A Winter Guide to Whitefish, Montana

It seemed that everywhere I looked in Whitefish, Montana there was adventure to be had. I couldn’t get enough of it and with a surge of childlike-fueled energy, each day I rose early in search of nature’s best sources of adrenaline.

Whitefish is a destination that is in arm’s reach of many experiences. During winter, the plentiful adventures like skiing the slopes, exploring Glacier National Park, or walking the picturesque downtown keeps the days full. I adored getting into the unfiltered outdoors in one breath, and then in other returning to a cozy lodge at night. Getting to do both, meant that Whitefish truly had it all.

The local scene was passionate — each local brewer, distillery owner, restaurant keeper, and more showed the true love for this corner of Montana. Using ingredients from local growers, there was this emphasis in keeping Montana, well Montana. As a traveler, it felt good to know that there was this intimate relationship with the vast ecosystem in Whitefish.

Pairing this local expereince with the outdoors, couldn’t have sealed the deal more. Whitefish knows how to show their guests a good time.

The Winter Guide to Whitefish, Montana

Good to Know

• With the release of winter direct flights from San Francisco, arriving in Glacier Country has never been easier. The direct flight offered on Saturday, gets you there in a few hours. Other major hubs like Salt Lake City and Denver also have regular direct flights.
• A rental car is recommended to be able to explore town and to head out to Glacier National Park, and take day trips to surrounding areas.
• Bring good winter clothing, shoes with grips, and always a pack boots that you can go play in the snow with!

Where to Stay in Whitefish

• The Lodge at Whitefish Lake: Nestled along Whitefish Lake, this expansive lodge is the coziest stay during the winter. With cabin-like rooms, the views over the lake are incredible to wake up to. Located close to downtown and near the slopes, it’s the place to call home while in Whitefish.

Where to Eat/Drink in Whitefish

• Tupelo Grille: Be sure to book a table here, and be ready for one of the best meals in town. Featuring local cuisine influenced by cajun and southern flavors, the superb service completes a meal here.
• Latitude 48: With a tapas-style menu, this restaurant gives you an opportunity to try a bit of everything with shared plates.
• Pig & Olive Sandwich Shoppe: Inside Stumptown Marketplace, this sandwich shop has a creative menu with items like a banh-mi sandwich or falafel salad.
• Spotted Bear Spirits: Fresh cocktails made with in-house made alcohol, this is the spot to grab an apres-ski drink.
• Cafe Kandahar: With a James-Beard Award Semifinalist Chef, this restaurant is farm-to-table dining in an intimate space.
• Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits: Accompanied with a food menu, these craft cocktails are served in a cozy space.
• The Firebrand Lounge: Come here for small bite and drinks in a modern lounge-style setting.
• Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill: Your spot for creative sushi and Asian-style menu.
• Bonsai Brewing Project: Set in a home-style restaurant, pop in for a tasting of their beers.
• Montana Coffee Traders: Your local coffee shop while in town!

What to Do in Whitefish

• Explore Stumptown Marketplace: Hop into this open-stall market, where local shops sell a multitude of things like soap, sweets, and clothes.
• Hit the slopes: A trip to Whitefish is never complete without a day at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Endless slopes and an approachable mountain offers a day of fun for all level of skiers and snowboarders.
• Explore downtown: The streets of downtown Whitefish are buzzing with boutiques, traders, restaurants and bars. Be sure to hop through to browse!
• Winter wonderland at Glacier National Park: One of the best gems in Glacier Country, the park comes to a beautiful stand still with frosted trees and a calm lake. Grab some snowshoes and be sure to venture out for an adventure around the lake on the Going-To-The-Sun road.
• Take a sleigh ride: At Bar W Guest Ranch you can have your winter dreams come true with a picturesque sleigh ride.
• Go for a drive to Bigfork + dogsledding: A great day trip to Bigfork should include time in the historic downtown. Grab a meal at Pocketstone Cafe to fill up, and then book a dogsledding tour with Base Camp Bigfork. Your dogsledding experience will be a magic-filled afternoon, mushing through tall trees and into meadows with mountains peeking through.

 *Bon Traveler was welcomed as a guest of Glacier Country Tourism. As always, all opinions are own.

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