An Adventurer’s Guide to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada

Established 1895

Waterton Lakes National Park, established in 1895, is a breathtaking sanctuary where rugged mountains meet pristine lakes. Explore its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and captivating history, creating unforgettable adventures and serene moments in nature.

Overview

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Alberta, Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park is a hidden gem renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Established in 1895, Waterton is the fourth oldest national park in Canada and forms part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Glacier National Park in the United States. Covering an area of 505 square kilometers, the park offers a remarkable blend of prairies, forests, and mountains, creating a unique and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Waterton Lakes National Park is known for its dramatic scenery, featuring rugged peaks, deep glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. The park’s namesake, Waterton Lake, is a highlight, with its clear blue waters surrounded by towering mountains. Visitors can explore a variety of ecosystems within the park, from the windswept grasslands of the prairies to the dense forests and alpine meadows of the Rockies. This diverse environment supports a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Waterton Lakes National Park offers something for everyone. From hiking and wildlife watching to boating and stargazing, the park provides a multitude of activities for visitors to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best ways to experience Waterton, from getting there and exploring its history and geology to discovering the best places to stay and the top activities to enjoy.

Table of Contents:

Article Navigation: Click on any of the listed items in the table of contents below to jump to that section of the article. Similarly, clicking on any large, white section header will jump you back to the Table of Contents.

• Overview
• Getting to Waterton Lakes
• Human History
• Ecology
• Geology
• Best Places To Stay
• Enjoying The Park
• Conclusion

Getting to Waterton Lakes

Waterton Lakes National Park is accessible by car, with the nearest major city being Calgary, Alberta, located approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) to the north. The drive from Calgary to Waterton takes about three hours and offers scenic views of the Alberta prairies transitioning into the foothills and mountains of the Rockies.

To reach Waterton Lakes from Calgary, take Highway 2 south towards Fort Macleod. From Fort Macleod, continue on Highway 3 west to Pincher Creek. In Pincher Creek, turn south on Highway 6, which will lead you directly to the park’s entrance. The route is well-marked and easy to follow, with several small towns and attractions along the way that are worth a stop.

For those flying into the region, Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the most convenient airport, offering numerous domestic and international flights. Car rentals are available at the airport, providing an easy way to continue your journey to Waterton Lakes.

Public transportation options to Waterton Lakes are limited, but some shuttle services operate seasonally between Calgary and the park. Additionally, guided tours from Calgary include transportation, making it easy for visitors without a car to explore the park.

Once inside the park, the main access point is the Waterton townsite, a charming village located on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake. The townsite serves as the hub for visitor services, accommodations, dining, and recreational activities. From here, you can easily access many of the park’s trails, viewpoints, and attractions.

Human History

Waterton Lakes National Park has a rich human history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia, with the Kainai (Blood) Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, having a particularly strong connection to the land. These Indigenous groups utilized the region for hunting, fishing, and gathering, as well as for spiritual and cultural purposes.

Evidence of Indigenous presence in Waterton can be found in the form of archaeological sites, artifacts, and traditional place names. The Indigenous peoples of the area had a deep understanding of the land and its resources, and their knowledge and traditions continue to be an important part of the park’s cultural heritage.

The first recorded European to visit the area was fur trader and explorer Peter Fidler, who arrived in 1792. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that more Europeans began to explore and settle in the region. In 1858, British explorer Thomas Blakiston, a member of the Palliser Expedition, named the Waterton Lakes after British naturalist Charles Waterton. Blakiston’s explorations helped to raise awareness of the area’s natural beauty and potential for tourism.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) played a significant role in promoting and developing Waterton as a tourist destination. The CPR built hotels, trails, and other infrastructure to attract visitors to the park, contributing to its growth as a popular vacation spot. One of the most notable landmarks from this era is the Prince of Wales Hotel, a grand, chalet-style hotel built by the CPR in 1927. Perched on a bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, the hotel remains an iconic symbol of the park.

