driving to whitefish, montana

[nonlinear]

anyone made this drive before? is it better to drive into BC and cross from there, or drive and cross in alberta? google maps say they are about the same time and distance, but I find their time estimates are often wrong. also, what is the better drive in terms of scenery, etc.?

thanks!

[thrasher22]

When I went down this Christmas I went through BC and some friends went via Alberta and it took them at least an extra hour.

[DJ Lazy]

I use to get down to Whitefish every year, and 95% of the time we went down through Fernie and cross the border there. Quicker and much more scenic IMO.

[rizfarmer]

go hwy 22/3 Fernie route. It's way faster, I went down 3 times this year. Just watch out for cops as soon as you cross the border

[AccordTypeR]

Going through alberta you can hit up the going to the sun highway. Its a very cool drive and if you have time there is a cool hike to go on at the top. Im not too sure if it outta the way or not

[DannyO]

+1 for BC route, never done the Alberta crossing, but the BC route is an awesome drive.

[C_Dave45]

We've done both. Went down through Lethbridge and Carway..down the East side of Glacier National Park, then West into Whitefish. Took about 6 hours comfortably. Stayed at the Grouse Mountain Lodge in WhiteFish, then some little hotel in Kalispell. Drove down to Flathead Lake. Then we came home up through Eureka and the Rooseville border. Up through Sparwood, Crowsnest and then north through Millarville. Was scenic both ways, but the East side of Glacier was the best. Here is the Route we took.

Here are some pics

[nonlinear]

dave,

thanks for the awesome reply with pics. i've been through that area of BC several times, but never on the eastern side of glacier, so i'm kinda interested in that way. i'm just curious if it takes longer, and how the pass through glacier can be since it appears to be higher/more dangerous than crowsnest. can you comment on how long it was relative to the BC way?

thanks

[nonlinear]

anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants and bars?

[SRT8]

I drove down through Coutts and back through Fernie last week.

The roads are perfect (in terms of snow and ice). The Fernie route is more scenic and roads are in better shape. The route on US2 from 89 has some construction delays right now that include a long stretch on an unpaved road that can lead to huge rock chips.

My advice is to go through Fernie.

Also, a benefit to the Fernie route is that you cross into BC. Because you are an Alberta resident, you will be exempted from any provincial taxes on products you import. This includes BC PST and Alberta Health Taxes. The health tax exemption save you a good chunk of cash if you are importing any alcohol or tobacco.

[troyl]

Originally posted by nonlinear
anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants and bars?

Bulldogs in whitefish great burgers and wings! Interesting bathroom as well

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by nonlinear
dave,

thanks for the awesome reply with pics. i've been through that area of BC several times, but never on the eastern side of glacier, so i'm kinda interested in that way. i'm just curious if it takes longer, and how the pass through glacier can be since it appears to be higher/more dangerous than crowsnest. can you comment on how long it was relative to the BC way?

thanks

I cant remember which way was longer. I was just doing a relaxing weekend for our anniversary, so time wasn't a factor. I'd say close to the same, plus or minus an hour or so. It was fun going two different ways though. The roads were a snap. Actually had worse conditions coming up through BC, but just because a snowfall hit.

[texasnick]

I don't think Going to the Sun is open yet.

I usually go through Fernie.

[CSMRX7]

I have a cabin in WF, so usually go down every couple of weeks.

You can make it in 5 hours no problem without speeding if you go through BC.

I would recomend HWY 2 to Nanton then 533 to HWY 22 then this turns into 93 which takes you through Fernie and Eurika to WF.

[CSMRX7]

Originally posted by nonlinear
anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants and bars?

Also if you like BBQ then Piggy Back BBQ is the best BBQ outside the south.

It is on the west side of Wisconsin just on the north side of the rail yard.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by texasnick
I don't think Going to the Sun is open yet.

I usually go through Fernie.

No, "Going to the Sun" is not open now. It wasn't when I went down either. I didn't take that road, I took the hwy that goes down the East side of GNP (hwy 89) then goes East to Browning. Then head West on Hwy 2 into WF.
You can see my route in the link I posted. Took about 5 1/2 hours going that way. It's actually the exact same km's than the Fernie/BC route but a little slower.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by nonlinear
anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants and bars?

Another really good rib joint was "Famous Dave's"!! (hehe..I know) HUGE portions, awesome flavour, and good TV's for sports watchin.

It was in Kalispell...but only a short drive. Kalispell had better shopping and restaurants than WF.

[Sailz]

Another great bar is The Great Northern in WF

[yeahyeah]

went through fernie a month ago but took the old cowboy trail back up, was much much quicker doing so.

[Speed_69]

Anything else good to do in Whitefish?