Our Family Adventure in Whitefish, Montana

A couple of weeks ago, our family of six headed out on our very first trip to Whitefish, Montana, and it was everything we hoped it would be (and more). Tucked up in the northern Rockies, Whitefish has this amazing mix of small-town charm, mountain adventure, and laid-back vibes. Whether it was hiking, kayaking, or finding the best huckleberry shake in town, every day felt like a new adventure.

Staying at Whitefish Mountain Resort

We based ourselves at Whitefish Mountain Resort, renting a condo right on the mountain. It ended up being the perfect spot—close to hiking trails, gondolas, and all kinds of activities. We loved waking up to mountain views and being able to walk straight out to adventure.

One thing I didn’t expect was how convenient it was to have the Morning Eagle Market right there at the base. It had all the little things you might forget—like toothpaste and deodorant—as well as frozen meals, snacks, and even a small selection of t-shirts and sweatshirts. It came in handy more than once.

And honestly, we could have filled an entire week without leaving the resort. Between the mountain coaster, zip-lining, the ropes and aerial adventure course, gondola rides, and chairlifts, there was always something to do. The mountain coaster was especially fun—speeding through the trees with the wind in our faces made us all feel like kids again.

Hiking the Danny On Trail

One of the highlights for us was hiking the Danny On Trail. The trail winds up Big Mountain through wildflower meadows and berry patches, and we lucked out with ripe huckleberries along the way. There’s something about picking berries right off the trail in Montana that just feels magical. The views along the hike were incredible, and if you don’t feel like hiking both ways, you can always mix it with a gondola ride.

A Day at Whitefish Lake

We also made time for Whitefish Lake, spending an afternoon at City Beach. It’s only about 15 minutes from the resort and such a great spot to relax. We rented kayaks, paddled out on the lake, and just enjoyed the sunshine. After a few days of mountain adventures, the lake was the perfect change of pace.

Eating Our Way Through Whitefish

One of the most fun things to do in Whitefish is eating! If there’s one thing we love as much as outdoor adventures, it’s food—and Whitefish did not disappoint. We tried several local favorites in downtown Whitefish:

Piggyback BBQ for smoky, tender barbecue.
Blackstar BrewPub for craft beer and hearty pub food.
Buffalo Café for a cozy breakfast before hitting the trails.
Clydesdale Creamery, where we discovered the best huckleberry shake ever.

One night, we treated ourselves to dinner at Buchanan’s at Kandahar Lodge, which is actually up at the ski resort. It had such a cozy mountain-lodge feel, and the food was amazing—definitely a memorable evening.

Why We Loved Whitefish

What really made Whitefish special for us was the balance. One day we were hiking and riding gondolas high above the valley, the next we were kayaking on the lake or wandering through downtown. It never felt rushed or overwhelming—just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.

For a first trip, Whitefish completely won us over. We’re already talking about going back, maybe in the winter this time, to see what the ski season is like. Something tells me this won’t be our last trip to Montana.