Did you know driving along the Montana Scenic Loop allows you to skirt the edge of one of the most preserved mountain ecosystems in the world? Called the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, it spans both sides of the Continental Divide and encompasses more than 1.5 million acres. Grizzly bears, elk, moose, mountain lions, and mountain sheep roam among the four national forests found in the Wilderness Complex.

Numerous trailheads can be found along the drive!

Once you’ve pulled into town and gotten settled at your beautiful Whitefish rental home, it’s time to get out and explore!

1.  Whitefish Mountain Resort (Big Mountain)
   Whitefish Mountain Resort is the heartbeat of Winter in northwest Montana. With more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, scenic chairlifts, and panoramic views of Glacier National Park, it’s a must-see, even if you’re not skiing. Visit in October and November for Fall hikes, or hit the slopes when they open in December. When it’s time to ring in 2025, try night skiing or relax and watch a torchlight parade kick off a phenomenal fireworks display!
2. Historic Downtown Whitefish
   Central Avenue comes alive year-round with a variety of boutique shops, coffee bars, and art galleries. In December, twinkling lights, wreaths, and storefront décor create a postcard-perfect holiday scene in this picturesque downtown area.
3. Whitefish Lake & Les Mason State Park
   This glacial lake offers a peaceful Fall retreat and a dramatic frozen landscape further into Winter. Soak up sunrise views, walks along the shoreline, or spend the afternoon birding!
4. Glacier National Park
   It’s easy to reach one of the country’s most popular national parks. Only 30 minutes from Whitefish, by car (or via Amtrak) Glacier National Park offers indescribable Winter serenity. Hike or snowshoe trails, travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road, gaze at gorgeous Lake McDonald, and look for wildlife. For a unique experience, easily board the Empire Builder from the historic Whitefish Train Depot, which doubles as a museum, to reach Glacier National Park.

• October: The Great Northwest Oktoberfest – Bavarian food, local beers, and live music.
• November: Thanksgiving Weekend Kickoff – The first snow and early ski openings.
• December: Whitefish Christmas Stroll – Carols, crafts, a beautiful tree lighting, and cocoa downtown.
• New Year: New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade – Skiers descend Big Mountain with torches, followed by fireworks.
• February: Whitefish Winter Carnival – Parades, snow sculptures, and the famous Penguin Plunge. 

• Hiking the Whitefish Trail – Over 40 miles of golden larch forests and lake views.
• Mountain Biking – Ride Beaver Lake or Lion Mountain before the snow falls.
• Kayaking & Canoeing – Enjoy Whitefish and Flathead Lakes before Winter sets in.
• Photography & Wildlife – Capture elk and moose during the Fall transition.
• Nordic Skiing at Glacier Nordic Center.
• Snowshoeing and Fat Biking along the Whitefish Trail.
• Snowmobiling in Flathead National Forest.
• Dog Sledding & Sleigh Rides for magical Winter experiences.
• Après ski & relaxing in your home’s private hot tub!

After an adventurous, pulse-racing day, nothing is more satisfying than a delicious meal you didn’t have to cook yourself.

• Café Kandahar – This chop house offers elegant fine dining at the mountain base, blending alpine flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
• Tupelo Grille – A downtown favorite serving Cajun-inspired dishes and local game.
• Herb & Omnie – An elevated farm-to-table experience everyone will remember!
• Loula’s Café – A Whitefish breakfast staple known for huckleberry pancakes and homemade pies.
• Spotted Bear Spirits – A local craft distillery offering handcrafted cocktails and Montana-made spirits.
• Bulldog Saloon – Casual, historic, and authentically local.
• Abruzzo Italian Kitchen – Cozy Italian fare with fresh pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

For great beer, check out Bonsai Brewing Project, Blackstar BrewPub, or Summit House Restaurant & Bar.

• Take the scenic Amtrak to Glacier National Park and back.
• Use the free S.N.O.W. Bus shuttle.
• Remember to pack layered, waterproof clothing and sunglasses for snow glare.
• Two of the best photo spots include City Beach at sunrise and the summit of Big Mountain.

From crisp autumn hikes to torchlit ski parades, Whitefish blends mountain beauty with small-town hospitality. Take your family to Yellowstone National Park, soak up the beauty of Big Sky, hit the road to Whitefish and keep the fun going for lots of savings!

Remember: 10% OFF your luxury vacation home rental in each destination, 10% OFF a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park with Yellowstone Luxury Tours, and 20% off shuttle service between these two spectacular mountain towns. 

Call 888-451-0156 to book this incredible road trip!