Welcome to Whitefish Montana
Natural Beauty
As of Summer 2021 a reservation for Going to the Sun Road is required (this is in addition to Park entry. Details for 2022 reservations can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
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Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun RoadAs of Summer 2021 a reservation for Going to the Sun Road is required (this is in addition to Park entry. Details for 2022 reservations can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
http://flatheadlake.us/
Flathead Lake has some of my favorite views in the County. Flathead Lake is the largest non-manmade lake west of the Mississippi. It is a glacial lake and stunningly beautiful. It is also a great place to swim, kayak, paddleboard or take a boat tour.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals = http://www.seamepaddle.com/
https://www.paddleboardoutfitters.org/
Boat tours and rentals = http://www.boatrentalsandrides.com/
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/montana/cleanest-and-clearest-water-flathead-lake-mt/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=montana&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=nlbuttonB3
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Flathead Lake
http://flatheadlake.us/
Flathead Lake has some of my favorite views in the County. Flathead Lake is the largest non-manmade lake west of the Mississippi. It is a glacial lake and stunningly beautiful. It is also a great place to swim, kayak, paddleboard or take a boat tour.
Paddleboard and kayak rentals = http://www.seamepaddle.com/
https://www.paddleboardoutfitters.org/
Boat tours and rentals = http://www.boatrentalsandrides.com/
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/montana/cleanest-and-clearest-water-flathead-lake-mt/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=montana&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_content=nlbuttonB3
Our local gem. Whitefish Lake is a glacial lake with a lovely public beach.
https://crownofthecontinent.net/entries/whitefish-city-beach-whitefish-montana/2bfbc13b-272d-4e86-ae11-630992d7555f
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=paddleboarding&find_loc=Whitefish%2C+MT+59937
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Whitefish Lake
Our local gem. Whitefish Lake is a glacial lake with a lovely public beach.
https://crownofthecontinent.net/entries/whitefish-city-beach-whitefish-montana/2bfbc13b-272d-4e86-ae11-630992d7555f
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=paddleboarding&find_loc=Whitefish%2C+MT+59937
Big Mountain - our local ski mountain, has nature trails, lift rides to the top (the views are stunning), an alpine slide, mountain biking, an aerial obstacle course and zip lining.
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Big Mountain
Big Mountain - our local ski mountain, has nature trails, lift rides to the top (the views are stunning), an alpine slide, mountain biking, an aerial obstacle course and zip lining.
City/town information
Everything Whitefish at your fingertips
https://explorewhitefish.com/
https://issuu.com/whitefishmontana/docs/2021_visit_whitefish_travel_guide
https://explorewhitefish.com/do
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Whitefish
Everything Whitefish at your fingertips
https://explorewhitefish.com/
https://issuu.com/whitefishmontana/docs/2021_visit_whitefish_travel_guide
https://explorewhitefish.com/do
Food scene
One of my favorite local cocktail bars! Spotted Bear Spirits is a local distillery - everything is made on site - nothing bottled or canned. It's a distillery so you can only have 2 and they close at 8 pm.
http://www.spottedbearspirits.com/
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Spotted Bear Spirits
503 Railway StOne of my favorite local cocktail bars! Spotted Bear Spirits is a local distillery - everything is made on site - nothing bottled or canned. It's a distillery so you can only have 2 and they close at 8 pm.
http://www.spottedbearspirits.com/
Casey's rooftop is a great place for a cocktail and light bite - great views. Late night - Casey's is a dance club.
http://www.caseyswhitefish.com/
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Casey's
101 Central AveCasey's rooftop is a great place for a cocktail and light bite - great views. Late night - Casey's is a dance club.
http://www.caseyswhitefish.com/
Whitefish, Montana is situated on the 48th latitude - hence the name of this dining establishment. Lat 48 specializes in small plates. There is a dining bar where you can watch the kitchen. Downstairs is the "Red Room Lounge" serving craft cocktails, appetizers, and many evenings live music.
