Whitefish is located near Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park. Visitors can easily explore all three areas during their stay in the city. The town is defined by the mountain peaks that rise above it, such as the iconic Big Mountain, which towers over 6,800 feet above sea level. The mountain range creates the perfect backdrop for hikes, skiing, and snowboarding. Summer activities in the area include hiking, canoeing, fishing, and biking while winter adventures are mostly consumed by skiing and snowboarding. Tourists from around the world come here along with the locals to indulge in these activities.
One of the biggest attractions in Whitefish is Glacier National Park, a nearly 1,600 square mile national park renowned for its immaculate beauty and incredible wildlife. The park attracts over three million visitors annually, making it the second most visited national park in the United States after Yellowstone. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of hiking trails and enjoy a wide range of recreational activities like rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and biking. Even in winter, the park remains beautiful with its snowy landscape where guests can ski, snowshoe or snowmobile through the wilderness.
Whitefish also has a lively downtown area, with a community-oriented atmosphere and a plethora of unique shops, restaurants, and bars. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, making it very easy to get around and explore the area. One of the most famous spots in town is The Buffalo Cafe where guests can enjoy freshly baked goods or a classic breakfast that has been serving the locals for over forty years.
The town is also famous for its annual Whitefish Winter Carnival, a ten-day event held every February, featuring a parade, street performances, and ice sculptures, among other activities. The event is unique, with a traditional Pushball game that is played in the snow by teams of ten. Visitors can indulge in other winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding while enjoying the festive ambiance.
Another must-see location in town is the historic train station built-in 1927. The station has since been transformed into a hotel, The Firebrand Hotel, which still manages to retain a lot of its original charm. One can’t imagine that behind the walls of an old train station is a luxury hotel offering all modern facilities required by the guests.
Overall, Whitefish, Montana, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, landscape admirers, and anyone who is captivated by the charming small-town lifestyle. Whether visitors are coming here for a winter vacation or a summer adventure, the vast amount of outdoor activities combined with the rich cultural attractions available in the area make for an unforgettable experience. With its striking surroundings, rich history, welcoming community, Whitefish has something for everyone to enjoy.