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The Best Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
- andrewsco3
- 4 days ago
- 19 min read
Waterton Lakes is one of five National Parks in Alberta and sits along the border with the US state of Montana. It’s part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which links Glacier National Park in the US with Waterton on the Canadian side. It’s a little out of the way compared to other parks in the Rockies, but that’s part of its charm - there are fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of our families favourite places to visit, and it makes for a great starting point to a roadtrip through the Canadian Rockies.
Waterton is easy to fall in love with as it’s surrounded by stunning scenery, has a charming downtown with several beaches just steps away from the main street. There’s a fun canyon to explore and a great mix of hiking trails, from easy walks like the Bear's Hump to longer, iconic routes like the Crypt Lake Trail.
ABOUT US:
We are a family of four that moved to Alberta in 2012 and have explored extensively throughout Alberta and British Columbia. We love hiking and exploring the Canadian Rockies! We write travel guides with families in mind, so the majority of the suggested things to do in this guide are kid-friendly.
This guide covers the best things to do in Waterton Lakes, and includes maps, places to stay, eat, and plenty of photos to help you decide what you'd like to do.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Waterton Lakes is one of those places that feels a bit out of the way compared to other National Parks in the Rockies - and that’s exactly what I like about it. People don’t just pass through; they intentionally visit. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon doing not much at all - just relaxing by the lake - or head out on an all-day adventure. Whether you’re after beach time with the family or an all day epic hike, you’ve got plenty options.
While perhaps not as imposing as in Banff or Jasper, the mix of mountains and prairie gives the park a unique look that sets it apart from other places in the Rockies. Waterton still has some epic mountain scenery though; and the best views tend to be much more accessible than elsewhere in the mountains. The view of Upper Waterton Lake from the Prince of Wales Hotel is incredible - and you can drive right up to it. The Bear's Hump trail gives you one of the best views for the least amount of effort anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.
It’s also a fantastic place to see wildlife, often without even trying and spotting bears along the roadside is a common occurrence. That’s likely because even in peak season, it doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as places like Banff or Lake Louise - so wildlife tends to be easier to spot.
If you’re looking for a quieter corner of the Rockies with big views and a relaxed pace, Waterton is well worth the trip.
IMPORTANT: You will need to purchase a Park Pass to enter Waterton Lakes National Park. Make sure to read our comprehensive Q&A blog post, that answers all of your questions, and helps make sure you get the right Park Pass for your trip.
More Information about Waterton & the Surrounding Areas:
EXPLORE WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Use the drop-down menu to quickly navigate to different sections of the blog. Simply click on a topic to jump directly to the information you’re interested in!
Table of Contents (click to expand)
So without further ado, here is our list of best things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park, starting with a map to show where everything is located.
MAP OF ATTRACTIONS IN WATERTON LAKES
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and choose which attractions you'd like to stop at and visit.
To use this map, click the tab in the top left corner to toggle between layers and for more details about each attraction. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title. To access it later, open Google Maps, go to “Your Places,” and find it under “Maps.”
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
WATERTON TOWNSITE
Waterton is a lovely little town with a compact main street that’s easy to explore on foot. Waterton Avenue (the town’s main street) is filled with nice restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and one of our kids’ favourite places to get ice cream in the world!
A great place to start exploring the town is at the marina, where you can watch the boats come and go. This is also where the scenic lake cruises on "Miss Waterton" depart, that takes visitors down Upper Waterton Lake toward the Canada–US border. Right next to the marina is the International Peace Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and the world’s first park shared between two countries.
From there you can join the Townsite Trail, which is a 3 km paved path that follows the shoreline of Upper Waterton Lake to Cameron Bay and loops up to Cameron Falls, then back round to the marina. It's an ideal bike ride for young kids, or a quick and easy walk after dinner. The trail runs parallel to Waterton Avenue, so it's easy to nip across to buy the kids an ice cream. The water along this stretch is stunning and incredibly clear. The beach isn’t sandy - it’s covered in small pebbles, so it’s not the best spot for laying out on, but there are grassy areas and shaded picnic benches just behind it.
TIP: Look out for the red chairs that Parks Canada has placed around town to mark scenic viewpoints - they make for some great photos!
RENT A BIKE
Renting a bike is a fun way to explore Waterton, especially if you're visiting with children. There are easy trails you can cycle around town that are perfect for kids, and more scenic routes if you’re up for something a little longer.
