25 Fun & Unique Things to do in Whitefish, MT
Whitefish Montana is a charming mountain town with gorgeous scenery, delicious food, incredible art galleries, and a wonderful community of people. You could spend a long time before running out of things to do in Whitefish Mt.
With so many different things to do in Whitefish Mt, we have put together a list of some pretty awesome stuff to see, do & explore while you’re visiting.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Thank you for the support!
25 Unique Things to Do in Whitefish, MT
1. Visit Whitefish Mountain
Whitefish Mountain is a ski resort in the winter and has a ton of fun activities in the summer. The mountain the resort is on actually used to be called Big Mountain but since has been changed to Whitefish Mountain.
Skiing in Whitefish Montana is definitely something to add to your bucket list. The Whitefish Mountains Ski resort is absolutely gorgeous and you’re bound to have a great time whether you visit in the winter or summer.
During the summer months, you can enjoy mountain biking, the aerial adventure park, tubing, zip-lining, and sliding down an alpine slide. Whitefish Mountain also offers scenic lifts to the summit where you can enjoy eating lunch and having a drink with a view!
2. Check out the Breweries in Whitefish
One of our favorite things to do when visiting a new place is to try the local beer! We feel like it’s a great way to enjoy some locally made delights and every brewery gives you a taste of what the culture is like in that place.
Checking out the Whitefish Montana breweries is a definite must-do for any beer lover visiting Whitefish. Whitefish currently has just one brewery in their downtown area and another brewery in the nearby town of Columbia Falls. There are also many pubs and bars in Whitefish where you can sample other local Montana beer.
Here are our recommendations for places to stop by and have a drink or two:
- Bonsai Brewing Project
Their amazing beers + their outside seating area make this place our favorite hangout spot in all of Whitefish.
- Backslope Brewing
Just a few miles down the road in the neighboring town of Columbia Falls, this brewery has awesome beer and just as awesome food to go along with it.
- Montana Tap House
Has a large selection of beer on tap making it super easy to sample lots of different Montana beers. They also have a great selection of yummy pub food.
Psst! If you are super into breweries, why not go on a brewery tour of all the breweries in the area? Big Sky Brews Cruise will take you to 3 different breweries and it includes 4 samples, a behind the scenes tour, and a Beer 101 class!
3. Check out the Restaurants in Whitefish
There are so many amazing restaurants in Whitefish Montana we would have to dedicate a whole other post to cover them all! Here are our recommendations for what we think are a few of the best restaurants in Whitefish Mt.
- The Wich Haus – Delicious & creative sandwiches with local ingredients & awesome sides. They have a cute outdoor seating area too!
- Buffalo Cafe – Awesome all-around food with a local flair and a long list of craft beers to sample. Don’t forget to try the Huckleberry Shake!
- Ciao Mambo – This classic Italian restaurant has delicious brick oven pizza and super tasty handmade pasta dishes. This restaurant is also kid-friendly, and they even import their flour and tomatoes from Italy!
4. Check out Delicious Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Sweet Peaks originally started in Whitefish and has since grown to have locations in Montana, Idaho & Washington. They are known for using local ingredients to the West Rockies and having traditional and also creative flavors that change with the seasons!
5. Get Caffeinated at Montana Coffee Traders
Montana Coffee Traders is the place to go to get coffee while visiting Whitefish. They have a super cute cafe where you’ll find people getting some work done, chatting with friends, or just coming by for a quick fix of caffeine.
The Roastery located on Highway 93 also offers tours of their roastery on Fridays at 10 am. Make sure to check & call ahead to see if tours are running and to grab a spot!
6. Try Your Luck with Fly Fishing
There are so many pristine beautiful rivers in the Whitefish and Glacier area. If you are into fishing, taking a guided fly fishing tour would be an amazing experience.
Glacier Guide & Montana Rafts will take you on a half or full-day adventure exploring the Middle Fork or North Fork of the Flathead River where you will be able to fish until your heart’s content.
7. Kayak or Sup on Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake is a gorgeous lake with some pretty breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s a great lake to rent a kayak or paddleboard on and explore the waters.
Check out Tamarack Lake Shop to rent kayaks & paddleboards. They will even deliver them to you if you are renting a house on the lake!
Psst! Have you ever tried doing yoga on a SUP board? Now is your chance! Yoga Hive Montana offers yoga classes out on Whitefish Lake every Sunday at 10 am in the summer months.
8. Go Hiking
Of all the awesome things to do in Whitefish Mt, hiking is definitely at the top of the list. There are endless amounts of hiking trails in the area and are worth checking out.
If you are looking to get away from the crowds, hiking around Whitefish is the way to go. A lot of people head straight to Glacier National Park for hiking. Of course, Glacier is gorgeous, but Whitefish has some awe-inspiring trails to check out as well.
Here are some of our trail recommendations:
- Danny On Recreation Trail – This 7.2-mile trail will take you through the Whitefish Mountain resort and to the top of the ski-lift summit. It’s a gorgeous trail with lots of wildflowers, huckleberries, and incredible views. You can take the gondola either up or down to cut the trail in half!
