Spring and summer in Whitefish offers close access to the hanging valleys and emerald peaks of Glacier National Park, just 25 miles from town. Fish a clear mountain stream, hike an alpine trail, or embark on a historic driving tour of the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road. More than 700 miles of well-marked trails provide an incredible variety of hiking to explore mountain lakes, glaciers, plant life, and glimpses of the full-time residents such as grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, deer, and more.

Nestled at the edge of town, Whitefish Lake is perfect for water sports, from paddling and swimming, to waterskiing with three public access points. Golf in the Whitefish region is nationally recognized and the Whitefish Lake Golf Club is the only 36-hole course in Montana. Whitefish Mountain Resort has more than 40 miles of mountain bike trails, including lift-serviced trails for downhill freeriders on "Runaway Train," as well as beginner and intermediate bikers on "The Summit Trail." Just minutes north of town, the new "Whitefish Trail" offers 20 miles of new trails recently opened in 2010. Ongoing additions to this conservation and recreation project will create a recreational trail system consisting of 55 miles over the next five years.

Summer at Whitefish Mountain Resort offers open chairs and enclosed gondolas to whisk you on a 15-minute scenic ride from the Mountain Village to the summit of Big Mountain. Experience the canopy of the forest from a boardwalk up to 70-feet above the forest floor on The Walk in the Treetops. Or strap on a paragliding-style harness, click into the cable trolley, and you're flying on a zip line tour more than 300-feet off the ground at speeds of up to 50 mph. Then grab a sled, ride the lift, and race down the Alpine Slide, controlling your speed through straight-aways and around banked curves.

After a day of adventure, Whitefish is known for award-winning cuisine, world-class wine selections, and great service, with more than 40 restaurants offering both old classics and upscale fine dining. The local Farm Hands group produces a map identifying the working farms of the Flathead Valley to strengthen the natural bond between the people who produce food and the people who eat it. Every Tuesday during the summer, the local Farmers’ Market is a great place to sample the valley’s crops. Many Whitefish chefs rely on the produce and meat from local farmers to prepare unique creations made from the freshest ingredients.

After dinner, get up on stage for an open mic night session or just enjoy the band at one of the many hot spots. The Cultural Arts Center offers theatre, dance, and music. Or explore a gallery or museum while you stroll the covered sidewalks of Central Avenue.

With Glacier Park International Airport just 11 miles from town, Whitefish offers one of the closest destination airports to a ski community in the nation. Or hop on Amtrak’s Empire Builder, with twice-daily arrivals to the historic Whitefish Train Depot. Once you’re here, you’ll sleep well in one of more than 50 hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts on the mountain or in town.