Whitefish, Montana, is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, breathe deep, and never leave. Nestled between Glacier National Park and the turquoise lakes of Flathead Valley, this mountain town offers adventure at every turn, and the best part is that so much of it can be enjoyed with your dog by your side.

Start your trip with a visit to Glacier National Park! Dog-friendly spots here may be limited, but the places you can bring your dog are pretty spectacular. Apgar Village is the perfect place to hang out for the day - spend time along the shore of Lake McDonald taking in the colorful pebbles beneath the crystal-clear water, or rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide across the glassy surface with your pup. Even without hitting the trails, the views alone will remind you why Glacier is on so many bucket lists.

Heading south, make a stop at Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Here, dogs are welcome to splash, swim, and cool off, and there are plenty of public access points to find your own little stretch of shoreline. Afterward, reward yourself with a meal and a craft beer at Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside, their outdoor dining is ensconced in the trees with a small stream.

For those craving quieter moments, Whitefish has no shortage of hidden gems. Murray Lake is one of them - a shimmering pool of unreal blue-green water tucked away from the crowds. Just be sure to use this Google Maps link instead of AllTrails, as the latter will send you toward a gated community. The backroads route might feel a little out of the way, but the serenity and beauty of this lake make it more than worth the effort. Chances are, you’ll be the only one there or you'll only see one or two other people the entire time.

If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, consider heading out to Upper Whitefish Lake and continuing on to Red Meadow Lake. Both spots are stunning in their own right, with first-come, first-serve campsites perfect for a night under Montana’s star-studded sky. This route can be done as a long day trip, but it’s even better if you turn it into an overnight and then carry on to the tiny outpost of Polebridge. There, the quirky charm of the mercantile and its world-famous huckleberry bear claws await to finish your backcountry journey in the sweetest possible way. Be aware that you will most likely have no service on this route, luckily you aren't taking any turns until after Polebridge.

And when you’re ready to trade the wilderness for something a little more lively, downtown Whitefish has plenty to offer. Spend an evening at Thirty Eight, where food trucks, lawn games, and a community vibe make it a great spot to wind down with your pup. If you’re visiting in the summer, Tuesday nights bring the town’s farmers market to life, filling the streets with local vendors, live music, and fresh produce from 5 to 7:30 PM. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure and soak up the town’s small but vibrant energy.

Whitefish is more than just a mountain town, it’s a place that invites connection, adventure, and a slower pace of life. Between the shimmering lakes, forested trails, and warm community spirit, it’s the kind of destination that reminds you why traveling with your dog is the best way to explore the world.