Frequently Asked Questions
Vacation Rental FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about booking a Vacay Whitefish vacation rental — cancellation policies, check-in, pet rules, damage protection, and planning your Northwest Montana trip.
Booking and Guest Experience Questions
How do I rent a property? What are the deposit and payment terms?
You can rent any of our properties by booking directly on this website using a credit card or you can call to book a reservation if you would like to speak with a vacation planner.
When you book, 1/2 of your total reservation amount is charged as a non-refundable payment to secure your rental. 60 days before your arrival, the remaining amount is due and becomes non-refundable if you need to cancel for any reason (see travel insurance above for exceptions). At this time, the credit card we have on file will be automatically charged for the balance.
What is included in my rental?
Items included in your vacation property:
- All linens such as, sheets, pillow cases, comforters and blankets.
- Additional sheets, pillow cases, pillows, and blankets are provided for each sleeper sofa or futon (if equipped)
- Each full bathroom is stocked with bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths and bath mats. A starter kit of facial tissue, toilet paper, bath soap, and shampoo/conditioner is also provided.
- Each half bathroom has hand towels and a starter kit of facial tissue, toilet paper, and hand soap.
- Every home is equipped with all cooking and dining essentials. You will have all the basics including cookware, pots and pans, utensils, table settings and common appliances like stove, oven, refrigerator/freezer, microwave and coffee maker.
- A starter kit of dish soap, dishwasher pods, paper towels, and trash bags is also provided.
- Basic coffee and filters
- There is an iron, ironing board, broom and dustpan in each home.
- There is a hair dryer (often multiple) in each home.
- There is a starter kit of laundry detergent (if a washer/dryer is available).
What items are NOT included in my rental?
- Food products, spices, condiments and other basic cooking supplies like flour, sugar, etc. While most homes have some basic spices, you should plan to bring or purchase any spices, condiments, salt, sugar, etc. that you might need.
- Cleaning supplies (other than dish soap). Toothpaste, toothbrushes and other toiletries not mentioned above. Firewood. (sometimes a little firewood is left by previous guests if the property has a firepit) Please refer to individual listings to see more amenity information, and please contact us directly if you still have questions.
How do I check-in?
You can head directly to your property. For most properties, Vacay Whitefish utilizes a convenient keypad lock system that allows you to enter your rental using a personalized access code, as opposed to having to pick up a key and worrying about keeping track of it during your stay and returning it afterward. This also saves you the trouble of coming to a check-in center beforehand. Our staff is always only a phone call/text/email away if questions arise. Call or text (406) 609-9595.
When is check in?
Check in is 4pm or later. Please do not show up early (unless authorized by Vacay Whitefish). An early 2pm check-in may be available for an additional $25. If interested please text or email us 2 days prior to your arrival so we can check our housekeeping schedule. Please understand that there is no guarantee that our schedule will accommodate your early check in request.
When is check out?
Guests much check out on their final day by 10am or earlier. Unapproved late check outs can result in extra charges to the guest.
What are the House Rules?
No smoking and no pets (unless specifically designated as pet-friendly) are allowed in the rentals. No parties where more than the maximum number of people the property sleeps are allowed in the rental at any time. As in your own home, renters are of course subject to citations for noise violations, etc, handed down by public officials. Remember you are staying as a guest in someone’s home, where much investment has been made to make your stay enjoyable; please treat all private property with the respect it deserves. Make sure you understand exactly how many vehicles can park at the property you’re renting. It’s clearly listed in your check-in instructions. As a security measure, most parking areas have a security camera.
Am I getting a good deal?
When you book direct with Vacay Whitefish you avoid paying service fees that traditional listing channels, like Airbnb, charge. Our prices are also competitive with rent-from-owner rates, but we offer professional service, optional travel insurance, and immediate on-site assistance should the need arise. In addition, we offer exclusive discounts from local businesses, available only to Vacay Whitefish guests. Vacay Whitefish can help you plan and save on your entire vacation experience, not only the rental itself. We also offer last-minute booking specials.
Trip Planning Questions
How do you get to Whitefish, Montana?
The easiest way is to fly into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, which is about 15 minutes from downtown Whitefish. The airport has direct service from Denver, Seattle, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Phoenix, and several other hubs — with expanded seasonal routes in both ski season and summer. No connecting flights required from most major western cities. If you’re driving, Whitefish is about 2.5 hours north of Missoula, 3 hours from Spokane, and roughly 5 hours from Calgary. Amtrak’s Empire Builder also stops in Whitefish daily in both directions — one of the few small Montana towns with actual train service, and a scenic way to arrive.
What are the best things to do in Whitefish, Montana?
Whitefish punches well above its weight for a town of its size. The headliners are Whitefish Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding in winter, and Glacier National Park for hiking, wildlife, and scenery in summer — but there’s a lot between those two anchors. Whitefish Lake is excellent for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Downtown Central Avenue has a genuinely good dining and bar scene, a strong selection of local shops, and a walkability that surprises most first-time visitors. The Whitefish Trail system offers over 30 miles of singletrack for hiking and biking right from the edge of town. And the drive up to Big Mountain in any season delivers views that make the trip worth it on their own.
How far is Whitefish from Glacier National Park?
Whitefish is approximately 25 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park at Apgar. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes depending on the season. Many visitors use Whitefish as their home base for exploring the park, since the town offers more dining, shopping, and nightlife options than staying inside the park.
Can I visit Glacier National Park as a day trip from Whitefish?
Yes, and it’s one of the most popular ways to structure a Whitefish vacation. The west entrance at Apgar is about 30-40 minutes from downtown Whitefish, which is perfectly manageable for a day trip. The key is going early — during peak summer season (July and August) popular trailhead parking fills before 8am. Aim to enter the park before 7am, and you’ll have a much better experience than those who show up at 10. Take advantage of the Park shuttle system on busy days when parking is difficult. The upside of staying in Whitefish rather than at park lodges is flexibility — you can do multiple day trips, combine them with lake days or downtown evenings, and adjust based on weather.
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