Local Attractions
From iconic national park adventures to lakeside leisure and world-class skiing, Whitefish offers unforgettable experiences in every season. Great Northern Mountain Escape places you minutes from downtown Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort, and about 40 minutes from the West Glacier entrance—perfect for day trips, family outings, and destination wedding weekends.
Explore Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and the Flathead Valley
Glacier National Park
Downtown Whitefish
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whitefish Lake
Trails, Rivers, and Scenic Drives
Best time to visit
Four-Season Guide
Winter
Ski/ride Whitefish Mountain Resort, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and cozy après.
(Dec–Feb)
Spring
Waterfalls and wildflowers in Glacier national park and the valley; quieter parks and trails.
(Apr–May)
Summer
Glacier National Park peak season, lake life, scenic lifts, zip lines, alpine slides, and long golden evenings.
(Jun–Aug)
Fall
Golden larch and aspen foliage, cool temps, fewer crowds—prime for photography and hiking.
(Sep–Oct)
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park features alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing across more than a million acres. Drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road, hike bucket-list trails like Highline, Avalanche Lake, Iceberg Lake, and Grinnell Glacier, or book a scenic float on the Flathead River. Timed-entry reservations are often required in peak season—plan ahead.
What to know:
What to know:
- West Glacier entrance is typically ~40 minutes from the estate.
- Consider Many Glacier and alternative gates if Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road reservations are sold out.
- Guided rafting and scenic floats are available seasonally.
Just minutes away, Whitefish Mountain Resort delivers four-season adventure. In winter, ski and ride over 3,000 acres with sweeping views across the Flathead Valley and Glacier’s peaks. Summer brings scenic chairlift rides, Montana’s marquee zipline, lift‑access mountain biking, alpine slides, and an aerial adventure park—fun for all ages. Check seasonal opening dates and activity hours.
Highlights:
Highlights:
- Winter: Diverse ski and board terrain, lesson programs, on-mountain dining.
- Summer: Scenic lifts, zip line tours, alpine slides, biking, aerial adventure park.
Spend a summer day at Whitefish Lake—swim, paddleboard, kayak, or rent a boat to explore the shoreline and coves. Whitefish City Beach offers a sandy shore, picnic areas, and mountain views, perfect for families and relaxed afternoons after morning hikes. Anglers will find lake trout and whitefish among other species. Lake access is just minutes from our front door.
Ideas:
Ideas:
- Rent Stand up paddle boards (SUPs) or kayaks and head to quieter coves.
- Boat to a lakeside dock for refreshments when available.
Charming and walkable, downtown Whitefish blends small‑town warmth with elevated dining, boutiques, galleries, and a lively après scene. Stroll Central Avenue, visit the historic Depot and Museum, then enjoy dinner and Montana craft cocktails. Check seasonal events and farmers markets for local flavor.
Don’t miss:
Don’t miss:
- Whitefish Depot & Museum for local history.
- Galleries, outfitters, and artisanal shops along Central Ave.
- Local Winter and Spring events such as: Whitefish Christmas Stroll and Torchlight Parade (December), Whitefish Winter Carnival (February), Skijoring Competition (typically February), SNOW Bus Brewfest (March) and Whitefish Marathon (typically May).
- Local Summer and Fall events such as: Under the Big Sky Music Festival (July), Huckleberry Days (August), Great Northwest Oktoberfest (October), Whitefish Food and Wine Fest (September), Whitefish Songwriter Festival (September) and Whitefish Farmers Market (June through September).
- Visit the Glacier Symphony and Chorale for live music and theater events and Whitefish Gallery Nights for monthly art-focused events year round.
The Flathead Valley offers hundreds of miles of trails, from family-friendly walks to summit routes with panoramic views. The Whitefish Trail system is a local favorite, while the Flathead River provides rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Scenic drives reward with wildlife and photo stops in every season.
Top picks:
Top picks:
- Whitefish Trail: Multiple trailheads and loops near town.
- Flathead River floats and fishing day trips.
- Big Mountain Summit vistas via lift rides in summer.