Whitefish, Montana, is one of those hidden gems that seems almost too good to be true. Nestled at the edge of the stunning Glacier National Park, it offers a little bit of everything for families looking for an outdoor adventure, a relaxing getaway, or even a combination of both. From thrilling hikes and whitewater rafting to scenic lakeside views and charming small-town vibes, Whitefish is an ideal destination for a family vacation. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through must-do activities and the best places to stay, eat, and explore when visiting Whitefish.

1. Visit Glacier National Park

No family vacation to Whitefish would be complete without experiencing the majesty of Glacier National Park. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” this 1-million-acre park boasts breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 700 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Though it’s mostly known for its iconic Going to the Sun Road, open in the Summer and early Fall, there is lot’s to see and do in the park year round even with the GTSR is closed.

Best Family-Friendly Hikes:

• Trail of the Cedars: A short, accessible boardwalk loop through an old-growth forest, perfect for young children and strollers.
• Avalanche Lake: Starting at Trail of the Cedars, this moderate hike never disappoints ending at the beautiful Avalanche Lake.
• Hidden Lake Overlook: A moderate hike with incredible views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains—wildlife sightings, including mountain goats, are common along the way.
• Lake McDonald Trail: This easy 3-mile hike along the shores of Lake McDonald offers stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Scenic Drives:

Going-to-the-Sun Road: Open in the summer and fall, this iconic road takes you through the heart of Glacier, offering panoramic views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildflowers. Be sure to stop at Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, for incredible views and photo ops.

We recommend planning a full day or two for Glacier National Park, as the landscape is awe-inspiring and there’s plenty to do for all ages.

2. Experience Something New

Whitefish offers countless opportunities for you and your family to try something new and exciting. Whether you’re into outdoor adventure or simply want to experience something unique to Montana, you’ll find a range of activities that will create lasting memories.

• Llama Trekking: Ever considered trekking with a llama? It’s a fun and family-friendly way to explore the wilderness. Local companies offer guided llama treks that take you through scenic trails in the Whitefish Mountains, where the llamas carry your gear while you focus on enjoying the journey.
• Horseback Riding: Explore the picturesque Montana landscape on horseback. Guided trail rides through forests, valleys, and along rivers offer a great way to experience the beauty of the region.
• Whitewater Rafting: For families who love a bit of adventure, whitewater rafting on the Flathead River is a thrilling experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, there are tours for every skill level, offering fun rapids and beautiful views along the way.
• Mountain Biking: The Whitefish area is home to an extensive network of mountain biking trails, suitable for everyone from beginners to seasoned riders. You can even rent bikes in town or at Big Mountain and hit the trails for a fun day of outdoor exploration.
• Rock Climbing: For those looking for an adrenaline rush, rock climbing in the Whitefish area is a fantastic option. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced climber, you can find guided tours that offer everything from beginner rock climbing lessons to multi-pitch climbs with incredible views.
• Fishing: Our many lakes and rivers lend a great opportunity for fishing in the valley. Whether you are an avid fisherman or have never been, a local guided fishing experience is sure to be a blast, even in winter!

3. Take a Hike

One of the best ways to explore Whitefish and its surrounding areas is by hitting the trails. Whether you’re up for a simple walk or a more challenging adventure, there are countless hiking opportunities.

• Glacier National Park: As mentioned, Glacier offers some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Popular family-friendly hikes include the Hidden Lake Trail, Avalanche Lake, and the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail.
• Whitefish Trails: Right near town, Whitefish offers a vast network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. These trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Lion Mountain and Big Mountain trails are both easily accessible and great for families.
• Jewel Basin: Located just south of Whitefish, Jewel Basin offers more challenging hikes, but the reward is well worth it. If your family enjoys a bit more adventure, the Jewel Basin area features pristine alpine lakes and panoramic views of the Flathead Valley.

4. Golf at Some of the Best Courses in the Country

For families who enjoy a round of golf, ranked in the top 50 best places to golf in the US, the Flathead Valley has a variety of fantastic golf courses to explore. With 8 beautiful courses within a 30-minute drive, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a relaxing day on the links or a more competitive round, you’ll find something for everyone, including driving ranges and exceptional dining.

5. Discover Big Mountain

Big Mountain is the heart of Whitefish and offers year-round fun for the entire family. In the winter, it’s known for world-class skiing and snowboarding, with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.

