Super Sideloops: Whitefish

Take a super side trip to Whitefish! Just follow the signs at the Highway 2 Junction where Columbia Falls and Bigfork diverge and you’ll find an island of culture in an ocean of mountain recreation. Whitefish sits at the base of Big Mountain, home of Whitefish Mountain Resort, one of North America’s top 25 ski destinations. With its covered sidewalk main street leading to the cultural arts center, historic railroad depot museum, and public library, this quaint, picturesque western town offers visitors a change from the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of life elsewhere.

A walk down wide Central Avenue reveals a vibrant mix of traditional businesses: the family shoe store, barbershop, hardware store, drugstore, and sport shops -- interspersed with excellent restaurants, coffee houses, a brewery, Broadway-caliber theatre, art galleries, and western shops.

The Whitefish area is a year-round outdoor playground. In warmer months, from June through September, visitors soak up mountain sun - boating on Whitefish Lake, rafting the southern boundary of Glacier National Park, cycling the trails through deep green forests, and golfing some of the Northwest’s finest courses. September ends in a glorious profusion of color as the birch, western larch, and aspen turn gold. The color lasts well into October, allowing plenty of time to enjoy scenic drives and hikes.

In late October skiffs of snow appear on the peaks, and by late November, winter arrives. Winter means skiing and snowshoeing, sleigh rides and dogsledding. Spring means rummaging around in closets for fly rods, hiking boots and binoculars for the spectacular fishing and birding. And then comes the glorious summer sun once again. Abundant winter snows, cherry blossom springs, time-stretched summer days, and golden autumn hues set the scene for a matchless four-season vacation experience.

Whitefish is undiscovered in many respects, but not by airlines and rail. Four major carriers fly commercial jet liners into Glacier International Airport, about a 15-minute car ride from downtown Whitefish. As a historic railroad town, Whitefish has been served by passenger trains since the days of Teddy Roosevelt. Today, Amtrak trains from Chicago, Seattle and Minneapolis stop at our historic depot daily. Driving to Whitefish is almost as easy as it is beautiful, with several major highways converging in the area. Take a super side trip off the Montana Scenic Loop to Whitefish.

Learn more about Whitefish!