West Glacier or Whitefish in mid-November

Question

Hi All,

I'm taking Amtrak in mid-November to either Whitefish or West Glacier and would like to ask your thoughts on which might be best. Amtrak stops at both. My only goal is to SEE Glacier. I've read at the national park website all about the crazy weather and realize my rental car may not get far. That's okay. It's a longer drive from Whitefish but West Glacier is closer to the park. I like coffee shops and small towns (I know Whitefish offers more). Opinions? (My main goal of the trip is not the park, though I'd be thrilled if I could do at least a couple low-elevation hikes. My goal is Amtrak travel around the USA).

Thanks!

Answer

Hi there, both Whitefish and West Glacier are great options, but each offers something slightly different depending on your priorities for the trip. Here are some things to consider:

Whitefish: If you enjoy small towns with a lively vibe, coffee shops, and a variety of things to do, Whitefish will likely be the better choice for you. It’s a bit farther from the park, but the town itself has more to offer in terms of amenities, restaurants, and shops. In mid-November, the weather will likely be cold and snowy, but you’ll still have access to charming places to explore, especially in the downtown area. Whitefish also has a strong local vibe with galleries, small boutiques, and cozy cafes where you can relax and warm up after a cold day.

Things to do in Whitefish:
- Explore downtown for coffee shops, art galleries, and local restaurants.
- If you're interested, you could check out the nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort for some early-season skiing or snowboarding, though the full ski season typically starts later.
- Winter hikes or snowshoeing at lower elevations are possible, though conditions vary.

West Glacier: West Glacier is closer to Glacier National Park, and it offers a more rustic, "gateway" feel to the park. If your main goal is to see Glacier National Park itself, this is the spot for you, especially if you're okay with limited access to the park due to weather conditions in November. However, since it's a smaller and quieter town, you’ll find fewer amenities and options for things like coffee shops or shopping. Keep in mind that many accommodations and restaurants in West Glacier may be closed or limited in the off-season, but you will still have the beauty of the park surrounding you.

Things to do in West Glacier:
- Visit the nearby Glacier National Park visitor center (if open), or at least enjoy the dramatic views even if the road to higher elevations is closed.
- Take advantage of lower-elevation hikes in the area, like the Trail of the Cedars or McDonald Creek, which are generally accessible year-round.
- Drive around the area and enjoy the quiet beauty of the park in the off-season.

Which is best for your trip? If you're looking for a more vibrant, cozy town with more to do in terms of eating out, shopping, and coffee shops, Whitefish is likely the better choice. It’s also the place to go if you want a more developed base for your stay. If your primary goal is to get closer to Glacier National Park and you’re okay with potentially limited amenities, West Glacier offers a more direct connection to the park, though be prepared for the challenges that come with off-season visits.

Overall, I’d say Whitefish is the better option for a trip with a mix of small-town charm and proximity to the park, especially if you're interested in Amtrak travel and would appreciate a bit more to do during your stay. Both locations will provide the stunning beauty of the area, but Whitefish might give you more options in case the weather keeps you from venturing into Glacier as much as you'd like.

Hope that helps, and enjoy your Amtrak adventure!