- Lion Mountain Trail – This 2.7 easy dog-friendly trail will take you through the woods and ends with a gorgeous view over Skyles Lake. This is a great trail for kids as well.
9. Pick Wild Huckleberries
Picking huckleberries is a right of passage for visiting Montana and is so much fun! Huckleberry season starts in mid-to-late summer and the best month for finding ripe huckleberries is August.
The Whitefish/Glacier area is one of the best spots in all of Montana to find delicious huckleberries!
Here are the best spots for finding and picking huckleberries:
- Whitefish Mountain Resort- Danny On Memorial Trail
- Huckleberry Mountain Lookout Trail
- Marion Lake Trail
FYI: Whenever you are hiking in Bear Country make sure you always bring along bear spray. Especially when picking huckleberries- we’re not the only ones who love to munch on these sweet berries!
10. Treat Yourself to a Massage
There are so many outdoor activities in Whitefish to choose from, that your muscles might be screaming for a break. If so, Whitefish has quite a few options for a relaxing spa day.
Here are our recommendations for spas in Whitefish:
- Natural Elements Massage
Has a ton of options for different kinds of massages, facials, waxing & brow tints. They also have a ton of really great reviews & are worth checking out!
- Glacier Med Spa
Offers all different kinds of services such as massages, cool sculpting, acupuncture, laser, waxing, and more! The place to go if you’re looking for a spa treatment besides just a traditional massage.
11. Go Horseback Riding
The big open skies of Montana make it a spectacular place to go horseback riding. There is nothing like being on horseback in the wilderness with gorgeous mountain views!
Insider Tip: The best place to go horseback riding in Whitefish Montana is at Bar W Guest Ranch. This ranch is geared towards week-long retreats but also offers outside guests to join in on the horseback riding.
12. Check out the Live Music
Whitefish and the surrounding towns have a ton of options in terms of seeing live music. To check out where the local acts will be playing, head on over to the Flathead Events Page.
13. Watch the Sunset at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is a very popular spot and if you’re spending some time in Whitefish you should stop by. The lodge is situated right on the banks of Whitefish Lake and has some incredible views of the lake with mountains.
They have a Tiki Bar and Grill right next to their marina and pool making it a perfect location to watch some live music with a drink in hand while watching the sunset!
Psst! Make sure to get there early, this place is super popular and if you want a table, arrive well before sunset!
14. Spend the Day at City Beach
If you’re looking for a fun free thing to do in Whitefish, Mt check out City Beach! The city beach is 7 miles long and has designated swimming areas, docks, gazebos, and picnic tables. You are also able to rent kayaks and paddleboards right on the beach at Paddlefish Sports.
If you are looking for a public boat launch, City Beach also offers day-pass boat launches for $10.
15. Get the Best Breakfast at Whitefish, MT
If you are into breakfast or brunching, Whitefish will not disappoint! There are lots of options when it comes to getting your brunch on.
Here are our recommendations for where to get the best breakfast in Whitefish Montana:
- Amazing Crepes– Choose from a loaded sweet or savory crepe. They have the most interesting flavor combinations here! (sausage, onion, green peppers, gorgonzola cheese, and egg, topped with sriracha and basil pesto? Yum!)
- Loula’s Cafe – Loula’s Cafe might look like a typical breakfast spot, but they are far from typical! Loula’s specializes in homemade pies but also has an extensive- and delicious breakfast menu.
- Buffalo Cafe – The place to go if you want a mimosa to accompany your brunch! They specialize in eggs benedict and their unique versions of huevos rancheros.
16. Check out the Farmers Market
Whitefish comes alive every Tuesday from 5- 7:30 during the summer months for their very own Farmers Market!
The market is in front of the Whitefish Train Depot at Depot Park. Besides selling lots of local goodies and fresh-grown produce, they have a TON of food trucks with so many different types of food to choose from. They also feature local artists playing live music.
17. Go Whitewater Rafting
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River is one of the best rivers for Whitewater rafting in Whitefish Montana and the entire northwest of the United States.
Rafting the Middle Fork is such a great adventure for adrenaline junkies! There are sections of the river that are great for people looking for a thrilling experience navigating white-water rapids.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, there are also sections of the river geared towards people looking for a scenic float.
Either way- we recommend checking out Glacier Guides & Montana Raft– they offer both white water rafting trips as well as scenic float trips and have an awesome reputation in the area!
18. Stay at a Charming Bed & Breakfast
Whitefish has such a cute mountain town feel to it, you will be hard-pressed to find a more quaint town to visit in the United States.
Why not make your stay even more quaint and stay at a charming Whitefish Montana Bed & Breakfast?
Whitefish has lots of bed and breakfasts to choose from but here are some of our favorites:
- Good Medicine Lodge – Good Medicine Lodge is a fairytale-like Whitefish Montana bed and breakfast within walking distance of all the great things to check out in downtown Whitefish. Of course, breakfast is included and is made with fresh local ingredients. The romantic backyard with a hot tub makes this place a dream destination in itself. Check Availability.