Winter Activities:

Skiing & Snowboarding: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Big Mountain offers terrain for all levels, including ski schools for kids and beginners.

Summer Activities:

• Scenic Chairlift Rides: If you’re not into hiking but want to enjoy the views, take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. As an added bonus, enjoy lunch at the Summit House when you get to the top!
• Alpine Slide and Aerial Adventure Park: In the summer, Big Mountain transforms into an adventure park. Families can enjoy the alpine slide, aerial adventures, zip lining, and other activities that are great for smaller kids too, like Strider Bike Park and Spider Monkey Mountain.
• Mountain Biking: Big Mountain has more than 20 miles of lift-accessed and cross-country mountain bike trails above the Flathead Valley.

6. Explore Downtown

After all the outdoor adventures, be sure to take some time to explore the local culture and charm of Whitefish and the nearby town of Kalispell. These two towns offer great shopping, dining, and entertainment for the whole family.

• Downtown Whitefish: This charming town is known for its quirky boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Take a leisurely stroll down Central Avenue, grab a cup of coffee, and browse the local shops. Don’t forget to hit up Sweet Peaks for ice cream and check out the Whitefish Farmer’s Market on Tuesday evenings!
• Downtown Kalispell: Just 20 minutes from Whitefish, Kalispell has a broader selection of dining options, breweries, and shopping. The historic downtown area offers antique shops, art galleries, and locally owned stores. Don’t miss out on checking out some of the great restaurants just off the main drag like Desoto Grill and Bonelli’s Bistro!
• Columbia Falls: Though not quite as popular for its downtown life, there are some great restaurants to check out in Columbia Falls. Vaqueros, Backslope Brewery, and the Gunsight are some of our favorites. Plus, it is conveniently on your way back from Glacier National Park!

7. Relax at the Lake

One of the most picturesque parts of Whitefish is its proximity to many stunning lakes, offering numerous opportunities for water activities. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, or just enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the water, you’ll find something perfect for your family.

• Flathead Lake: Flathead Lake is the largest natural, freshwater body of water in the Western US making it a real site to see.
• Whitefish Lake: Whitefish Lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. You can rent a boat or paddle board from one of the many local rental shops, or simply spend the day lounging on the beach. City Beach is closest, but there are several other great beaches that are often less crowded and offer paddle board and kayak rentals as well.
• Lake McDonald: Located in Glacier National Park, this lake offers boat tours, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The clear waters surrounded by rugged mountains create a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

Sunset Tours:
For a truly magical experience, book a sunset cruise on Whitefish or Flathead Lake. These tours provide a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy the beauty of the area as the sun dips below the mountains.

8. Enjoy Your Stay at Haymoon Resort

To cap off your perfect family vacation, consider staying at Haymoon Resort, a luxurious retreat offering all the amenities you need for a relaxing and comfortable stay. With spacious accommodations, peaceful outdoor spaces, and easy access to local attractions, Haymoon is an excellent choice for families who want to feel at home while enjoying the beauty of Whitefish.

The resort offers everything from cozy cabins to luxury lodges, so families can pick the perfect accommodations based on their preferences. Plus, with the stunning backdrop of wooded pines, luscious lawn, flowerbeds, and rushing water, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay.

• Stunning Grounds: Haymoon Resort has 15 acres of immaculately landscaped lawns, pastures, trails, and flowers with two large ponds with fountains in the Summer.
• Amenities: Haymoon Resort Cabins all have their own BBQ, private deck, and access to the resort grounds. Corn hole games, lawn games, volleyball net, fire pits, gazeboes, picnic tables, a nature path, and more make Haymoon a fun place to stay for the whole family. Whether you choose to read, nap, play, exercise, eat, or just take in the beauty in your downtime, guests can enjoy all of this and more at the resort.
• Convenient Location: Haymoon Resort is centrally located in the valley just a short drive from all the activities above! Guests often boast that they feel the resort is secluded, yet it’s close to all the modern conveniences.

Conclusion:

Whitefish, Montana, is an amazing destination that blends outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, and charming small-town vibes. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a few days, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do, making it the ultimate family vacation spot. From hiking in Glacier National Park to relaxing at Haymoon Resort, there’s something here for every type of traveler. So, pack your bags, bring the whole family, and get ready for a trip to remember!