The best place to hire bikes is from Pat's Waterton Gas Station & Cycle Rental right in town. You can even rent a Surrey bike and cruise around downtown, for the full tourist experience!
In terms of short rides, the Townsite Trail mentioned above is a great easy option. For a longer ride, the Red Rock Canyon Parkway or the Kootenai Brown Trail both have amazing views and are great places to view wildflowers in early summer.
If mountain biking is more your style, try the beginner-friendly Snowshoe Trail or head to the Akamina Pass or Wishbone Trail for more advanced downhill riding.
EMERALD BAY
When in Waterton, you really should try to get out onto the water, and one of the best places to do that is at Emerald Bay. This sheltered stretch of Upper Waterton Lake sits between the townsite and the hilltop where the Prince of Wales Hotel stands. It’s easy to walk between the two, with scenic views from either side, and the calm, protected waters make it a popular spot for families to try water activities like SUP'ing and canoeing.
You can hire all the equipment you need from Blakiston & Company right in town. Just be warned, it's not exactly warm even in the height of summer!
As of April 2024, all non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from launching in water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park, so you will need to hire your equipment locally.
CAMERON FALLS
Cameron Falls is just a 5-minute walk from the Waterton townsite, and is a must visit activity when visiting Waterton Lakes, as it's so accessible. The falls are easy to view from the viewing platform or you take the short trail to the top and view the falls from a different perspective. As a novice photographer, I just love the way that the water cascades down the layered rocks in a beautiful way. There is plenty of free parking right next to the falls, so even if you only have a few minutes on your way out of the park, it’s worth stopping by.
RED ROCK CANYON
Red Rock Canyon is probably our favourite thing to do at Waterton Lakes, and we usually stop here on our drive into the park.
It’s a great place for kids to explore when the weather is hot, as they can cool off in the water and slide down the many natural rock slides. We often spend a few hours here playing in the water and climbing on the rocks. In summer, the water is usually shallow enough for all ages to enjoy - and we've even taken our dog Ellie down into the canyon too. It can get busy though, so earlier or later in the day is best.
It's worth noting that two short hikes start here: the Red Rock Canyon Loop (0.8 km) and Blakiston Falls (2.4 km), which are both kids friendly.
DRIFTWOOD BEACH
If you're wondering where many of the iconic photos of the Prince of Wales Hotel were taken, chances are it was taken from Driftwood Beach. This pebble beach is much quieter than the beaches in town and you won't come across many people; perhaps a few photographers or dog walkers. As the name suggests, there's plenty of driftwood scattered along the shore - perfect for tossing sticks for the dog.
To get to Driftwood Beach, take a left turn just shortly before you enter the townsite. There is plenty of free parking and it's easy enough to just go and take a few photos if you don't plan on staying long.
THE PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL
It's hard not to be impressed by the iconic Prince of Wales hotel, that is perched at the top of a hill at the end of Upper Waterton Lake. The views from the hotel are stunning, and if you decide against hiking the Bear's Hump, then this is your next best option for views of the lake.
If you’re considering a luxury stay, the hotel is a special place to spend the night - but you’re looking at around $500 per night in the summer. Alternatively, you can experience afternoon tea in the Royal Stewart Dining Room, all while enjoying incredible lake views. Even if you aren’t staying or dining, it’s worth popping inside to admire the beautiful lobby, browse the gift shop, and make use of the public washrooms.
CAMERON LAKE
Cameron Lake is a beautifully clear lake backed by an imposing mountain, with views that almost feel like a smaller version of Lake Louise. The mountain at the back of the lake is Mount Custer - and it’s actually across the border in Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.
The road to Cameron Lake along the Akamina Parkway is one of the most picturesque drives in the park. Even if you don’t have much time to spend at the lake, the drive alone is worth it. There are several lay-bys along the way, with access to hiking trails, small waterfalls, and picnic spots. For some history, stop at Oil City, the site of Western Canada's first oil well and now recognized as one of Waterton’s two National Historic Sites (the other being the Prince of Wales Hotel in town).
Cameron Lake is a great place to spend the day relaxing by the beach or getting out on the water, and you can rent canoes, kayaks, pedalboats, and stand-up paddleboards, right at the lake. There are plenty of picnic tables available, a small interpretive centre and gift shop as well.
There is a great kid friendly walking trail that follows the shoreline and offers a closer view of the far end of the lake, where you can sometimes spot grizzly bears if you are lucky.
