When it’s time to let go of stress and enjoy vacation fun instead, those with a passion for the great outdoors will find a long list of reasons to set their sights on a stay in beautiful Whitefish, Montana. This mountainous retreat is a place where natural awe and wonder is always on full display, and a welcoming community of residents is paired with easy access to in-town fun in the way of wonderful restaurants and shops to explore.
Whitefish is home to a robust lineup of annual events and festivals for visitors to participate in, and it’s also a place that puts travelers within easy reach of Glacier National Park in every season of the year. Whitefish is a fan-favorite vacation destination on the map among those who enjoy taking time to hike, mountain bike, or wildlife-watch their way through an unforgettable stay. Here, fishing, landscape photography, and birding are just a few of the many inspired activities in Whitefish Montana that can be added to a customized lineup of adventures. If you come to Whitefish in the wintertime, there’s a good chance you’ll fill your daytime hours with quality experiences on world-class ski slopes over at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Here, you’ll find access to rentals and lessons is easier than ever while the après-ski scene is a tasty addition to every visit. Summertime travelers who can’t wait to spend time in Whitefish can count on filling their itineraries with time on stunning hiking trails, afternoons out on the water, or days of leisurely soaking up the breathtaking sights at your own preferred pace.
While Whitefish is packed with unique activities and attractions to enjoy that are sure to inspire tourists from across the map in every season, there are also options to create a stay that lets you experience Whitefish more like a local. If you’re hoping for an authentic Whitefish getaway this year, consider some of these stops and outings that take you a bit more off-the-beaten-path.
Whether you come to Whitefish, Montana in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, the one constant in your experience is that you’re going to have an appetite to attend to at some point. When time out on the trails, the ski slopes, or simply strolling through downtown has left you famished, you’ll find Whitefish is filled with well-known places to settle in and dine in style with a great view included. Of course, experiencing Whitefish like a local means knowing where to go in town for a unique culinary experience that’s one-of-a-kind as well. When you’re hoping to do something different during your stay to curb a craving, consider heading over to Trovare located at 317 Central Avenue #102 and participate in one of their unique and gourmet cooking glasses right on-site. You can sign up for a group cooking class online ahead of time, or a private experience if you’re looking for something more intimate. Either way, you’ll hone your skills in the kitchen alongside a professional and be able to end the experience with an exceptionally delicious meal.
For travelers heading to Whitefish looking to experience the destination like a local with some excess energy to burn, a little time at Hank’s Hatchets can go a long way. This indoor axe-throwing range in town is found at 6078 US 93 South and is a one-stop hub for putting your axe-throwing skills to work! Grab your family and friends and head this way to enjoy time in a space where groups of anywhere from 50 to 70 can be accommodated at one time. From first-time throwers to experienced axe-throwing enthusiasts, everyone is welcome at Hank’s. There are on-site coaches to get you started with the basics before you take off and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Whitefish, Montana-bound travelers who are looking to keep up with fitness routines while traveling and want to connect with locals in a Zen-focused space will find it during their stay at Love Yoga. This local studio offers heated and non-heated drop in sessions alike and offers courses for beginner yogis and advanced yogis too. There are retreats offered throughout the year, but no matter when you drop by, you’ll find a wide variety of teaching styles on display, and opportunities to take part in a local experience that puts an emphasis firmly on balance, focus, flexibility, and strength that will have you feeling your best for the Whitefish adventures to come.
If your trip to Whitefish is planned for the wintertime, you’ll find there are a few hidden gems to enjoy like a local specific to the season as well. One of those experiences happens to be the dog sledding tours offered by the team at Dog Sled Adventures in town. This local outdoor adventure company has been operating in Whitefish since 1979 and tours are designed to appeal to solo adventures, couples, small groups, and families alike. When you sign up for a dog sledding outing through Dog Sled Adventures, you’ll be treated to an experience cruising the backcountry of Northwest Montana as you glide along the snow on a sled pulled by an impressive team of Alaskan sled dogs. The company has nearly 130 Alaskan huskies that know how to expertly navigate the Stillwater State Forest trails. As you make your way through the Flathead Valley, you’ll enjoy thrilling sights, sounds, and experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Or those who are looking to pick up the pace even further, locals know that partnering with Northwest Montana Adventure is a must for snowmobiling experiences at their best. Through this company, you can easily book a full day of fun on the snow, or a half-day guided outing as well. Depending on the tour type you select, your snowmobiling adventures in and around Whitefish can include tasty stops for cider or hot chocolate when you want to warm up and infuse flavor into your day too.
Finally, make sure you explore the snowy terrain here in a way locals know and love by heading over to the Clydesdale Outpost in Whitefish and savoring every option at your fingertips. All winter long, this destination offers snowshoeing adventures and sleigh rides on-site but if you’re here around the holidays, it’s a picture-perfect place to rent a VIP igloo and spend time cozied up with those you love most. The Clydesdale Outpost is also a place where you can get up close to incredible horses and take photos with Santa before Christmas arrives.
