MONTANA CALLING
Enjoy laid-back charm of Whitefish
Located approximately five hours (466 kilometres) from Calgary in Flathead County, Mont., the city of Whitefish has, for decades, been a popular getaway for Albertans. True, Banff, Jasper, Canmore, and all the “usual” suspects, have their merits when it comes to mountain-focused recreation. But slide across the border into Montana and everything takes on a slightly different flavour. And, in Whitefish, it tastes pretty good.
For starters, things in Whitefish tend to be more relaxed. The town, which boasts a year-round population of approximately 7,000, is a blend of white collar, blue collar, and no collar. In the historic, western-themed downtown area, everything — from the coffee shops to the watering holes — has an authenticity, an unpretentious, locally-infused aura that most other tourist towns can’t match.
The official motto of Whitefish — “Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Playground” — fits like a glove. Regardless of the season, Whitefish is hip and happening when it comes to outdoor fun. People wear it on their sleeves, live it, own it, and, in this neck of the woods, they’ve done so for generations. For visitors from Alberta, the down-home American hospitality is a welcome attribute. Not that Canucks can’t do “warm and friendly,” but, without a doubt, the small-town vibe of Whitefish is impossible not to appreciate.
And, of course, so are these top outdoor “attractions.” Here are six ways to get “recreated” in and around Whitefish.
1. The Whitefish Mountain Resort Located just 10 minutes from downtown Whitefish, the Whitefish Mountain Resort is a fortress for fun-loving outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, 13 lifts and over 3,000 acres of powder-pounded terrain (this season they have already received over 1,000 centimetres of snow) make this the second largest ski resort in Montana. In spring and summer, a giant web of hiking and mountain biking trails — as well as an alpine luge slide, aerial adventure park, zip line, summit nature centre, scenic lift rides, and a host of events — keeps things hopping.
2. The Going-to-the-Sun Road
Cut along the mountainside, curling dangerously close to sheer cliffs and slicing through an amazing alpine world in Glacier National Park, the legendary Going-to-the- Sun Road might be the most scenic highway in North America. Completed in 1932, this engineering marvel is, from late June to mid- October, a major highlight of the trip to Whitefish. A stop at the Logan Pass Visitor Center for a short hike to the Hidden Lakes Overlook is mandatory! Always check for highway conditions and possible closures before planning a trip down this highway.
3. The Whitefish Lake Golf Club
With 36 holes of excellent parkland golf right in town, the Whitefish Lake Golf Club is a popular course with both locals and visitors. Both courses — North and South — feature treelined holes laid out over gently sloping terrain beside the lake. Cosy course-side accommodations — as well as excellent stay ’n’ play packages — are available at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, which is conveniently situated adjacent to the 18th fairway on the South course.
4. The Whitefish Trail
A long-term project with a multitude of partners including private land owners, the City of Whitefish, Montana State Parks, and others, the Whitefish Trail consists of 10 trailheads and over 58 kilometres of multi-use trails encircling the lake and community. The trail, which incorporates scenic overlooks and sweeping vistas, is pure gold for runners, hikers, cyclists, Nordic skiers, snowshoers, horseback riders, and anyone who appreciates quality time in the great outdoors.
5. Whitefish Lake
An 11-km long glacier-fed lake perfectly situated within walking distance of downtown, Whitefish Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon cool-down after a morning sweat-fest on the trails. With a public boat dock, beautiful sandy beach with a designated swimming area, shady picnic area, and paddleboard and kayak rentals, City Beach is where you want to hunker down until sunset.
6. Glacier National Park
Bordering on Waterton Lakes National Park on the Canadian side, Glacier National Park (together the two parks are known as Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park) is a 4,100 square-kilometre paradise for nature lovers. From hiking the legendary Highline Trail to kayaking on Lake McDonald, the list of awesome adventures in the park ( located approximately half an hour from Whitefish) is pages long.
Regardless of which activities you choose, allowing plenty of time to visit the art galleries, craft breweries, dive bars, coffee shops and retail outlets in downtown Whitefish is a must. Ice cream at Sweet Peaks? Do that. Pizza at Jersey Boys? Yes. Morning coffee at Montana Coffee Traders. Yup. Boot-stomping roots music and buck-a-beer at the Great Northern? That works, too. Indeed, there are many ways to appreciate the laid-back charms — and loads of recreation — in Whitefish.