In the winter, the Akamina Parkway is only maintained up to the Little Prairie picnic site, which is around three kilometers from Cameron Lake. Cross country skiing or snowshoeing to the lake is one of the best activities to do in Waterton in the winter, if the visibility is good.
BISON PADDOCK
The Bison Paddock Loop is a gravel road that you can drive that takes you through the bison's natural grassland habitat. Some days, you might see bison up close as they wander near the road, while other days they may be more elusive and you need to get out the zoom lens on your camera. You have to stay in your car, but if the bison are feeding nearby, you'll have a chance to see them up close.
There is also a short walk you can do called The Bison Paddock Overlook, which is less than 1km in length, but gives some great views over the grasslands and surrounding valley.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Waterton Lakes National Park is home to a diverse range of animals, including bison, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, as well as countless bird species. You'll often spot wildlife while hiking one of the many trails or driving along the scenic parkways.
On our last visit, we watched a mama bear and her three cubs cross the valley near the main road into town. Remember to stay in your vehicle when viewing wildlife, and always give the animals plenty of space.
Late summer and fall are ideal for wildlife viewing. Animals are most active early in the morning or late in the evening, so bring binoculars and watch from a safe distance.
LAKE CRUISE
For something a little different, consider taking a scenic cruise on "Miss Waterton" across Upper Waterton Lake. There are two options to choose from; the first is a 1-hour 15-minute non-landing cruise that travels to the Canada–USA border, where a visible cutline marks the divide between the two countries. This cruise turns around at the border and does not require a passport.
The second option is a 2-hour 15-minute cruise that travels the full length of the lake and includes a 30-minute stop at Goat Haunt Landing in the U.S. where you can stretch your legs and visit the interpretive centre. Passports are only needed for those planning to stay longer or hike into Glacier National Park.
The cruises start in early May and run until around mid October depending on the weather. You can check the schedule and pricing here.
STARGAZING
As night falls, Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the best place to stargaze. The last time we camped in Waterton we were treated to the best display of stars we have ever seen - literally thousands of stars were visible across the night sky. In fact Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Park have been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, and the park take measures to reduce the amount of light pollution released into the night sky.
Parks Canada recommends the following three sites as the top stargazing spots in the park:
Cameron Bay
Red Rock Parkway
The Bison Paddock overlook
We camped at the Crooked Creek Campground which is close to the bison paddock overlook and it was incredible, so highly recommend staying there for stargazing. There are tours available, but honestly, just looking up was plenty good enough for us!
WILDFLOWER WALKS
If you enjoy hiking through fields of wildflowers, Waterton is one of the best places to see them in Alberta - and is even considered the wildflower capital of Canada. The park is home to more than 1,000 wildflower species, including many that aren't found anywhere else in the province. June is the peak month for wildflower viewing, though you can still see blooms well into July, especially at higher elevations.
You’ll spot wildflowers along both the Akamina and Red Rock Parkway drives, as well as on these popular hikes:
Bellevue Trail (our favourite)
Horseshoe Basin
Blakiston Fan
Remember: It is illegal to pick wildflowers in any National Park in Canada (including Waterton), as they are protected under park regulations.
HORSE RIDING
Waterton's mix of prairies and mountains makes it an ideal place to go horseback riding in the Rockies. The best option is Alpine Stables, a family-run business that has been operating since 1969. They have horses suitable for all ages and offer rides for all experience levels - from one to two-hour outings to full-day adventures.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK RED BUS TOUR
We haven’t done this ourselves, so can’t share any specific details, but it looks like a lot of fun and we wanted to include on this list. A fleet of Red Buses - apparently the oldest intact fleet of passenger-carrying vehicles in the world - run tours between Waterton and Glacier National Park along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. While we haven’t taken the tour, we have driven the Going-to-the-Sun Road and can honestly say it’s the most spectacular drive we’ve ever done (even better than the Icefield Parkway.... but it's close) . If you get the chance to try the tour, we’re sure it would be incredible.
Most tours originate start in Montana, but you can learn more about the tours here:
PLAYGROUND & SPLASH PARK
If you are visiting in the summer and have young children, there is a great playground and splash park in town. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches around the playground, and some of them are shaded. If you need to bribe the kids to do a hike, then an ice cream and some time at the splash park is hard to beat.