Waterton Lakes National Park was officially established in 1895, making it one of Canada’s earliest national parks. The park’s establishment aimed to protect the area’s natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. In 1932, Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, were designated as the world’s first International Peace Park, symbolizing the long-standing friendship between Canada and the United States and promoting the conservation of the shared ecosystem.

Throughout its history, Waterton Lakes National Park has faced various challenges, including wildfires, invasive species, and environmental changes. Despite these challenges, the park continues to thrive as a cherished natural and cultural landscape, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its unique blend of prairie, forest, and mountain environments.

Today, Waterton Lakes National Park remains a testament to the enduring connection between people and the land. The park’s rich history is celebrated through interpretive programs, cultural events, and ongoing collaborations with Indigenous communities, ensuring that the stories and traditions of the past are preserved and shared with future generations.

Ecology

Waterton Lakes National Park boasts a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, making it a haven for wildlife and plant species. The park’s unique position at the intersection of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains creates a mosaic of habitats, ranging from prairie grasslands and wetlands to dense forests and alpine meadows.

One of the most striking features of Waterton’s ecology is the contrast between its prairie and mountain environments. The park’s eastern boundary transitions from the rolling prairies of Alberta into the rugged peaks of the Rockies, creating a rich gradient of habitats that support a wide variety of species.

The prairie grasslands of Waterton are characterized by a mix of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs, providing important habitat for species such as bison, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer. These grasslands are also home to numerous bird species, including meadowlarks, sparrows, and raptors such as the Swainson’s hawk. In the spring and summer, the prairies come alive with colorful wildflowers, adding to the area’s scenic beauty.

As you move westward into the park, the landscape transitions into foothills and montane forests. These forests are dominated by species such as Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen, providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer are commonly seen in these areas, along with smaller mammals like red squirrels and snowshoe hares. The forests also support a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.

Higher up in the park’s alpine and subalpine zones, the vegetation becomes sparser and more specialized. Alpine meadows and rocky slopes are home to hardy plant species such as alpine forget-me-nots, moss campion, and glacier lilies. These areas provide critical habitat for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots, as well as a host of smaller alpine-adapted species.

Waterton’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands add another layer of ecological diversity to the park. The park’s namesake, Waterton Lake, is a glacially-carved lake that supports a variety of fish species, including lake trout and mountain whitefish. The lake and its surrounding wetlands provide important habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, and aquatic plants. Beavers are also common in the park’s waterways, playing a key role in maintaining wetland ecosystems.

The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of flora and fauna, making Waterton a biodiversity hotspot. Over 1,000 plant species have been recorded in the park, including several rare and endangered species. The park’s wildlife is equally impressive, with over 60 mammal species, 250 bird species, and numerous reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Waterton Lakes National Park is also known for its ecological integrity and conservation efforts. The park is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, a large, interconnected region of protected lands that spans parts of Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana. This ecosystem is one of the most intact and ecologically diverse regions in North America, and Waterton plays a crucial role in its preservation.

Ongoing conservation efforts in Waterton include habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and invasive species management. The park also collaborates with Indigenous communities, researchers, and conservation organizations to promote sustainable land management and protect its ecological treasures for future generations.

Geology

The geology of Waterton Lakes National Park is both complex and fascinating, shaped by millions of years of geological processes. The park is situated at the boundary between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains, creating a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, deep valleys, and glacially-carved lakes.

The oldest rocks in Waterton date back over 1.5 billion years, to the Precambrian era. These ancient rocks, primarily composed of sedimentary and metamorphic formations, can be seen in the park’s mountainous regions. The Altyn, Appekunny, and Grinnell formations are notable examples of these ancient rock layers, displaying striking colors and textures that reflect their complex geological history.

During the Paleozoic era, between 540 and 250 million years ago, the area that is now Waterton was covered by shallow seas. Over time, these seas deposited layers of limestone, dolomite, and shale, which later became part of the park’s geological foundation. Fossils of marine organisms such as trilobites, brachiopods, and corals can be found in these rock layers, providing a glimpse into the ancient marine environments that once existed here.

