In summer of 2023 I took a week long solo trip and not only discovered the beauty of Montana, but also a lot about myself. I fell in love with this quaint western town and i am sure you will too. My recommendations are based in summer months as I have not traveled in the winter.
TRANSPORTATION:
Local airport is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell and is only 15 – 20 minutes outside Whitefish. I recommend renting a vehicle if you are planning on exploring outside of Whitefish. My go to is always Hertz as it links to my Delta Skymiles.
STAY:
- Airbnb 5 Star Modern Condo – Located in downtown Whitefish and has EVERYTHING and more you could want or need. Literally steps away from all from local coffee shops, yoga, restaurants and boutiques. This new build 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo (sleeps 4) is perfect for couples or a family with small children. The open layout is the perfect place to gather/cook, and the fireplace is perfect for crisp Montana mornings/evenings. You have access to the amazing rooftop common area where you can grill, enjoy a bottle of wine and take in the sunsets overlooking downtown Whitefish. It also has free covered garage parking and elevator access. The location is PERFECTION and is only 30 minutes from Glacier National park and 10 minutes from Big Mountain Ski Resort!
- The Lodge at Whitefish – Located on Whitefish Lake a short drive outside of downtown Whitefish. This place is great for large groups or a romantic getaway. You can enjoy the activities, restaurants and spa, but you do not have to stay here to enjoy the property. If you travel in summer check out The Woody Weekend which brings in vintage wooden boats from around the world.
NOSH & LIBATIONS:
- Wild Coffee Company – located literally across the street this coffee shop was fantastic not only for their beverages, and snacks (they carry healthy vegan, GF options available) local treats), but also for the optimal working spaces. I would grab a juice or a snack in the AM along with some caffeine to take with me on a hike.
- Sweet Peaks – This quaint ice cream parlor is delicious, and you gotta try the famous Montana Huckleberry ice cream. Also this is a stones throw from the airbnb
- Tupelo Grille – upscale,Great food and wine
- Latitude 48 – Bistro and Red Room Lounge. Great place to grab a bite to eat and then grab a cocktail downstairs at the Red Room Lounge .
- Jalisco’s Cantina – Fantastic tacos and Margs! They also have a food truck at the Whitefish farmers Market in the summer.
- Bulldog Saloon – This place is a right of passage in Whitefish and its over 100 years old, so that tells you something! Nothing fancy here just a great place to grab a beer and a burger.
- Fleur Bake Shop – I still dream of these pastries. I loved the gluten free almond raspberry tart I literally went back the night before I flew out to get a few for the flight.
- Abruzzo Italian Kitchen – Authentic Italian Cuisine all cooked from scratch. You MUST try one of their woodfired pizzas. A great place to share some delicious dishes.
DO, SHOP, and SELF-CARE:
HIKING:
We have to start with the most obvious: GET OUTSIDE and EXPLORE the breathtaking nature around you!! Check out my detailed Glacier blog HERE so you can plan and be prepared for your epic adventures
- GLACIER NATIONAL PARK – I have to start off with a bang because this was my first time visiting Glacier (and Montana) and I can honestly say it was life changing. Nothing prepares you for the views, sounds and soul touching experiences like this. Here are a list of some local recommended hikes (* are my personal faves)
- *Highline Trailhead
- *Avalanche Lake
- Logan Pass
- St Mary’s Lake
- Lake McDonald
- Bowman Lake
- Danny On Trail – 8 miles roundtrip or hike up the ski mountain and take the chairlift down after your 4 mile climb to the top
- *Mount Aeneas Trailhead
- Jewels Basin Hike
- Stanton Lake Trail
- Strawberry Lake Trail
Yoga:
There is plenty of yoga and pilates within walking distance. On days that I didn’t hike or needed to stretch out my sore muscles I attended Love Yoga.
This is where I practiced while I stayed in Whitefish, and i cannot speak more highly of this place. They were inviting, kind and offered a variety of practices. They also had a lot of extra workshops and local events going on, which was a great way to meet people. You can rent a mat, towel, and they have all the equipment you could need. They offer a free 7 day trial which was perfect for my stay, and was literally across the street from the condo… how convenient.
Whitefish Farmers Market – Located in Downtown Whitefish every Tuesday from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm during the Summer Season (May 30- September 26th). Live music, local venders and great food trucks. This is a MUST if you visit in the summer.
Whitefish Gallery Nights – First Thursdays throughout summer and fall the art of community of whitefish comes together to host an evening of featured artist exhibits, entertainment and light refreshments.
SHOP:
There are tons of boutiques, jewelry and antique shops sprinkled all over downtown Whitefish. Here are a few that stood out to me:
- Harlow – Fabulous little eclectic boutique. Brands include: For the love of lemons, Agolde, Zadig and Voltaire. A bit on the pricier side but worth it.
- The Toggery – Outdoor brands, think patagonia, Vuori, Free People. I really loved their selection of gear, clothes and shoes
- Haskill Creek farms: Cannabis Counter – I think of this as the whole foods of cannabis shops. Located outside of Whitefish not only can you stock up on gourmet CBD, THC products but also an array of incredible organic skincare products, and local treasures.
SELF-CARE
Contrary to what you might think there is no shortage of self care in whitefish. From IV treatments to massages there is something for everyone. This is perfect to relax your tired and muscles after exploring and hiking.
- Vibe Wellness Lounge – Located in the heart of downtown whitefish they offer everything from massage, chinese medicine to waxing
- Spa at Whitefish Lake – from massages to manicures to views overlooking Whitefish lake. An added bonus to booking a spa treatment at the Lodge is that you have full access to the seasonal outdoor pool and lakefront hot tub the day of your spa service.
- Flathead Contour Spa – An innovative spa at the forefront of regenerative medicine. They offer unique services such as Stem Cell Therapy, Oxygen Therapy, IV hydration and non invasive body contouring.
- Natural Elements Massage and Spa – Do not let the location fool you (inside mountain mall) this place is nothing fancy but unbelievably INCREDIBLE!! One of the best massages I have received, which was perfect after a long day hiking the Highline Trail! Could not recommend more and great prices!
What are your must sees in Whitefish?
Seems like an amazing place to get lost and find yourself!! Beautiful photos!!