- Hidden Moose Lodge – Hidden Moose Lodge is another adorable bed and breakfast in the Whitefish area. The rooms are furnished to give you that cozy mountain lodge feel complete with fireplaces. Enjoy breakfast every morning as well as a complimentary glass of wine in the hot tub next to the outdoor fireplace. Check Availability.
19. Attend one of the Many Festivals
If Whitefish Montana is known for anything, it’s for the awesome festivals the town hosts year-round. Art festivals, music festivals, Oktoberfest, Christmas festivals… you name it, they’ve got it!
If you want to check out a festival while you’re visiting, go to the town’s events calendar to see what’s happening.
20. Walk Around Downtown Whitefish
Just strolling around downtown Whitefish and checking out all the shops & art galleries is a thing to do in itself. There is so much going on every day that you could spend a whole day shopping, and checking out all the different galleries.
Another stop to not miss on a downtown walking tour is the Whitefish Train Depot. This train station is still a functioning railroad station and you can get here by Amtrack! It is one of the most popular train stations in the entire country.
The train station now also houses a museum where you can learn about the history of Whitefish and the Native American influence in this area.
21. Stumptown Historical Walking Tour
While you’re walking around downtown make sure to stop and admire the buildings. You will find plaques on the outside of buildings on Central Avenue talking about the history of the building and giving you a glimpse of what the town looked like years ago.
If you are interested, a walking tour guide is available at the Whitefish Train Depot Museum as well as the Whitefish Visitor Center.
22. See a Show at a Performing Arts Theater
Whitefish has 2 different performing arts centers and each is unique and offers great productions to check out during your visit. If you like going to a theater performance- don’t miss seeing one of these shows!
23. Go Trekking With A Llama
Llama trekking has got to be one of the most unique and interesting things you can do on this list! Swan Mountain Llama Trekking offers day excursions as well as overnight and multi-day backpacking trips.
Besides going trekking with the llamas, Swan Mountain Llama Trekking also offers wine & cheese treks and yoga with a llama!
24. Ride Bikes in and Around Whitefish
Whitefish has quite a few bike routes to choose from for people who enjoy riding bikes! The options range from easy, flat rides around Whitefish Lake to difficult mountain bike riding on Whitefish Mountain.
Downtown Whitefish also has bike paths so you can easily get around and see the town by bicycle. There is also the Whitefish Trail that goes around the lake!
Check out Glacier Cyclery for bike rentals.
25. Go Glamping for a Night
Another super fun thing to do in Whitefish Montana is go glamping! There are tons of options for glamping in Whitefish, Montana- so many that it was hard to pick our favorites!
We’ve made sure to include a range of glamping options in terms of what you will be sleeping in, to how much it costs per night! Some glamping options are super affordable while others are designed for extreme luxury.
All About Whitefish Montana
Where is Whitefish Montana?
Whitefish Montana is located in the northwestern part of Montana and is just 30 minutes north of Kalispell, Montana making the distance from Kalispell to Whitefish not that far. Spokane to Whitefish is about 4 hours to the east.
How to Get to Whitefish Montana
Directions to Whitefish Montana will depend on where you’re coming from. Spokane to Whitefish will take you about 4 hours and is a pretty drive on I-90 E and then north on 93. To get from Billings Mt to Whitefish Mt drive west on I-90 and then take 93 North to Whitefish.
The airport closest to Whitefish Montana is the Glacier Park International Airport, although it would probably be really expensive to fly into this airport and we suggest looking at other airports near Whitefish Montana such as the airport in Kalispell or Missoula.
Weather in Whitefish MT
Weather in Whitefish Montana depends on the time of year. Summers are the most visited as they are warm and a great time to explore the outdoors. Winters are cold & snowy but great for people looking for a winter destination or to go skiing.
Check out our chart below for the average temperature for Whitefish Montana during different months of the year:
- April-May : Lows 30-38° | Highs 55-64°
- June-Aug: Lows 45-50° | Highs 71-81°
- Sep-Oct: Lows 30-40° | Highs 70-54°
- Nov-March: Lows 16-24° | Highs 39-44°
What is the Elevation of Whitefish Montana?
Many people might be wondering, what is the elevation of Whitefish Mt? The elevation in Whitefish Montana is, to be exact, 3,028 feet. However, the mountains around Whitefish have a higher elevation.
Camping Near Whitefish, MT
Camping in Whitefish Montana is a highly sought-after activity and is such a great time because it’s such a beautiful area. The campgrounds in Whitefish Montana vary from RV parks to State Park camping, to dispersed camping to glamping.
- Whitefish RV Park– the proximity to Whitefish makes this RV park a great choice when visiting Whitefish. They have clean hot showers, laundry facilities, and WIFI + really friendly owners.
- Whitefish Lake State Park– anyone who has done state park camping knows that the sites are so much nicer than staying at an RV park. Although, you usually don’t get the hookups & amenities you find at RV parks. Whitefish Lake State Park has 23 sites and no hookups and is situated right on the lake so some awesome sunsets are in your future!
- Dispersed Camping– There are some pretty great options for dispersed camping around the Whitefish/Glacier area. Our go-to website for finding free camping is Campendium!
We hope this article about the best and most unique things to do in Whitefish, Montana helps you plan your trip. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!