The formation of the Rocky Mountains began during the Mesozoic era, around 170 million years ago, during a period of intense tectonic activity known as the Laramide orogeny. The collision and compression of tectonic plates caused the Earth’s crust to buckle and fold, creating the dramatic mountain ranges that characterize the region today. In Waterton, the Lewis Overthrust is a prominent geological feature resulting from this tectonic activity. The overthrust pushed ancient Precambrian rocks over much younger Cretaceous rocks, creating a visible and striking contrast in the park’s geology.

The most recent and significant geological processes in Waterton were driven by glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch, which began around 2.6 million years ago. Massive glaciers sculpted the landscape, carving out deep valleys, U-shaped valleys, and jagged peaks. The park’s iconic Waterton Lake was formed by glacial activity, as were many of the other lakes and valleys in the region. Glacial striations, moraines, and other glacial features are still visible in the park, providing evidence of these powerful forces.

One of the park’s most distinctive geological features is the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which straddles the Canada-US border. This area showcases a remarkable continuity of geological formations and landscapes, highlighting the shared geological history of the two parks. The Peace Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, recognizing its outstanding geological and ecological significance.

The diverse geology of Waterton Lakes National Park has a profound influence on its landscapes and ecosystems. The park’s rugged mountains, clear lakes, and lush valleys owe their existence to the complex interplay of tectonic, sedimentary, and glacial processes. This geological diversity also supports a wide range of habitats and species, contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Visitors to Waterton can explore its geological wonders through numerous hiking trails, scenic drives, and interpretive programs. Popular geological sites include the Red Rock Canyon, where vibrant red and green rock layers are exposed, and Cameron Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. The park’s visitor centers and interpretive exhibits provide valuable information about the park’s geological history and significance, enhancing the visitor experience.

Best Places to Stay

Waterton Lakes National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From historic hotels and cozy lodges to campgrounds and backcountry cabins, visitors can find the perfect place to rest and recharge after a day of adventure.

Hotels and Resorts

Prince of Wales Hotel: One of the most iconic places to stay in Waterton is the Prince of Wales Hotel. Built in 1927 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this historic hotel is perched on a bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and water. The hotel’s charming architecture and elegant interiors transport guests back in time, while modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay. The Prince of Wales Hotel is known for its excellent service, fine dining, and stunning vistas, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a memorable experience. See our detailed review of the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort: Located in the heart of the Waterton townsite, Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort is a convenient and comfortable option for visitors. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to spacious suites with kitchenettes and fireplaces. Amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and on-site dining. The central location provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and recreational activities, making it an ideal base for exploring the park.

Crandell Mountain Lodge: For a cozy and rustic experience, Crandell Mountain Lodge is a charming option. This lodge features individually decorated rooms with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many rooms have fireplaces, perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or sightseeing. The lodge’s location near the park entrance makes it a convenient choice for visitors looking to explore the park’s natural attractions.

Camping in Waterton

Waterton Lakes National Park offers several campgrounds for those who prefer to immerse themselves in nature. The Townsite Campground, located near the Waterton townsite, provides modern amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and electrical hookups. The campground’s location on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake offers beautiful views and easy access to nearby trails and attractions.

For a more rustic camping experience, the Crandell Mountain Campground is a great choice. Located in a more secluded area of the park, this campground offers a more back-to-nature experience with basic facilities such as pit toilets and water taps. The campground is surrounded by stunning scenery and provides a peaceful retreat for campers.

Backcountry camping is also available for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Several backcountry campsites are accessible via hiking trails, offering a chance to experience the park’s remote and pristine wilderness. Permits are required for backcountry camping, and visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and bear safety.

Other Accommodation Options

In addition to these options, there are several other lodges, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts in and around the Waterton townsite. These accommodations offer a range of amenities and price points, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to stay during their visit.