BEST HIKES IN WATERTON
THE BEAR'S HUMP HIKE
The Bear's Hump hike is one of the best hikes in Waterton, and if you only have time to do one hike, this is the one I would recommend. The hike is a short but steep slog up hill, so won't be suitable for everyone, but the views are well worth it if you can make it to the top. The hike is a total of 2.7km round trip and 730ft of elevation gain.
Since the wildfires a few years ago, the trail has become much more exposed to the elements. There’s little to no shade along the way, so it’s best tackled early in the morning if it's going to be a hot day. From the top, you have one of the finest lakes views in the Canadian Rockies, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Montana.
The trailhead is located opposite the Prince of Wales hotel, and there is free parking at the base of the trail.
HIKE THE WORLD RENOWNED CRYPT LAKE TRAIL
The Crypt Lake trail has been ranked among National Geographic’s “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails” and is internationally recognized for its thrilling features. The hike begins with a 15-minute boat ride to the trailhead, followed by a strenuous 9 km hike that gains around 900m in elevation through forest and past waterfalls. The most challenging features of the trail includes crossing a ledge with significant exposure, a steel ladder leading you through a narrow cave, and a cable-assisted section that wraps around a cliff band! The reward after all that nerve-wracking hiking is a beautiful and clear lake to cool off in though!
It's definitely not a hike for young children or for anyone with a fear of heights or exposure. I would have a hard time watching my kids tackle the scary parts, even though I'm sure that they could do it, as it's very much in 'no mistake' territory.
The last boat back to town leaves at 5.30pm - miss it and you’ll be hiking an extra 12km back to town or spending the night in the forest. So don’t get too carried away at the lake!
Tip: There are lots of grizzly bear sightings along the trail, so make sure to bring bear spray with you.
LOWER BERTHA FALLS
Lower Bertha Falls is an easily accessible trail that starts at the south end of town, on Evergreen Avenue. The 5km round trip trail includes a moderate climb, but the reward is a beautiful “Bridal Veil” waterfall cascading down the cliffside. The trail is a great option for children who are starting to tackle longer hikes.
From the falls, you can either return to town or continue the climb to Bertha Lake - which ends up being a longer (but not especially difficult) 10.4km return hike in total.
KID FRIENDLY HIKES IN WATERTON
Waterton is a great place to introduce kids to hiking, as there are plenty of kid-friendly trails, many of which are short, scenic, and easy to access. Here are a few we recommend:
Townsite Loop – A flat, easy 3.2km loop around the townsite along a paved path by the lake. It loops round past Cameron falls and is also a great route for cycling too.
Blakiston Falls – A beautiful, easy 2.4km walk through the forest, that starts from the Red Rock Canyon day-use area. The trail leads to a nice viewing platform over Blakiston Falls.
Crandell Lake – A 4.8km return hike to Crandell lake, and is a great place for a picnic or a quick swim.
Cameron Lakeshore – A flat 3.4km return trail that hugs the shoreline with great views of the lake. If you are lucky you might spot grizzly bears at the end of the lake.
Linnet Lake – A short 1km loop near the entrance to town, just behind the Prince of Wales Hotel. It's perfect for really young kids and is stroller friendly.
THINGS TO DO IN THE WINTER
Waterton is a unique winter destination in the Canadian Rockies, offering a completely different experience compared to places like Banff or Canmore. Between November and April, the town largely shuts down - only a handful of hotels and restaurants remain open, there are no gas stations (the closest is in Pincher Creek), and most shops are closed. Many of the roads, including the Red Rock Parkway, are also closed.
In contrast, towns like Banff and Canmore are bustling with skiers during the winter months. Without a ski hill or the option to drive through, Waterton feels almost eerily quiet.
But that quiet is part of its charm. Where else can you enjoy such natural beauty and nearly have the place to yourself? With the right preparation, a winter visit to Waterton is a wonderful, serene experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Waterton in the winter:
Winter camping
There are a couple of great winter camping options. The Pass Creek Day Use Area offers a sheltered campground, where camping is available for both tents and RVs. For a more "backcountry" experience, consider staying at the Cameron Lake Cabin. While it’s technically classified as backcountry camping, you only need to hike 2km from the Little Prairie Day Use Area, as the road is closed for the winter, so it's a nice easy one for kids.
Snowshoeing / Winter Hiking
Cameron Lakes is also a fantastic spot for snowshoeing. Since the road is closed 2km before the lake, you'll need to snowshoe or hike that section anyway. When snowshoeing in the Cameron Lake area (or any trail), be sure to keep off the groomed ski tracks to preserve the trails. Other good hiking options that do not have avalanche risk are Belleview, Wishbone (to Vimy Junction), Townsite Loop, and Prince of Wales Hill.