https://www.latitude48bistro.com/events/
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Latitude 48 Bistro
147 Central AveWhitefish, Montana is situated on the 48th latitude - hence the name of this dining establishment. Lat 48 specializes in small plates. There is a dining bar where you can watch the kitchen. Downstairs is the "Red Room Lounge" serving craft cocktails, appetizers, and many evenings live music.
https://www.latitude48bistro.com/events/
Bonsai is a family owned brewery serving a wide assortment of locally made brews and delicious casual food. Bonsai is located just north of town on the way to Big Mountain in an old home. Locals love to stop in and enjoy the seating on the lawn - you bring your dog and kids and let them run around.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45402-d7149917-Reviews-Bonsai_Brewing_Project-Whitefish_Montana.html
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Bonsai Brewing Project
549 Wisconsin AveBonsai is a family owned brewery serving a wide assortment of locally made brews and delicious casual food. Bonsai is located just north of town on the way to Big Mountain in an old home. Locals love to stop in and enjoy the seating on the lawn - you bring your dog and kids and let them run around.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45402-d7149917-Reviews-Bonsai_Brewing_Project-Whitefish_Montana.html
Jalisco Cantina -over 90 tequilas at the correct temp for sipping or mixed into your favorite beverage (and a full bar). Have appetizers or stay for dinner.
http://thejaliscocantina.com/
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Jalisco Cantina
510 Wisconsin AvenueJalisco Cantina -over 90 tequilas at the correct temp for sipping or mixed into your favorite beverage (and a full bar). Have appetizers or stay for dinner.
http://thejaliscocantina.com/
Chef Andy Blanton was a Semi-finalist 4 years running for the James Beard Best Chefs in America. Cafe Kandahar sits at the foot of Big Mountain. Chef's tables are offered. Wine parings are available. The menu is seasonal, sustainable and 100% enjoyable. Special occasion – this is the place! Great wine list. Plan to take your time and spend the evening. Reservations required.
http://www.cafekandahar.com/
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Cafe Kandahar
3824 Big Mountain RdChef Andy Blanton was a Semi-finalist 4 years running for the James Beard Best Chefs in America. Cafe Kandahar sits at the foot of Big Mountain. Chef's tables are offered. Wine parings are available. The menu is seasonal, sustainable and 100% enjoyable. Special occasion – this is the place! Great wine list. Plan to take your time and spend the evening. Reservations required.
http://www.cafekandahar.com/
My favorite place for Brunch in WF and they have an awesome Chef’s table too. They offer interesting small plates and full-sized entrees. Comfortable, centrally located, they often have live acoustic music in the early evening. Happy Hour is fun and there are great happy hour specials.
http://firebrandhotel.com/discover/food-beverage
The Firebrand Hotel
650 E 3rd StMy favorite place for Brunch in WF and they have an awesome Chef’s table too. They offer interesting small plates and full-sized entrees. Comfortable, centrally located, they often have live acoustic music in the early evening. Happy Hour is fun and there are great happy hour specials.
http://firebrandhotel.com/discover/food-beverage
All pastas are made fresh in-house daily, as are sauces and some cheeses. There is a brick oven and patio seating. The bartender makes the perfect Negroni! Reservations suggested for the dining room/patio during the summer.
https://www.abruzzoitaliankitchen.com/
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Abruzzo Italian Kitchen
115 Central AveAll pastas are made fresh in-house daily, as are sauces and some cheeses. There is a brick oven and patio seating. The bartender makes the perfect Negroni! Reservations suggested for the dining room/patio during the summer.
https://www.abruzzoitaliankitchen.com/
On Central Ave, the dining room is white table cloth, but not frumpy. Tupelo specializes in Southern "style" cuisine. I have never had a dish I dish I didn’t enjoy. The rack of lamb is nice, the elk meatloaf is a favorite and you can’t miss with the fish special. Great wine list. Reservations suggested.
