Tucked away in Northwest Montana, Whitefish is a charming small town with a population of fewer than 10,000 full time residents. Despite its size, it draws over a million visitors annually, captivated by world-class skiing and the awe-inspiring beauty of Glacier National Park. Much like Reno, it’s a city experiencing massive growth and offering outdoor wonder year round. Though the town has evolved over the past decade, it remains untouched in the ways that matter most, and perfect for both a summer escape and a fall retreat.
Adventures in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is magnificent year-round, Some of the best views are found along the Going to the Sun Road, a 50-mile paved highway that runs east to west across the park. In spring its often open only to hikers and bikers as snowplows work tirelessly to prepare the road for summer, but the rest of the year the route opens to vehicle traffic, as well. Cycling from Avalanche Lake to Logan Pass is a breathtaking adventure as rides will often include bear sightings and other wildlife.
Looking to explore the park on foot? Popular options include Hidden Lake, Avalanche Lake, and the Highline Trail, each offering awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable memories. For those wanting to enjoy the scenery without the added hassle of driving, consider a Red Bus Tour. These vintage 1930s buses with roll-back tops let you relax and take in the views while your guide shares fascinating insights about the park. Through September 28, reservations are required for the West Entrance from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., available at recreation.gov, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Whitefish Ski Resort
Whitefish Mountain Resort is your ticket to year-round adventure, even when you’re not running down lanes of fresh powder. With nearly 500,000 skier visits per season, it maintains a welcoming, local vibe. But its appeal extends into summer as the mountain transforms into an outdoor playground with mountain biking, alpine sliding, ziplining, ropes courses, hiking, and even huckleberry picking. Expert tip: bring bear spray!
Arts & Culture
Despite its small size, Whitefish boasts a vibrant arts scene. Local venues regularly feature live performances by talented musicians like Hannah King, Andrew Brozek, Nick Spear, Ben Darce, and Todd Cowart. Catch a show at the Whitefish Community Theatre, Alpine Theatre Project, or the Whitefish Cabaret. And keep your evenings open so you can pencil in musical performances across the city. Personal favorites include listening to local bands late night, with post-10 p.m. performances at spots like The Northern or the Remington.
Dining & Nightlife
When you pan ahead you can dine in style in Whitefish, stopping at local favorites such as Beldi, Swift Creek Café, Buffalo Café, The Last Chair, or Abruzzo Italian Restaurant. Forgot to make reservations? Check out Thirty Eight Whitefish, where food trucks gather with live music nightly. During summer months, Depot Park hosts a lively Tuesday Farmers’ Market from 5-7:30 p.m. brimming with fresh produce, food trucks, and entertainment. On Thursdays, explore Whitefish Gallery Nights along Central Avenue from 4 to 7 p.m., a celebration of the town’s thriving artistic community.
Outdoor Trails & Recreation
Since 2010, Whitefish Legacy Partners has developed over 47 miles of scenic trails around Whitefish Lake, accessible from 15 trailheads, promising stunning views and a variety of trails outside of the national park. Whether walking your dog at Lion Mountain, a 2.6-mile loop trail just outside of town, mountain biking at Beaver Lake or Swift Creek, or foraging for huckleberries nearby, you'll encounter friendly locals and stunning snow-capped mountains at every turn.
Golf & Water Activities
Summers offer perfect weather up north, where it’s warm enough to shed your coat but not so hot you’re avoiding afternoon activities outdoors. Whitefish Lake Golf Course features two 18-hole courses open to the public. After a round, unwind on the patio of The Whitefish Lake Restaurant with smoked trout and a glass of wine. In winter, the golf courses pull double duty as cross-country ski courses. Whitefish Lake, with over 16 miles of shoreline, offers fantastic opportunities for boating, wake surfing, and swimming. Just a short drive away, you also have Flathead Lake—North America’s largest freshwater lake (yes, bigger than Lake Tahoe!) —which spans 197 square miles, delivering even more opportunities to cool off.
A Community in Transition
While Whitefish continues to enchant visitors, it’s also navigating growing pains. Housing prices have doubled post-COVID, making affordable living challenging for service workers. Initiatives like Housing Whitefish’s Workforce Rental Assistance Program are working to address this challenge. When you see a 1% fee added to your bill, it supports the Community Sustainability Fund—half of which helps keep local workers part of the Whitefish community.
A Lasting Love for Whitefish
Kristin Zuckerman, who penned this article, has called Whitefish home since 2015. Though she now splits time between two mountain towns, the other being Reno (where she sells real estate with Engel & Völkers Reno), her love for Whitefish remains strong. When she isn’t selling luxury homes in Reno and beyond, she’s enjoying the outdoor splendor Whitefish has become known for.
How to Get There
Just 11 miles from Whitefish, Glacier Park International Airport offers direct flights to 16 U.S. cities, served by seven major airlines. Additionally, Amtrak’s Empire Builder travels through Whitefish twice daily, linking Seattle and Chicago in style.
Where to Stay
For first-time visitors, Downtown Whitefish makes an ideal base. The Firebrand Hotel offers convenient access to boutique shops, restaurants, theaters, and live music venues within walking distance. Seeking a lakeside retreat? The Lodge at Whitefish Lake provides direct water access and shuttle service into town, blending comfort with convenience.