Cross-Country Skiing
The Akamina Parkway is one of the best spots for cross-country skiing, as Parks Canada set the ski tracks between Little Prairie Day Use Area and Cameron Lake, where the road is closed. The Red Rock Parkway and its trail network are also open for skiing in the winter, with parking available at the parkway entrance.
Fat Biking
With the Red Rock Parkway closed to vehicles for the winter, it becomes an ideal location for fat biking. If you’ve never tried it, fat bikes are basically regular bikes equipped with oversized tires and low pressure, designed specifically to provide extra grip in snowy or icy conditions. We've done it a few times and are always surprised by how much grip you actually get — it’s probably more than when mountain biking in the summer!
The Akamina Parkway is another great option between Little Prairie Day Use Area to Cameron Lake, as well as the Akamina Pass and Crandell Lake trails.
WHERE TO STAY IN WATERTON LAKES
Waterton is a small mountain town, and places to stay are fairly limited, and often sell out quickly. We generally camp when we stay there, so can't really recommend any hotels. However, if you are looking for a memorable stay with lake views, then the Prince of Wales Hotel would be the obvious choice, but it's not cheap.
There are some great camping options in Waterton, with the most popular being the Waterton Townsite Campground, which is close to the shore of Upper Waterton Lake and has lake views. It's walkable to everything and very well maintained, but due to this fantastic location, it often sells out during the weekends, so be sure to book ahead.
The Crooked Creek Campground is located outside of town (about 5km out), and we've stayed there on a couple of occasions when we couldn't get a reservation at the Townsite campground. As the name suggests, there is a creek that runs through the grounds and the kids enjoyed splashing around last time we stayed. The stars were incredible!
WHERE TO EAT IN WATERTON LAKES
If you’re looking for something to eat, Waterton Avenue has plenty of options. Here is a list of our favourite restaurants in town that we have eaten at over the years:
Pizza of Waterton - Great pizza and has a nice heated patio with mountain views.
Waterton Park Cafe - good food, reasonably priced and has a dog friendly patio.
The Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar - serves good food, excellent craft beer and has a livelier atmosphere, often has live music
Red Rock Trattoria - amazing Italian food
Royal Stewart Dining Room at the Prince of Wales Hotel - for afternoon tea with a memorable view!
Wieners of Waterton - cheap and quick if you are on the run and just want to grab a hot dog
Waffleton - love the name and love the food! They serve both savory and sweet waffles.
Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlor - our kids favourite ice cream!
PLACES CLOSE TO WATERTON LAKES
Have you ticked off all of the things on the list and looking to venture a little further afield? Or perhaps you are making your way to other parts of Alberta and looking for suggestions for things to see and do along the way?
If you are travelling North towards Calgary or West into the Rocky Mountains, you will pass through the quaint prairie town of Pincher Creek, before heading West on Highway 3 through the town of Lundbreck, and to the impressive Lundbreck Falls. It's a fantastic swimming spot and we often stop here on the way back from a weekend in Waterton.
Driving towards Fernie
If you're heading to Fernie, you'll follow Highway 3 through the scenic Crowsnest Pass. There’s plenty to see along the way, including Frank Slide, which is the site of one of Canada’s most significant rockslides. There are several accessible waterfalls that are worth stopping at, including Allison Creek Falls, Miners Path Trail, and Star Creek Falls. Our kids especially loved Star Creek Falls, which has a (pretty safe) chain section that bypasses part of the falls.
Crowsnest Pass is also known for some of the best mountain biking in the province. About 30 minutes before arriving at Fernie, make sure to stop in Sparwood to see the world’s largest truck, the kids will have fun taking photos of them inside the huge wheels.
Fernie is a lovely mountain town with lots to explore. We’ve rounded up the best things to do in both the Crowsnest Pass and Fernie here.
Driving towards Calgary
If you're heading to Calgary, we recommend driving up Highway 22X along the Cowboy Trail. This scenic route offers sweeping views of the prairies with the Rocky Mountains rising in the distance. It also passes through charming small towns like Millarville, Diamond Valley and Longview, which are worth a quick stop.
If you're planning to spend time in Calgary, we recommend checking out our Calgary Travel Guide, and the following blog posts: