things to do in whitefish montana

3 Days, 3 Dogs: Whitefish, Montana

Ever dreamt of a getaway where your furry companions are just as welcome as you are? Enter Whitefish, Montana; a charming mountain town that embraced our three pups and us with open arms (and paws!).

Home away from home

Nestled amongst towering pines and aspen trees, The Cabins at Whitefish, provided the perfect home base for our canine crew. We stayed in the Red Meadow Cabin J, which generously offered space for all of us to stretch out, a fully-equipped kitchen for whipping up delicious meals, and a fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars. The highlight for our pups? Being allowed on the furniture (yes, you read that right!), and the private balconies with stunning mountain views where they could sniff the fresh air to their hearts’ content.

More Dog-Friendly Stays: Best Dog-Friendly Stays in Whitefish, Montana

Adventures Aplenty

Glacier NPS: When visiting Whitefish, Montana you’ll be just a short 20-minute drive away from Glacier National Park. It is a breathtaking wonderland of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. Since we visited in October, we not only had the park almost entirely to ourselves, but we were able to witness the beautiful changing leaves. I don’t think we’ve ever seen such a magical view than on the dock in the middle of Glacier National Park. I highly recommend bringing your own canoe or renting one from Go Glacier Outfitters, so that you and your pups can paddle out into the pristine glacier waters for a once in a lifetime view.
most beautiful dog-friendly national park
hungry horse in montana

Hungry Horse: We highly recommend driving over to the neighboring town of Hungry Horse. There are endless off-leash trails for you and your dog to explore. Our dogs especially loved jumping from rock to rock in the water. So outdoor enthusiasts; don’t skip a visit here or you’ll be having serious FOMO. 

Culinary Delights

Prepare to fuel your adventures with Whitefish’s many delightful eateries.

 

But First, Coffee.

 

Folklore Coffee:

 

This local Whitefish, Montana favorite is a favorite for a reason. This coffee shop gives off a welcoming, small town vibe from the minute you walk through the doors. Between the greenery inside, cozy seating, and mini thrift shop; you’ll easily lose track of time inside. Like most coffee shops and eateries in Whitefish though, dogs are only allowed on the patio. During the summer months, there’s a small patio setup perfect for you and your fur baby to kick back and relax.

 

Montana Coffee Traders:

This could very well be your new “go-to spot” for a caffeine fix and a pup-friendly pit stop. Their dog-friendly patio is the perfect place to people watch with your pup while sipping on a smooth macchiato.

We give Montana Coffee Traders huge bonus points for having treats for your four-legged companions. Just remember, pups aren’t allowed inside; so grab your cup of jo’ to-go, and head outside for a bonding session you and your best bud won’t forget.

📍110 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT

 

Wild Coffee Company:

 

Wild Coffee Company in Whitefish is a woof-worthy oasis waiting to be sniffed out. Imagine this: your pup basking in the sun on their dog-friendly patio while you’re digging into a legendary biscuit sandwich (the bacon, egg, and cheddar is heavenly!). The coffee’s top-notch, but those buttery, flaky biscuits steal the show every time.

We give Wild Coffee bonus points, too, for their mission to protect the public lands and outdoor spaces we all love to explore. They dedicate 1% of their profits to the outdoors; focusing on local nature non-profit organizations.

📍309 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT

FAVORITE BITES

Ciao Mambo

Our second night in Whitefish we were lucky enough to snag a reservation to Ciao Mambo, and we are happy to report it’s worth the hype. We indulged in the most flavorful authentic Italian food; making, Ciao Mambo, a must-visit spot for any pasta enthusiast.

While visiting, we were blown away by how welcoming and inviting the restaurant itself felt. We could tell that it was not only popular among tourists, but it was also the local hangout. While visiting Ciao Mambo, it was hard not to feel like everyone and anyone was welcome.

So what did we order? The question should probably be, “What didn’t we order?”

To start we ordered the Tootsie Rolls, which are paper thin whole egg wrappers stuffed with fresh ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and pesto that you then dip into their homemade marinara sauce. We also ordered the caprese as one of our appetizers, because I’ve found that you can tell a lot about an Italian restaurant by the quality of the caprese ingredients. I’m here to tell you, both the tootsie rolls and the caprese were outstanding.