Whitefish, Montana calls to downhill enthusiasts in droves each winter thanks to the amazing ski resort it plays host to. If you’re here to ski, you’ll be treated to more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain to explore, including amazing bowls, glades and groomed trails. While there are plenty of popular stops for après-ski bites in this area, locals love grabbing a drink over at Hellroaring Saloon and Eatery which has been serving up slopeside drinks and delights since 1983. If you’re in the mood to make the most of an afternoon sipping time away with family and friends, The Bierstube is also another terrific and locally loved locale to make sure to check out when you’re in town.
No matter what time of year you find yourself in Whitefish, making the most of the amazing local restaurants is a must. For those days when you can’t wait to settle in and savor a fresh and seasonal Mediterranean meal, look no further than dinner enjoyed at places like Beldi at 306 2nd Street East. Abruzzo Italian Kitchen is a locally loved eatery for quality Italian dishes spanning mouthwatering pasts and wood-fired pizza alike. When Southern-inspired fare is top of mind, make your way to Tupelo Grille and enjoy cocktails and great bites with a side of live musical performances. The downstairs lounge at Latitude 48 Bistro is always a treat while you can’t go wrong with a meal enjoyed at Indah Sushi when you’re hoping for Asian fusion served up in impeccable style.
If you’re looking forward to spending time in Whitefish with friends and you’re a group of travelers who love to keep the fun going well after the sun goes down, locals know well that Whitefish has plenty of great bars worth discovering while you’re here! Among them is the Great Northern Bar & Grill. Located at 27 Central Avenue, the Great Northern Bar & Grill is a one-stop hub for an impressive beverage listing that can be paired with time on the outdoor deck or inside playing pool, ping pong and more! They also have a lineup of musical performances on their calendar for patrons to enjoy that are hosted Thursday through Saturday each week. Make sure to make time to linger at The Bulldog Saloon as well the next time you’re in Whitefish and longing to make the most of great nightlife scenes. This local bar is a top place to watch the game at 144 Central Avenue and is also the perfect location to kick back with friends and make the most of delicious moments in a setting that’s decidedly laid-back and casual.
While the in-town fun abounds in Whitefish, those who are looking to experience Whitefish like a local will find that those who call this destination home spend just as much time in the great outdoors as you would expect! Whitefish is a beautiful and inspiring destination on the map and if you have a love for time on the hiking trails, it never fails to impress. If you’re heading to Whitefish with the family in tow and you’re looking for a locally loved trail that’s great for all ages and skill levels, be sure to add the Woods Lake Trail to your list. This trail converges with the North Beaver Trail and is packed with great views without requiring hikers to conquer a steep elevation change. You can stop at observation points overlooking Woods Lake and spend as much or as little time immersed in nature as you’d like at your own preferred pace.
If you’re a more experienced hiker looking for more of a challenge, make sure to make time for the Beaver Lake Loop in Whitefish. At nearly 4 miles long, the Beaver Lake Loop is rated moderately difficult and typically takes anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours to complete. It’s a trail shared by hikers and mountain bikers and is most popular between May and September. The trail is loved for its lush landscapes and viewpoints as well as the unsurpassed vistas out over Whitefish Lake and Beaver Lake from its highest point. If you choose to spend some time at the water before heading back, you’ll find these lakes are both ideal for spotting everything from loons to mergansers.
In the warm weather months of the year, locals head to places like 406 Watersports to pick up quality rentals when recreation is what they’re after. Here, you can rent everything from boats and wave runners for the day as well as kayaks and paddleboards too at reasonable rates. If you’re excited to spend time in the spring, summer, or fall casting a line, experience Whitefish like a local by taking up fly fishing for an afternoon. If you want to hone your skills or simply gain access to some of the lesser-known spots in and around town to reel in exciting catches, local outfitters like Bigfork Anglers are trusted providers for incredible guided outings.
The beauty of a trip to Whitefish often comes down to the sheer variety of options for fun that await no matter when you arrive. This is the reason visitors flock this way and oftentimes the very same reasons residents choose to call Whitefish home year-round! The next time you’re heading this way and looking to experience Whitefish like a local, be sure to enjoy activities like a round of golf at the scenic Whitefish Lake Golf Club, or min golf with the family at Camp Scout & Gather. If you’re looking for artistic inspiration, join locals downtown for Whitefish Gallery Nights on the first Thursday of each month in the summer and fall.
Make sure your next trip to Whitefish includes the comfort, convenience, and style you deserve by booking your Whitefish, MT vacation rental accommodations through I Love Whitefish. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options, and to get your Montana-bound adventure underway soon.
