Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business Waterton Lakes National Park lies in the southwestern corner of Alberta, where the Rocky Mountains rise suddenly out of the prairie. It protects the southernmost part of the Canadian Rockies and joins Glacier National Park in Montana to form an international peace park. The park is small, the hikes are superb and the little townsite beside the lake is easy to love.
Waterton Lake and the townsite
Prince of Wales Hotel
Waterton Shoreline Cruise
Bear's Hump
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Waterton is compact, dramatic and refreshingly relaxed. The mountains meet the prairie so abruptly that you can see grassland and snowy peaks in the same view, and wildlife ranges from bison to bears, bighorn sheep and bald eagles.
The only commercial facilities are in the townsite, so the park feels peaceful even in summer. You can stroll the shoreline, take a lake cruise, then drive up to alpine lakes and canyons within half an hour.
Upper Waterton Lake stretches south across the border into Montana, with steep mountains rising on both sides. The townsite is small and walkable, with a lakeside path, shops and cafes.
The Waterton Park townsite is the only commercial centre in the park. Photo: GlacierNPS, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
This grand hotel was built in 1926 and 1927 by an American railway company on a hilltop above the lake and is now a national historic site. Even if you do not stay, the views from the lobby and grounds are well worth the short drive.
The Prince of Wales Hotel opened in 1927 and is a national historic site. Photo: Victor Bustamante, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
A scenic boat trip of about an hour and a quarter takes you along Upper Waterton Lake, where you may see eagles, deer and moose. The boat dates from the 1920s and has been in use since the early days of the hotel.
Shoreline cruises run on Upper Waterton Lake in the warmer months. Photo: GlacierNPS, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
This short but steep trail starts across from the hotel and climbs to a ridge above the townsite, where you get a view over the whole valley.
The Bear's Hump trail climbs to a ridge above the townsite. Photo: Tiado, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
At the end of the Akamina Parkway, this glacial lake sits below steep peaks and the 49th parallel runs through its southern end.
Cameron Lake sits at the end of the Akamina Parkway. Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Reached by the Red Rock Parkway, this canyon features a stream running through brilliantly red rock. A short trail of 15 to 30 minutes follows both sides of the canyon, and a longer trail leads to a waterfall.
Red Rock Canyon is known for its striking red rock and short loop trail. Photo: R. Sieben, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
From the south end of the townsite, a good trail with views over Waterton Lake leads to the falls, a 5.2 kilometre return hike. The route continues to Bertha Lake for a longer day of about 10.4 kilometres return.
Bertha Falls is reached by a well-maintained trail from the townsite. Photo: R. Sieben, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
This 16 kilometre one-way route crosses a mountain pass between Cameron Lake and the townsite and is one of the park's favourite hikes. Plan transport at both ends and allow a full day.
Just inside the park's northern boundary off Highway 6, a fenced area of prairie is home to the park's bison herd. A single road loops through the enclosure, so you can watch the animals from your vehicle.
Near Cameron Creek, the site of the first oil exploration well in Alberta, drilled in 1902, is a national historic site.
Waterton's restaurants are in the townsite along Waterton Avenue and Windflower Avenue, so options are limited but cheerful. Look for a bison burger, a lean local meat that appears on several menus alongside beef.
Bagel shops, coffee roasters and bakeries are good for breakfast and trail snacks. Because stores in the park are limited and goods cost more than in nearby towns, stock up on groceries before you arrive, especially if you plan to cook at a campsite.
Popular dishes to try in Waterton Lakes National Park
The Waterton Park townsite is the heart of the park and the best choice for most travellers.
Townsite Campground suits tent and RV travellers who want showers and flush toilets within a short stroll of town. Reserve ahead for weekends, and check for fire restrictions.
Belly River suits those who like simple, quiet camping in the north of the park, with unserviced sites on a first-come basis during a limited season.
Cardston suits travellers who arrive late or find the park full, since it lies roughly half an hour east of the park on Highway 5.
Where to stay in Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton is open all year, but the main season runs through July and August, when the lake cruise, shops and trails are all open. Summer days are usually mild, around the mid twenties Celsius, with occasional heat waves.
Late spring and early autumn are quieter, though higher trails may hold snow into early summer, and some businesses close in the shoulder seasons. Strong winds are common in the townsite, so pack a windproof layer in every season.
Waterton lies at the end of Highway 5, about an hour and a half from Lethbridge and roughly three hours from Calgary. From Calgary, drive south on Highway 2 to Cardston, then west on Highway 5. Calgary International Airport is the closest major airport, and some visitors fly into Kalispell or Missoula in Montana to combine the park with Glacier.
You pay a daily fee or use a Parks Canada pass if you visit the townsite, stay overnight or take part in activities, and the gatehouse is on Highway 5. Simply driving through along Highway 6 does not require payment.
Arrive and walk the shoreline, then visit the Prince of Wales Hotel for the view. Climb Bear's Hump in the late afternoon or take the shoreline cruise.
Drive up the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake and walk to Summit Lake if the trail is clear.
Choose between the Crypt Lake hike for a full adventure or Bertha Falls for an easier day.
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