Whitefish Travel and Things to Do Guide

An authentic mountain town known as the recreation capital of Montana, Whitefish is also a fantastic destination for small to mid-sized events and group gatherings. Despite its serene location in the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, which proves fantastic recreation options, Whitefish is still easily reachable and conveniently placed. It is just 15 minutes away from Glacier Park International Airport, making it one of the country's closest mountain towns to a major airport. Meeting groups often use Whitefish as a teambuilding spot, as well as a basecamp for touring and exploring the nearby Glacier National Park, which sits 25 miles away. Adventurers of all abilities can explore Whitefish's diverse skiing and snowboarding terrain, much of which is perfect for first-timers. More than 700 guest rooms and nearly 46,000 square feet of meeting space in Whitefish makes it a perfect resting and event space for everyone, too.

Getting around Whitefish is a breeze, thanks to its breadth of transportation options. Amtrak's Empire Builder route arrives twice daily at the town's historic train depot, and downtown Whitefish is pedestrian-friendly. The seasonal Glacier Express Shuttle provides free transportation between downtown Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort, as well as low-cost service to Apgar Visitors Center in Glacier National Park. The seasonal SNOW bus offers free daily transportation between downtown Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort, stopping at lodges, entertainment and recreation spots, restaurants, and the Central Avenue shopping district.

This picturesque town boasts plenty of year-round and group-friendly activities and adventures, thanks to its setting along Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and among many lakes, rivers, and hundreds of miles of well-marked trails. Groups visiting Whitefish during the winter season have their pick of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sleigh rides, while those visiting in the spring, summer, or fall can enjoy a wealth of outdoor activities. Some options include boat cruises, horseback riding, golf, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fly fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a fantastic destination for group activities and events, as it features 105 marked ski runs, five terrain parks, 30+ miles of mountain bike trails, a one-third-mile alpine slide (the only one of its kind in Montana), and teambuilding activities at the aerial adventure park. Challenge guests with cable bridges, rope ladders and trapeze, as well as walks in the treetops during a 2.5-hour relaxing walk and guided tour on a 70-foot-high boardwalk.

A second popular group spot, the Bar W Guest Ranch offers private event space, as well as group recreation options ranging from snowy sleigh rides to archery. Groups can tee off at the 36-hole Whitefish Lake Golf Club, take a class at the Stumptown Art Studio, set out on a relaxing (or thrilling) rafting excursion, or tackle rock climbing.

Groups also frequent the nearby Glacier National Park, a beloved one-million-acre natural wonder that's just 25 miles from Whitefish, as well as a World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and the world's first International Peace Park. The park spans more than 700 miles of trails through pristine forests and alpine meadows, and features spectacular glacial lakes and the beautiful 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. The park is perhaps best toured aboard Red Bus Tours, which operates a fleet of vintage 1930s buses with roll-back tops allowing for full mountain and sky views. If your group would prefer to stay a bit more grounded, there's always charming downtown Whitefish and its welcoming shops, eateries, galleries, and nightlife.