PLAN AHEAD: Summer in Montana is the busy season. Make sure to book your travel reservations early!
Day 1: Arrive in Whitefish MT
Scenic Chairlift Ride at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Ride a chairlift or enclosed gondola to the top of Big Mountain, for outstanding views of Glacier National Park, The Canadian Rockies, and Flathead Valley. Enjoy a beer at the Summit House before your hike or ride back down the mountain.
Stroll Downtown
Get acquainted with downtown Whitefish and all that is has to offer. Discover the many gift shops, galleries and restaurants.
Pop into the Whitefish Museum
The Stumptown Historical Society maintains the classic train depot, where the museum is located. This is a fun and fascinating place to explore.
Day 2: Glacier National Park
Red Bus Jammer Tours
Take a ride back in time while you view the sites of Glacier National Park in style on one of the historic red buses. These vintage motor coaches, travel over the Going to the Sun Road and link all of the hotels and inns within the park. Drivers provide a narrative as you tour through the park.
Scenic Drive and Hike in Glacier National Park
Drive Going to the Sun Road to the Logan Pass Visitor Center. After a tour of the Visitor Center hike to the Scenic Lake Overlook and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the peaks of Glacier.
Boat Tours
Drive over to Many Glacier and enjoy unique, awe-inspiring views. Several of the Park's larger glaciers can be seen from the Many Glacier boat tour. Cross Swiftcurrent Lake, take a steep .25 mile walk, then board another boat to the head of Lake Josephine. Additional boat tours are available from St. Mary Lake, Lake MacDonald, Two Medicine and Apgar.
Airplane Tours
Get a bird's eye view of the Going to the Sun road and marvel over the aqua-colored lakes and glaciers of the high-country. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, big horn sheep and bears!
Day 3: Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting
Want to stay cool on those hot summer days? Enjoy the rugged scenery while floating the glacial fed Flathead River along the southwestern boundary of Glacier National Park. River guides navigate down miles of Class II-IV rapids and entertain you on the scenic portions of the float.
Day 4: Whitefish Mountain Resort
Zip Line Tour at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Fly through the forest, while enjoying scenic views of Flathead Valley. Side by side zipping is offered on the zip-lines at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Tours can range from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
Alpine Slide at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Glide and slide down a luge-like track at Whitefish Mountain Resort. A wheeled cart is used to navigate the slide and is fun for all ages.
Mountain Biking
Whitefish offers endless mountain biking opportunities. The lift-accessed trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort has rides for all skill levels and is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenic views of Glacier peaks and Flathead Valley.
Huckleberry Picking
The Montana huckleberry is closely related to the blueberry, though no self-respecting Montanan would compare the two. The Big Mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort is the perfect place to test your huckleberry hunting abilities. Grab a bucket and climb the hillsides to find all the secret stashes!
Day 5: Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing
Experience Montana fly fishing at its finest with Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and National Forests as breathtaking backdrops. The Flathead River system of northwestern Montana offers memorable fishing opportunities. From sites of easy access to those of remote wilderness, the Flathead waters can provide diverse fishing experiences.
Day6: Whitefish Lake
Paddle Board Whitefish Lake
A unique way to enjoy the pristine lakes in the surrounding area, paddle boarding is fun for all ages. Enjoy excellent views, while cooling off in the hot summer sun. It's almost like walking on water!
Day 7: Polebridge, Montana
The Mercantile
A trip to Northwest Montana wouldn't be complete without a drive up the North Fork Road to Polebridge, Montana. It doesn't matter if you are setting up tent alongside Kintla or Bowman Lake, fishing, canoeing or rafting the North Fork Flathead River, immaculate day hikes away from the crowds, it all begins with a stop at the Polebridge Mercantile. The Mercantile has the best home-baked, tasty treats in all of Montana (from fresh baked bread and cinnamon rolls, to cookies and sandwiches). This is one of the best kept secrets!
Dining Suggestions
Pick from the many selections of restaurant and bars, from upscale sushi to Montana grown burgers. The downtown nightlife scene is not one to miss!
Breakfast
- The Buffalo Cafe was established in 1979 and is one of the most popular places to enjoy breakfast in Whitefish. Breakfast items such as banana walnut pancakes, cinnamon french toast, and biscuits and gravy keep locals coming back for more.
- LouLa's Cafe features "made from scratch" dishes using fresh and local products. LouLa's breakfasts include the standard fare as well as popular originals like Lemon Stuffed French toast with raspberry sauce or Eggs Benedict with white truffle oil. Try their famous pies to boot!
Lunch
- MacKenzie River Pizza Co. has developed a notable menu that offers choices far beyond just pizza. Gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, and salads guarantee that there are options for everyone.
- Amazing Crêpes started as a mobile crêperie serving local farmers markets and recently opened its doors in downtown Whitefish. Crêpes are made from scratch using fresh, whole, and local ingredients.
- If you are hungry, The Great Northern Bar and Grill can fill you up without putting a serious dent in your wallet. Established in 1919 "The Northern" is the favorite local tavern. In the evenings it is the place to be for live music and an all around good time.
Dinner
- The Tupelo Grille is one of the top eateries in the Flathead Valley. Tupelo Grille specializes in Cajun and Southern cuisine, fresh seafood, steaks and pasta. From small plates to entrees some not to miss items are: shrimp and grits, chicken and dumplings, and of course their renown bread pudding for desert.
- Sushi in Montana? The Wasabi Sushi Bar & Ginger Grill offers sumptuous meals of Asian cuisine with contemporary flair, including AMAZING sushi. Make a reservation because Wasabi is always packed with the locals.
- Haskill Station offers a casual and family friendly environment in a wonderful eclectic folk art setting. The menu is designed around the best of pub food offerings and is the first stop on the way down the ski hill.
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