Western Montana’s Glacier Country is charging into 2026 with new tourism-related products, including new hotels, experiential offerings and, of course, tasty culinary options. Here is a sampling of what has been rolled out recently, as well as what’s coming in 2026.
ACCOMMODATIONS NEWS
Whitefish welcomes a new boutique hotel, Larch House, which opened in January 2026, featuring an upscale experience with 39 guest rooms and alpine-inspired dining that celebrates local Montana flavors, along with a rooftop bar and pool. The Whitefish Riverfront Hotel (formerly Pine Lodge) has undergone renovations and changed hands, joining Averill Hospitality, and features 76 rooms with complimentary breakfast. And in the fall of 2026, a stunning new 8,300-square-foot event center will be unveiled at Grouse Mountain Lodge.
Kalispell welcomes two new properties. Home2 Suites by Hilton Kalispell opened in the summer of 2025, offering full-suite accommodations, complimentary breakfast, a fitness center and an indoor pool. It is located north of downtown Kalispell, with easy access to Whitefish Mountain Resort and Glacier National Park. Hyatt Studios Kalispell is set to open in 2026, offering apartment-style suites with full kitchens and living areas. Perfect for both short-term and long-term stays. Enjoy free grab ‘n’ go breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking and a 24-hour fitness studio—plus an outdoor patio with grills and a firepit.
In Missoula, the Gibson Mansion has reopened, welcoming guests back to one of Missoula’s most distinctive historic properties, thoughtfully restored for modern stays in the four-bedroom mansion. The DoubleTree by Hilton Missoula – Edgewater has undergone renovations and is in the process of rebranding to Edgewater Missoula, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offering stays that reflect the unique story and spirit of its location.
EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Wild North Guides specializes in personalized guided day trips, group backpacking trips and private shuttle services throughout the Glacier National Park region and beyond. Rocky Mountain Glass Kayak Company now offers Montana’s only LED-lit glass bottom kayak tours in multiple Flathead Valley locations. Near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, Goats of Glacier opened its gates to the public in 2025, offering down-to-earth experiences, like goat yoga and goat petting. In Kalispell, Glacier Range Riders, an MLB Partner League baseball team, opened amazing new event spaces at the ballpark. From a professional boardroom to a large indoor/outdoor patio space, a group event at Glacier Bank Park is an incredible experience.
ARTISAN BREWS & SPIRITS + RESTAURANTS
Our local brewing and spirits industry is home to 35+ breweries, 10+ wineries, 10+ distilleries, several cideries and a plethora of taphouses. New to the scene in Bigfork Nimble Goat Pub and Brewery touts tasty craft brews in an inviting space where you’ll find equally delicious cocktails, cider and seltzer.
New restaurants are opening throughout Western Montana. Missoula welcomes 3B Bagels, bringing handcrafted bagels to the downtown breakfast and lunch scenes, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and classic flavors done right. Hana—formerly known as Sushi Hana—continues its legacy as Montana’s first Japanese-owned sushi restaurant with a new location in Missoula’s historic Wilma Building. Known for its commitment to traditional technique and premium ingredients, Hana brings a refined next chapter to the local dining scene. CalypsoSandwich Shop adds fresh sandwiches, house-made sauces and bold flavors to Missoula’s fast-casual dining lineup. Suzette’s Organics is slated to open a second location in Missoula in 2026, expanding the Hamilton eatery’s reach with organic, scratch-made Filipino fusion offerings.
Casa Luna is a new restaurant and event space that opened on the south side of Kalispell. They offer a modern Spanish and Mediterranean dining experience as well as a full catering staff for your next group event. The KM Bar in Kalispell is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is expected to reopen in early 2026 with significant updates to its already wonderful space. The Kopper Kitchen is a new Kalispell catering company offering services for weddings, reunions, corporate groups and more. They create unique experiences for events of all kinds.
In Columbia Falls, Tex & Jerry’s Eatery adds another local option for casual meals near Glacier National Park. Mini Mountain Golf at Scout & Gather, also in Columbia Falls, introduces a playful, family-friendly attraction that pairs well with shopping, coffee and time outdoors.
AIRPORT AND AIRLINE NEWS
Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) is completing a multi-phase expansion, opening the east concourse in 2026 and adding additional year-round flights. Glacier Park International (FCA) will undergo a runway rehabilitation project, which will temporarily affect flight schedules in the month of July 2026. While essential to the airport’s long-term operation, this project may require adjustments when planning itineraries to Glacier National Park and northwest Montana during that time. Click on this link for more detailed information.
Western Montana is serviced by seven major airlines including Allegiant, Alaska, American, Avelo, Delta, Sun Country and United, with 17 direct flight markets providing easy access.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK UPDATES
Stay tuned for more information from Glacier National Park on whether they will continue their timed-entry reservation pilot program for 2026.
For the coming year and beyond, stay up to date on all the happenings in Western Montana’s Glacier Country by subscribing to our B2B blog here. If you need assistance with itineraries, feel free to drop us a line. We are always here to help.
Happy 2026 to all.
DP
January 20, 2026
Related: Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Culinary, FIT, Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Meetings & Conventions, Missoula, Outdoor Adventure, Tour Operator, Whitefish
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