze solid enough for ice fishing.
100 Beach Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 1 mile
The deepest natural lake in Montana at 445 feet, fifteen miles west of Whitefish in the Flathead National Forest. A small Forest Service campground sits at the south end with a swimming beach, day-use picnic area, and access to hiking trails around the lake. Quieter than Whitefish Lake, cold even in August. Worth the drive for a swim and a walk in the trees.
Tally Lake Campground, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 15 miles
The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, thirty miles long. The drive around it from the east side through Bigfork is one of the great loops in Montana, with cherry orchards, small lakeside towns, and water views the whole way. Wild Horse Island, accessible by boat, holds a herd of bighorn sheep and old-growth pine. Public swimming, sailing, and boat rentals at Lakeside, Bigfork, and Polson.
Bigfork, MT 59911 - 33 miles
A modern American kitchen with a rotating, seasonal menu built around local ingredients. Smaller plates designed to share, a serious cocktail program, and a quieter dining room. Reservations recommended on weekends.
101 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.9 miles
A downtown bistro with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and steaks, served in a casual upscale dining room. The bar pours a strong list of Northwest wines and craft beers. A reliable choice after a day on the mountain.
147 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.9 miles
A long-standing downtown dinner spot with a Southern-leaning menu. The shrimp and grits, blackened catfish, and pasta jambalaya are the kitchen's known dishes. Small dining room, candlelit, reservations recommended on weekends.
17 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 1 mile
The tap room and kitchen at the south end of Central Avenue, serving the full lineup of Great Northern Brewing's beers alongside hearty pub food. Pretzels, burgers, and a small patio in summer. More food-forward than the average brewery.
2 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 1 mile
Northern Italian served in a warm, candlelit dining room downtown. Hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a regularly changing chef's specials menu. Reservations recommended in summer.
115 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.9 miles
Lakeside dining at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, with floor-to-ceiling windows over the water and a deck for warm-weather meals. Steaks, fresh fish, and a serious wine list. The Sunday champagne brunch is a Whitefish tradition.
1380 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 2.4 miles
Great Northern Brewing Company
The town's original craft brewery. Wild Huckleberry Lager and Black Star Double Hopped Lager are the flagships; rotating seasonals fill out the tap list. The Tap Room sits at the south end of Central Avenue with a small patio, a light food menu, and views down Main Street.
2 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
A smaller, more experimental brewery in a converted house on Wisconsin Avenue, with a large outdoor beer garden. Rotating IPAs, sours, and seasonals on tap, food trucks most nights in summer, and a dog-friendly yard. Locals' favorite for warm-weather afternoons.
549 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.8 miles
A small-batch distillery in downtown Whitefish making vodka, gin, and whiskey from Montana grain. The tasting room serves cocktails on a long bar with the still room visible behind glass. Quieter than the breweries, good for an early-evening drink.
503 Railway St, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
A beer-focused gastropub with fifty-plus rotating taps, ranging from Montana craft to Belgian imports. Food is gastropub standards done well, with notable burgers and a few regional specialties. Outdoor seating in summer.
121 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
Local hangout with a rustic vibe offering beer, American comfort food & games on TV.
144 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.7 miles
A community art studio downtown with rotating exhibitions, pottery classes, glass fusion workshops, and drop-in art sessions. Open to all ages, no experience needed. The gallery space showcases local and regional artists, and the gift shop carries handmade work from across the Flathead Valley.
145 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
A community theatre running a full season of plays, musicals, and concerts in the O'Shaughnessy Center. Programming runs from local productions to touring musicians and the long-running Alpine Theatre Project's summer series.
1 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
Stumptown Historical Society Museum
A small museum in the historic 1928 Great Northern Railway depot, telling Whitefish's story from logging town to ski resort to railroad hub. Free to enter, donations welcome. Worth thirty minutes on a rainy afternoon.
500 Depot St, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.4 miles
A regional fine art museum in nearby Kalispell, with a permanent collection focused on Montana artists and rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical work. Twenty-five minutes from Whitefish.
302 2nd Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901 - 16 miles
A downtown toy store filling two storefronts on Central Avenue. Wooden toys, science kits, puzzles, and a serious stuffed animal selection. The kind of place kids beg to go back to and parents don't mind because the inventory is genuinely good.
221 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
The local independent bookstore. Strong staff picks, a curated Montana and Glacier section, a small kids' corner, and the kind of inventory you only get from owners who read what they sell.
244 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.4 miles
A downtown apothecary and home goods shop with locally-made bath products, candles, ceramics, and small gifts. Smells like the Pacific Northwest the moment you walk in. Easy place to find a gift for someone back home.
214 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
A photography and fine art gallery focused on Glacier National Park and the surrounding region. Prints, framed work, and limited editions from Montana-based photographers. Good for an actual piece of art, not a souvenir.
132 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles
The local grocery store and butcher, in business since 1942. The butcher counter, fresh sandwich counter, and Montana-made goods section are the reasons to stop in beyond a routine grocery run. Useful if you're putting together a picnic for Glacier.
317 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.4 miles
A small downtown massage practice with deep tissue, Swedish, prenatal, and sports recovery work on the menu. Same-day appointments sometimes available; book ahead in peak season. Walking distance from the lodge.
306 Spokane Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.4 miles
Spa at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake
A full-service spa at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, with massage, facials, body treatments, and a small relaxation lounge looking onto the lake. The closest day-spa experience to the property.
1380 Wisconsin Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 1 mile
A yoga and movement studio downtown with daily classes in vinyasa, yin, and restorative yoga, plus occasional sound baths and workshops. Drop-in rates and packages available. Bring a mat or rent one at the studio.
424 E 2nd St, Whitefish, MT 59937 - 0.5 miles