About Whitefish, MT
Nestled quietly at the base of the Rockies and surrounded by wildlife, a small town of just over 6,000 residents named Whitefish, Montana is a perfect home base for outdoor adventure. Located only 27 miles from the snowy peaks of Glacier National Park, this quaint and bustling town is nationally known for its year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing and camping, and is also home to local restaurants, shops, and annual festivities. Additional outdoor attractions near Whitefish include Grouse Mountain Park, The Danny On Trail, Beaver Lakes Trailhead, Les Mason State Park, and the recently opened Living Wetlands Interpretive Trail. Vast wilderness meets small-town history at this charming Montana vacation spot.
The resources of these forests used to be the town’s livelihood; the town originated in the mid-1800’s as a timber, farming, and ranching town, and used to be called Stumptown because of the amount of timber harvested there. It became an official locale in 1905, thanks to its proximity to the newly constructed Great Northern Railway.
The relationship with nature that this town was built on continues in the present, as people travel from around the United States and internationally to explore the nearby mountains, rivers, and forests, pursue a variety of outdoor sports, and spend time with the friendly locals who populate Whitefish. One of Montana’s finest lodges, the newly remodeled Pine Lodge on Whitefish River, is conveniently placed within walking distance from downtown Whitefish and a short drive or bus ride from Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain Resort, two of Whitefish’s most popular attractions.
What would a typical day in Whitefish look like to a visitor? Read on below and throughout the site to find dozens of activities to try out in and around Whitefish, no matter what the time frame or season may be.
The Pine Lodge is in close proximity from these area attractions:
0.3 miles from The WAVE Aquatic and Fitness Center (right around the block from the hotel)
0.5 miles from Downtown Whitefish, including a variety of restaurants, rooftop bars, shopping, equipment rental, art and more!
1 mile from O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center
2 miles from Whitefish Dog Park
2.5 miles from Whitefish Lake City Beach
5 miles from Lion Mountain State Park
8 miles from Whitefish Mountain Resort
10 miles from Big Sky Waterpark
10 miles from Glacier Park International Airport
14 miles from Downtown Kalispell
26 miles from Glacier National Park
Suggested Activities
Half Day
- Ride the gondola to the top of Big Mountain.
- Alpine slide at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
- Enjoy lunch downtown and visit the galleries and boutique shops.
- Picnic at City Beach.
- Try a Spa treatment and massage.
- Rent a bike and follow the many bike paths in town or hike the Whitefish Trail.
- Take a tour and sample local beers at the Great Northern Brewing Company.
- Nordic Ski at the Glacier Nordic Center.
- Taste homemade ice cream at Sweet Peaks.
- Visit the Stumptown Museum and historic Train Depot.
- Skate at the Ice Den.
- Check in on a show with Alpine Theatre Project or Whitefish Theatre Co.
- Swim at the Wave or join in on a yoga class.
- Take a Coffee Roasting Tour at Montana Coffee Traders.
- Paint some pottery at Stumptown Art Studio.
Full Day
- Hike the Danny On trail to the top of Big Mountain and ride the lift down.
- Try the Zipline or Walk in the Treetops.
- Ski your heart out at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
- Golf at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course and have a beer at the Club House.
- Sleigh ride at Bar W Guest Ranch or Gaynor’s Resorts.
- Try dog sledding with Winter Woods Tours.
- Nordic Ski at Stillwater Mountain Lodge.
- Rent a canoe or kayak from Sportsman & Ski Haus and float the Whitefish River.
- Take a horseback ride.
- Go fishing with Lakestream Fly Shop & Outfitters.
- Hike in Glacier National Park.
- Scenic Drive to Logan Pass and picnic along the way.
Pet-Friendly Activities
Glacier National Park does not permit dogs on trails or along lakeshores outside of developed locations. They are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic and parking areas and along roads.
To make the most of your Whitefish visit, consider these alternatives to have a great experience with your pup!
1) There is one dog-friendly trail in the park, McDonald Creek Bike Path, which is a paved trail that runs 2.5 miles.
2) Visit downtown Whitefish and stop by one of the multiple pet-friendly breweries and restaurants that have outdoor seating.
3) Zoomies, anyone? Let your dog socialize at the five-acre Hugh Rogers WAG Dog Park, which has open spaces, walking paths, benches and drinking fountains for both dogs and humans.
4) Hiking options are endless. Whitefish Mountain Resort offers 24 miles of trails, the Whitefish Trail has 42 miles of trails, and Jewel Basin Hiking Area is a 15,000 acre hiking area.
5) Why should only humans get dessert? At Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, both you and your pup can indulge in a treat after a day of adventure.
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