Destination Guide: Whitefish, Montana
THE GIST
Whitefish, Montana is a dream destination for the small-mountain-town lover, whether you’re a wild outdoors person or you just like cozying up in a lovely cabin-like setting. Nestled up against Whitefish Lake in the Rocky Mountains, just outside Glacier National Park, Whitefish is small but mighty: a tiny, quaint resort town surrounded by massive beauty.
There is so much to do here that you’re basically guaranteed your perfect mountain getaway, whatever that might look like for you. Hiking, white water rafting, fly fishing, skiing, shopping, rodeos, alpine slides, theater...the list goes on. Whitefish may not be somewhere you think to plan a vacation — there are lots of other popular destinations under Montana’s Big Sky — but this little hidden haven promises a little bit of heaven.
THE PEACH + THE PIT
The best thing about Whitefish: its small-town charm and natural beauty.
There’s something so special about a small town, especially a small mountain town. It evokes a certain warm-and-fuzzy, homey feeling that you can only get from somewhere truly charming -- and that’s Whitefish, in every sense of the word. As soon as you step foot into the picturesque streets of its tiny downtown, where you’re hard-pressed to find a chain restaurant or a touristy crowd, you get the sense that Whitefish is a place full of friendly faces who all know each other, and you’re just happy to hang out with some of them at the local dive bar.
source: explorewhitefish.com
Part of Whitefish’s charm is obviously its stunning location: this area of Montana is like Sound of Music meets Winter Wonderland. Jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks and glacial valleys to marvel at; green alpine meadows to frolic in and scenic trailheads to climb; serene lakes to float on and raging rivers to forge; and beautiful mountain lodges and quiet lake cabins to stay in. There’s big, natural beauty everywhere you look, so keep those eyes open.
The worst thing about Whitefish: getting there can be difficult.
To be honest, it was a challenge to think of a pit for this place. But the worst thing about it might be getting there. Since it’s a bit remote, it can be tricky planning travel. While Kalispell airport is close by, it’s tough to find a direct flight — and you’ll most likely be on a small plane with some potential mountain turbulence for some of the trip. But if you can power through any inconvenience the journey may bring, the destination will definitely make up for it!
THE HIT LIST
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
As the main reason most people visit the area, Glacier National Park is an absolute must. It’s around a 30 minute drive from Whitefish, and home to most of the jaw-dropping beauty and various outdoor activities gloated about above. Famous (obviously) for its glaciers, the park is full of 1 million acres of wilderness, lakes, rivers, valleys, meadows, and wildlife.
If you’re visiting in the summer or fall you can drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds you through the park from east to west and is a wonderful way to see its endless sights. Or you can explore it by foot with over 700 trails. Whether you go for action, adventure, or sightseeing, consider Whitefish your gateway to all the glory of Glacier National Park.
SWEET PEAKS ICE CREAM
This is not only the best ice cream you will find in town, but perhaps some of the best you’ll ever have. First of all, it’s named Sweet Peaks which is adorably appropriate. With several locations throughout Montana, the Whitefish shop is its first and flagship location.
And this “mountain made ice cream” does not mess around.
It’s delightfully creamy, with classic flavors like mountain mint, honey cinnamon, and huckleberry (Montana’s thing). Then there are the specialty flavors like “griz tracks”, “under the big sky”, and “bear food”. If you want to know what any of those mean, go look up the menu and start drooling.
THE HIDDEN GEMS
THE BAR SCENE
The thing about Whitefish is that everything there kind of feels like a hidden gem — especially its bar scene. Since most of the bars and saloons in town are homey in nature, dinky in the best ways, and put off that woodsy, cabin-like vibe, they all feel like true dive bars. Whether you pop into the Great Northern Bar + Grill for a $2 Moose Drool and some shuffleboard, the Bulldog Saloon for quirky bulldog-themed-everything (seriously, their website url is literally fart-slobber.com), or the Remington Bar + Casino for games and karaoke night, you’re in a great time full of friendly locals, cheap drinks, and good mountain fun.
PIGGY BACK BBQ
Just on the outskirts and a bit off the beaten path, this pit barbeque restaurant serves up some delicious meats and eats — grub that’s particularly delicious if you’re enjoying a late lunch fresh off of a more-difficult-than-you-thought-it-would-be hike up Big Mountain. The tiny restaurant offers a big menu full of authentic barbeque classics: pulled pork, brisket, ribs, burgers, cornbread, even hushpuppies and fried okra. Come stop by, and make sure you bring your appetite.
Come stop by,
and make sure you bring your appetite.
source: @piggback_bbq instagram
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHEN TO VISIT
Whitefish is a year-round destination, so it really depends on which kind of vacation you prefer. If you want a snowy wonderland where you can ski and cozy up, go in the winter — it’ll be magical. If you want to take advantage of more outdoor activities and take in colorful, crystal-clear mountain scenery, summer or fall is for you. The good news is there’s no wrong way to do Whitefish.
source: Carly Weaver
by Carly Weaver
Carly, a New-Jersey-native-turned-Los-Angeles-local, has worked in digital marketing for the past decade doing everything from copywriting to creative production to brand strategy. But she’s always had three great loves: food, travel, and writing. That’s where Ogden Pacific comes in.
All-time favorite travel story? That time she slept in a drawer in a Florence hospital. All-time favorite meal? Well, as a decidedly unemotional person she’s been moved to tears by a single bite of food more than once...so let’s not even go there right now. All-time favorite destinations? The Jersey Shore for Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream and pure nostalgia. The British Virgin Islands for endless crystal clear seas and some of the nicest people on earth. Montana for that clean, crisp, mountain air and $2 Moose Drools enjoyed over dive bar shuffleboard. And Italy for literally...every...single...thing. Including that bite of burrata she cried over.
She’s here to help inform you, guide you, entertain you, and inspire you to find your next all-time favorite trip. (And also to help make sure you don’t end up in a drawer while you’re there.)