Exploring the Natural Wonders of Whitefish, Montana with Family Friendly Activities

  • Day 1: Exploring Glacier National Park
    35 minutes (27 miles) north of Whitefish, MT

    Start your family adventure by exploring the stunning Glacier National Park. Each turn offers incredible views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, and wildlife. Make sure to stop by popular hiking trails such as the Highline Trail and Avalanche Lake.

  • Day 2: Fly fishing on the Flathead River
    25 minutes (16 miles) south of Whitefish, MT

    Experience one of the greatest past times of Montana by fly fishing on the Flathead River. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced angler, spending a day on the river with a professional fly fishing guide is a great activity for the whole family. Cast your line and catch some Rainbow Trout or Whitefish!

  • Day 3: Fun at Whitefish Lake
    10 minutes (7.2 miles) northwest of Whitefish, MT

    Spend the day with the whole family at Whitefish Lake. This popular lake is known for its crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and water activities. Rent a pontoon boat or take a paddleboard lesson with outfitters like Montana Raft or Tamarack Ski & Lake Shop. Don't forget to bring a lakeside picnic to enjoy in the sunshine!

  • Day 4: Horseback Riding in the Mountains
    30 minutes (20 miles) east of Whitefish, MT

    Saddle up for a family-friendly adventure on horseback in the mountains. Companies like Sunburst Adventures and Bar W Guest Ranch offer horseback rides for all skill levels with Western guides who share stories about Montana's cowboy history. Take in the views of the Flathead Valley and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

  • Day 5: Enjoying Downtown Whitefish
    5 minutes (1.8 miles) south of Whitefish Lake

    Take a leisurely stroll through historic downtown Whitefish and explore boutique shops, art galleries, and local restaurants. Make sure to visit The Whitefish Gallery, Stumptown Art Studio, or The Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery. For a sweet taste of Montana, visit Sweet Peaks Ice Cream or Loula's Cafe.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Glacier National Park (full day, $35.00 per vehicle)
  • Fly fishing on the Flathead River (half day, $350.00 per person)
  • Whitefish Lake (full day, $10.00 per vehicle)
  • Horseback Riding in the Mountains (half day, $90.00 per person)
  • Downtown Whitefish (half day, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $1,095.00

Transportation

During your trip to Whitefish, Montana, renting a car is highly recommended to make the most of your time exploring the surrounding areas. In addition to renting a car, companies like Glacier Taxi offer transportation for a more comfortable and convenient option, but may incur additional costs. The car rental cost varies depending on the model and time of year, and is estimated at around $350.00 for the 5-day duration of your trip. The roads and landscapes of Montana are breathtaking and a road trip is a perfect way to take in the beauty of the Big Sky Country.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider a tour of the Whitefish Mountain Resort or hiking the Big Mountain trails. You could also extend your trip to include a visit to Flathead Lake or more outdoor activities such as rock climbing or rafting. For a shorter trip, skip the horseback riding, or fly fishing and spend more time combating the charming downtown area, where you can find a plethora of shops and restaurants.

Airports

The nearest airport to Whitefish, Montana is Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), located in Kalispell, approximately 12 miles northeast of Whitefish. FCA airport offers multiple daily flights from major cities in the United States, including Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Salt Lake City. Ground transportation between the airport and Whitefish is available for a fee, and takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

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