Page 26 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter 2021-2022

RIGHT: Travel by the speed of dog for winter fun as sled dogs head into Kalispell’s winter wonderland. Donnie Sexton
For a more adventurous way to see the lake, hit the water in a kayak. With its milder climate, Flathead Lake rarely freezes in its entirety and paddling through Somers Bay (a short drive just minutes from Kalispell) and its chain of Juniper Islands is the per- fect way to play on the lake even in the heart of winter. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and osprey.
OFF-THE-SLOPE ADVENTURES
While Montana’s mountains are a perfect playground for skiers and snowboarders, they’re even a more epic destination for snowmobiling and dog sledding. More than 320 kilometres of groomed trails and powder play areas abound throughout the mountains, with many leading to incredible views. One of the best things about snow- mobiling in Montana is that you don’t have to be a pro to hit the trails. Both Swan Moun- tain Snowmobiling and Northwest Montana Adventures offer guided tours. Plus, going with a local guide means they’ll share their favourite trails, snowmobiling tips and things to do off the trail.
Also located among the mountains of Montana are dog sled teams—and their beloved mushers—who help visitors travel at the speed of dog. Both Dog Sled Adventures and Base Camp Bigfork have well-trained teams of dogs made up of Alaskan huskies, Inuit sled dogs and rescue pups that pull winter lovers across frozen lakes and through the state’s snow-covered terrain.
If you want to play in the snow on your own two feet, head to a groomed cross- country skiing or skate destination. A few to note: Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, Blacktail Mountain X-Country Ski Area in Lakeside, Glacier Nordic Center in Whitefish and the North Shore Nordic Center in Bigfork. And if
skis aren’t your style, head out on snowshoes and hit the trails at Lone Pine State Park, or Herron Park and its Foy’s to Blacktail Trails.
GET TO KNOW DOWNTOWN
These days, Kalispell’s downtown almost takes you by surprise. Its Main Street—and nearby avenues—are wide and lined with trees and historic buildings that house local businesses, boutiques, restaurants, art gal- leries, breweries and watering holes. And while there is a storybook-like charm to downtown,italsoemulatesthespiritofthe West, with a long history of ranching, farming and real life in Montana’s rugged outdoors.
After strolling Main Street, soak up Kalispell’s past and present at the Conrad Mansion Museum, Hockaday Museum of Art—which has an impressive collection of murals from Glacier National Park—
and the Northwest Montana History Museum. End the day with dinner at a locally owned restaurant, like the new Mercantile Steak, Hop’s Downtown Grill or DeSoto Grill, before checking into one of Kalispell’s flagship hotels, boutique prop- erties or lodges.
No matter your winter vacation style, there are a few things you can always count on in Kalispell: the snow being deep and light, the people being friendly and the accommodations being welcoming and cosy.Andwhileoutdooradventuresmaybe at the heart of Montana, Kalispell’s cultured big-city offerings provide the perfect bal- ance to a vacation in the West. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information:
discoverkalispell.com
26 DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2021/2022