Overview
Townsend is a town in Montana. It is the county seat of Broadwater County and about 1,700 people live there. Townsend is at the southern tip of Canyon Ferry Reservoir, a year-round popular spot for boaters and fisherman.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Townsend
Canyon Ferry Lake
This reservoir is a popular recreation area, and there are multiple recreation sites around the reservoir. In the summer, it offers boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing. The winter offers ice fishing.…
Broadwater County Museum
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 14°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Bozeman)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HLN Helena Regional Airport, Helena — 30 mi away. Directions
- BZN Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Bozeman — 41 mi away. Directions
- GEG Spokane International Airport, Spokane — 297 mi away (major hub). Directions
Townsend is at the intersection of US-12 and US-287, 34 miles southeast of Helena.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Broadwater County Museum
- Lunch Betsy's Kitchen
- Afternoon Canyon Ferry Lake
- Dinner Full Belli Deli
- Evening Canyon Ferry Brewing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Get in
Townsend is at the intersection of US-12 and US-287, 34 miles southeast of Helena.
From Helena, take exit 192 from Interstate 15 in Helena or exit 274 from Interstate 90 near Three Forks.
Get around
As a small town, there is no public transportation. It is easy to walk to any location.
See
Do
The area around Townsend is popular for hunting, and also offers opportunities to hike, camp, ATV, and snowmobile.
Eat
Eat Penny's Breakfast Station
Drink
Drink Canyon Ferry Brewing
Microbrewery with variety of beer choices.
Sleep
Stay Mustang Motel
Nearby
Three Forks
City / town · 12 listings · 30 mi away
Helena
City / town · 41 listings · 30 mi away
White Sulphur Springs
City / town · 11 listings · 33 mi away
Belgrade
City / town · 6 listings · 41 mi away
Bozeman
City / town · 48 listings · 50 mi away
Butte
City / town · 54 listings · 53 mi away
Wolf Creek
City / town · 9 listings · 54 mi away
Deer Lodge
City / town · 20 listings · 58 mi away
My experience
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