For the main course we went family style, and ordered:

  • Pasta Ravenna: bowtie pasta, grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke 
hearts, and mushrooms in a roasted garlic cream sauce, 
which never disappoints!
  • Linguine Arrabbiata: spicy italian sausage and fire roasted peppers tossed in a zesty marinara sauce
  • Fettucine alla Lulubella: creamy parmesan sauce with pancetta, prosciutto, peas, mushrooms and aged parmesan

Although we were absolutely stuffed from dinner, the Whitefish Cabin hosts had raved about the cannoli di bacche for dessert. There was no way we were skipping dessert, so we ordered ours to-go.

This signature cannoli was dipped in chocolate ganache and drizzled with their in-house huckleberry sauce, and I honestly don’t even have the words to describe how incredibly perfect it was. The flakey dough had a hint of cinnamon in every bite that was truly out of this world. Plus, the combo of huckleberry and chocolate ganache gave it a sinful decadence that we didn’t even know we needed.

If you’re wanting to ensure a table at this popular Whitefish restaurant, we highly recommend making a reservation at least 4 days in in advance during the off-season, and a minimum of 2 weeks in advance during peak season on OpenTable. Believe me when I tell you that the likelihood of getting a table without a reservation is next to none.

Craggy Range Bar + Grill

For lunch, I highly recommend popping on over to Craggy Range Bar + Grill for some American eats. The rest of our lunch party ordered sandwiches, which they raved about; however I ordered the soup of the day. If you are soup obsessed like me, then I can’t recommend ordering one of their soups for lunch. When we visited, they were featuring their family’s clam chowder recipe, which was to die for!
Buffalo Cafe Craving some serious post-adventure comfort? Look no further than Buffalo Cafe in Whitefish. This family-owned gem serves up classic Montana hospitality alongside dishes that are as warming as a crackling fireplace. Our local guide to Whitefish kept raving about the legendary beef stroganoff. Now… my husband’s heart belongs to another – Buffalo Cafe’s beef stroganoff. Rich, creamy, and studded with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, each bite is a hug on a plate. Now, if you’re unable to eat beef like me due to an allergy, not to worry. I can personally vouch for the hot honey crispy chicken sandwich – its crispy breading has the perfect touch of spice that’ll leave you wanting more. Overall, Blue Buffalo Cafe is the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a long day in the mountains.

Memories beyond measure

Beyond the stunning scenery and delectable eats, it was the genuine dog-friendliness of Whitefish that truly captured our hearts. From our cabin host’s charming dog-friendly recommendations to the friendly faces at local shops and restaurants; our pups were treated like they, too, were members of the town. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a celebration of the bond between us and our fur kids, which made the town of Whitefish, Montana one of our all-time favorite places to travel to with our dogs.
dog-friendly cabin in montana

Planning your own whitefish dog-venture?

Inspired to embark on your own dog-friendly Montana adventure? Here are some tips:

  • Book your stay at The Cabins at Whitefish for a truly dog-friendly experience.
  • Check out Glacier National Park for unforgettable hikes and stunning scenery.
  • Fuel up at Folklore Coffee and Ciao Mambo for delicious bites.
  • Don’t miss the Instagram-worthy gelato at Boudoir Bar Cafe, and don’t forget to bring your ring light to take the cutest pink pics.
  • Explore the many dog-friendly shops and restaurants in Whitefish.
  • Pack your hiking boots for the unforgettable outdoor adventures you’ll get to experience 
  • Book your tee time now for the Whitefish Golf Club, which is just blocks away the Cabins at Whitefish. 
  • Most importantly, create lasting memories with your furry best friend by your side!

So, pack your bags, unleash your inner adventurer, and head to Whitefish for a wooftacular getaway you’ll never forget!

Leave a Comment

The Comments

  • Best Dog-Friendly Stays in Whitefish, MT | Urban Bird Dogs
    January 2, 2024

    […] For the perfectly curated dog-friendly itinerary in Whitefish, Montana, checkout our Guide to Whitefish with Three Dogs in Three Days. […]

  • Linda Chapman
    May 28, 2024

    Please send names and numbers of motels. Love Whitefish, MT

    • urbanbirddogs_2lbsp0
      > Linda Chapman
      June 1, 2024

      Hey Linda!! When you say names and numbers, which place would you like the contact info for? All of the posts should link to their booking sites. Let me know though if that’s not the case.

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