Tupelo also has a very popular lounge. High tables, combined with cozy sofa arrangements and the bar – there is something for everyone. The bar specializes in small plates and great cocktails. Reservations are accepted in the bar for groups. Live music usually Wednesday thru Sunday – but check the schedule - a fun place.
https://www.tupelogrille.com/
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Tupelo Grille
17 Central AveOn Central Ave, the dining room is white table cloth, but not frumpy. Tupelo specializes in Southern "style" cuisine. I have never had a dish I dish I didn’t enjoy. The rack of lamb is nice, the elk meatloaf is a favorite and you can’t miss with the fish special. Great wine list. Reservations suggested.
Tupelo also has a very popular lounge. High tables, combined with cozy sofa arrangements and the bar – there is something for everyone. The bar specializes in small plates and great cocktails. Reservations are accepted in the bar for groups. Live music usually Wednesday thru Sunday – but check the schedule - a fun place.
https://www.tupelogrille.com/
The Belton Chalet is one of my favorite restaurants in the valley and the closest place to the Park to eat. You need a reservation for the dining room. You can hang in the Tap Room for a great drink while waiting on your reservation. You can eat a limited menu in the tap room as well. There are a few outdoor tables and if you are observant while in the tap room you can usually snag one.
http://www.beltonchalet.com/dining_near_glacier.php
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Belton Chalet
12575 US-2The Belton Chalet is one of my favorite restaurants in the valley and the closest place to the Park to eat. You need a reservation for the dining room. You can hang in the Tap Room for a great drink while waiting on your reservation. You can eat a limited menu in the tap room as well. There are a few outdoor tables and if you are observant while in the tap room you can usually snag one.
http://www.beltonchalet.com/dining_near_glacier.php
The Lodge on Whitefish Lake is the only hotel on the Lake and no expense is spared. That being said, there are a multitude of dining and imbibing options. The Hotel offers several separate dining experiences – The Boat Club lakefront dining room for breakfast and dinner (really great steak). The Boat Club lounge and lounge deck for lunch and casual dinner with the best views of the lake and sunset anywhere in Whitefish. Inside the Boat Club lounge there is live music 3 nights a week.
The poolside Tiki Bar & Grill for summertime fare. You don’t head to the Tiki Bar for the food (although not bad, it is nothing to write home about and is a bit pricey) you go for the Tiki Bar which is right on the lake. I often paddle my board in and have a drink. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis.
http://lodgeatwhitefishlake.com/amenities/food-beverage
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The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin AveThe Lodge on Whitefish Lake is the only hotel on the Lake and no expense is spared. That being said, there are a multitude of dining and imbibing options. The Hotel offers several separate dining experiences – The Boat Club lakefront dining room for breakfast and dinner (really great steak). The Boat Club lounge and lounge deck for lunch and casual dinner with the best views of the lake and sunset anywhere in Whitefish. Inside the Boat Club lounge there is live music 3 nights a week.
The poolside Tiki Bar & Grill for summertime fare. You don’t head to the Tiki Bar for the food (although not bad, it is nothing to write home about and is a bit pricey) you go for the Tiki Bar which is right on the lake. I often paddle my board in and have a drink. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis.
http://lodgeatwhitefishlake.com/amenities/food-beverage
There is another sushi option in Whitefish – in my opinion skip-it. There will be plenty of folks who disagree. Indah is owned by two women who originally started with a food truck. The food is great! The service is great and you won’t feel like you’re being mashed into a loud, overcrowded space. Check the specials.
https://www.indahsushi.com/
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Indah Sushi
250 E Second StThere is another sushi option in Whitefish – in my opinion skip-it. There will be plenty of folks who disagree. Indah is owned by two women who originally started with a food truck. The food is great! The service is great and you won’t feel like you’re being mashed into a loud, overcrowded space. Check the specials.
https://www.indahsushi.com/
The best sushi in NW Montana is located in Kalispell. It is worth the drive! (15 minutes)
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Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill
323 S Main StThe best sushi in NW Montana is located in Kalispell. It is worth the drive! (15 minutes)
This is Latin Fusion and it is delicious. On any given day you may see Mexican, Central American, or Cuban. Portions are large – you won’t leave hungry. Lunch, dinner and brunch are available. Mama Blanca’s shares a corner of the building that houses the Remington Bar.
The Remington Bar has been completely remodeled and is a great place to head for late night entertainment – live music most nights during the summer – check the events section at the link above.
https://mamablancas.com/
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Mama Blanca's
130 Central AveThis is Latin Fusion and it is delicious. On any given day you may see Mexican, Central American, or Cuban. Portions are large – you won’t leave hungry. Lunch, dinner and brunch are available. Mama Blanca’s shares a corner of the building that houses the Remington Bar.
The Remington Bar has been completely remodeled and is a great place to head for late night entertainment – live music most nights during the summer – check the events section at the link above.
https://mamablancas.com/
WHS (near the airport headed toward Kalispell - great distillery and amazing casual dining) lunch special during the week! AMAZING BURGERS and cocktails!
Whitefish Spirits moved from Whitefish but is still a favorite of mine. Great drinks, the food is all handmade. This is a family business and the love that goes into everything shows. This is a local distillery so only 2 beverages and they close at 8 pm
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Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits
2134 U.S. Hwy 2 EWHS (near the airport headed toward Kalispell - great distillery and amazing casual dining) lunch special during the week! AMAZING BURGERS and cocktails!
Whitefish Spirits moved from Whitefish but is still a favorite of mine. Great drinks, the food is all handmade. This is a family business and the love that goes into everything shows. This is a local distillery so only 2 beverages and they close at 8 pm
Is best known for their breakfast (WHICH CAN’T BE BEAT) but lunch is really good too. Breakfast and lunch are served. Casual, down-home food from chicken-fried steak to burgers. Beer and wine – friendly service – a local favorite. Even if you don’t have a meal there, stop for pie! They are winners of the best pie in town for many years.
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Loula's Cafe
300 2nd StIs best known for their breakfast (WHICH CAN’T BE BEAT) but lunch is really good too. Breakfast and lunch are served. Casual, down-home food from chicken-fried steak to burgers. Beer and wine – friendly service – a local favorite. Even if you don’t have a meal there, stop for pie! They are winners of the best pie in town for many years.
This is a sports bar with better than average bar food. Patio seating. Lunch and dinner served. Late night this is a club with live bands.
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Craggy Range Bar & Grill
10 Central AveThis is a sports bar with better than average bar food. Patio seating. Lunch and dinner served. Late night this is a club with live bands.
Casual fare. Beer and wine only. A great place for Apres Ski but also a casual dinner with friends. A favorite with locals.
http://lastchairkitchenandbar.com/
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Last Chair Kitchen & Bar
1705 E Lakeshore DrCasual fare. Beer and wine only. A great place for Apres Ski but also a casual dinner with friends. A favorite with locals.
http://lastchairkitchenandbar.com/
Excellent pizza and subs. Super friendly staff.
https://www.jerseyboyswhitefish.com/
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Jersey Boys Pizzeria
550 E 1st StExcellent pizza and subs. Super friendly staff.
https://www.jerseyboyswhitefish.com/
This is a Montana chain. The food is good. The portions are giant. They do not take reservations – plan on at least a 30 minute wait at peak times (often an hour on weekends between 6 and 8). Sit up stairs where the air conditioning makes is comfortable.
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Ciao Mambo
234 2nd StThis is a Montana chain. The food is good. The portions are giant. They do not take reservations – plan on at least a 30 minute wait at peak times (often an hour on weekends between 6 and 8). Sit up stairs where the air conditioning makes is comfortable.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything is good. Great place for families.
http://www.buffalocafewhitefish.com/
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Buffalo Cafe
514 E 3rd StBreakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything is good. Great place for families.
http://www.buffalocafewhitefish.com/
Really good crepes – you can even watch them make them if you like. Savory and sweet options. I like to go with a friend and order one sweet and one savory and share them. I am then perfectly full. The crepes are large and well filled. No mimosas but the coffee is really good.
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Amazing Crepes
123 Central AveReally good crepes – you can even watch them make them if you like. Savory and sweet options. I like to go with a friend and order one sweet and one savory and share them. I am then perfectly full. The crepes are large and well filled. No mimosas but the coffee is really good.
https://www.fleurbakeshop.com/ This is a real bakery! Bread to pastries and everything in between. I am a macaroon lover and they have them in assorted flavors! Of course, they will make any special occasion cake you desire. Check out the link to see some of their beautiful creations!
They have limited sandwiches and quiche and you should definitely grab a dozen macaroons to take with you.
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Fleur Bake Shop
103 Central Avehttps://www.fleurbakeshop.com/ This is a real bakery! Bread to pastries and everything in between. I am a macaroon lover and they have them in assorted flavors! Of course, they will make any special occasion cake you desire. Check out the link to see some of their beautiful creations!
They have limited sandwiches and quiche and you should definitely grab a dozen macaroons to take with you.
https://www.sweetpeaksicecream.com/
The best and only ice cream in Whitefish
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Sweet Peaks Ice Cream - Whitefish
419 E 3rd Sthttps://www.sweetpeaksicecream.com/
The best and only ice cream in Whitefish
https://www.coffeetraders.com/
Montana Coffee Traders – have several locations – they roast their own coffee. My favorite
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Montana Coffee Traders
30 9th St Whttps://www.coffeetraders.com/
Montana Coffee Traders – have several locations – they roast their own coffee. My favorite
The Great Northern - https://greatnorthernbar.com/music-and-specials/ In the afternoon the Northern is a very local bar. Very casual. Late night locals and tourists mingle – a lot of great bands appear here. Drinks are reasonably priced. They do serve food but I would pass.
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The Great Northern Bar & Grill
27 Central AveThe Great Northern - https://greatnorthernbar.com/music-and-specials/ In the afternoon the Northern is a very local bar. Very casual. Late night locals and tourists mingle – a lot of great bands appear here. Drinks are reasonably priced. They do serve food but I would pass.
The Blue Moon – http://bluemoonmontana.com/ - located in Columbia Falls – this is a country bar with country dancing and karaoke some evenings
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Blue Moon Nite Club
6105 US-2The Blue Moon – http://bluemoonmontana.com/ - located in Columbia Falls – this is a country bar with country dancing and karaoke some evenings
Tipps für Reisende
Nicht verpassen
Area Hiking Info
There are millions of miles to explore; some requiring peak fitness and specialized equipment, to more leisurely hikes requiring only a water bottle and some sunblock. The link below has good info on day hikes. There is a brief description of each hike and an overview – if something seems interesting click the Hike Name which will bring you to the full hike description. I love this site!
http://www.hikinginglacier.com/glacier-national-
https://www.bigskyfishing.com/National_parks/glacier/hiking-highline-trail.shtm
https://www.whitefishlegacy.org/trailheads/
Verkehrsmittel
The Red Bus Tour
A Red Bus Tour reservation includes a GTS reservation. Going to the Sun Road is the only road that traverses the Park West to East. If you look at a map you will see "the Loop" which is a hairpin turn, after that point the GTS becomes so narrow that foot traffic is forbidden. Driving requires constant attention and it is difficult for the driver to enjoy the views. If you don't plan to hike the Red Bus is best way to see Going to the Sun (the Red Buses are amazing) and you won't have to worry about parking
In-Park Transportation: Red Bus Tours | Glacier National Park Lodges
Verkehrsmittel
Is Going to the Sun Open?
In case you’re wondering why the GTS opening isn’t set in stone:
https://www.greatfallstribune.com/videos/news/2018/06/23/plowing-going-sun-road-glacier-national-park/727911002/
https://www.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm
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Horseback Riding
Whitefish Horseback Riding - https://www.thebarw.com/horseback-riding-vacations/daily-trail-rides/
Nicht verpassen
Whitewater rafting, fly fishing and horseback riding @ GNP
Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fly fishing in Glacier National Park - I recommend Wild River Adventures.
https://www.riverwild.com/about/
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Local Rodeo
There is a local Rodeo on Thursday evenings – mid-July thru mid-September - https://glaciercountryrodeo.com/