No matter where you choose to stay in Waterton Lakes National Park, you’re sure to be surrounded by stunning natural beauty and have easy access to the park’s many attractions and activities.

Enjoying the Park

Waterton Lakes National Park offers a wealth of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking to relax and take in the scenery, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful park.

Hiking and Trails

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Waterton, with over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails that cater to all skill levels. From easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes, the park’s trails offer a chance to explore its diverse landscapes and enjoy stunning views.

Bear’s Hump: This short but steep hike is one of the most popular in the park, offering panoramic views of the Waterton townsite, Upper Waterton Lake, and surrounding mountains. The trail is 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) round trip and gains 225 meters (738 feet) in elevation, making it a quick but rewarding climb.

Crypt Lake Trail: Often considered one of the best hikes in Canada, the Crypt Lake Trail is a challenging and adventurous trek that includes a boat ride, waterfall, tunnel, and ladder. The trail is 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles) round trip and gains 675 meters (2,215 feet) in elevation. The hike ends at the stunning Crypt Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and fed by a glacial waterfall.

Red Rock Canyon: For a shorter and more accessible hike, the Red Rock Canyon loop is a great option. This 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) trail takes you through a vibrant red and green rock canyon, with opportunities to wade in the creek and explore the unique geological formations.

Akamina Ridge: This challenging hike offers some of the best views in the park, with a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) loop that gains 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in elevation. The trail takes you along a ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and lakes.

Wildlife Watching

Waterton Lakes National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s varied habitats support species such as bison, elk, deer, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats. Birdwatchers will also find a rich variety of bird species, including eagles, hawks, and waterfowl.

Bison Paddock Loop Road: This scenic drive takes you through a fenced area where you can see a herd of plains bison. The road offers several viewpoints where you can observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Cameron Lake: This beautiful glacial lake is a great spot for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see moose, bears, and various bird species. The lake is also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking.

Waterton Valley: The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, and you may spot deer, elk, and bears while exploring the area. The Waterton River and its surrounding wetlands are also excellent birdwatching locations.

Boating and Water Activities

Waterton Lakes National Park’s stunning lakes and rivers provide ample opportunities for boating and water activities. Upper Waterton Lake, the park’s largest lake, is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The clear, blue waters offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and are a great way to experience the park from a different perspective.

Waterton Shoreline Cruise: One of the most popular activities in the park is the scenic boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake. The cruise takes you across the international border into Glacier National Park, offering stunning views and informative commentary about the park’s history and geology.

Canoeing and Kayaking: Renting a canoe or kayak is a great way to explore the park’s lakes and rivers at your own pace. Cameron Lake and Middle Waterton Lake are also popular spots for paddling.

Scenic Drives and Photography

The park’s scenic drives offer easy access to some of its most beautiful landscapes and viewpoints. The Chief Mountain Highway and Akamina Parkway are popular routes that provide stunning views of the park’s mountains, lakes, and valleys.

Red Rock Parkway: This scenic drive takes you through the park’s diverse landscapes, from prairie grasslands to mountain forests. The road ends at Red Rock Canyon, a popular spot for photography and picnicking.

Chief Mountain Highway: This highway offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and takes you to the Chief Mountain border crossing into Glacier National Park, USA.

Akamina Parkway: This scenic drive leads to Cameron Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. The road offers several pullouts and viewpoints, perfect for photography.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Waterton Lakes National Park has a rich cultural and historical heritage that is celebrated through its many interpretive sites and programs. The park’s visitor centers, museums, and historical landmarks offer insights into the area’s Indigenous history, European exploration, and natural history.

Prince of Wales Hotel: This historic hotel is not only a great place to stay but also a significant cultural landmark. Guided tours of the hotel provide insights into its history and architectural significance.

Heritage Center: Located in the Waterton townsite, the Heritage Center offers exhibits and displays about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. The center also hosts interpretive programs and events throughout the year.

Relaxation and Recreation

For those looking to relax and unwind, Waterton Lakes National Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors at a more leisurely pace. The park’s picnic areas, beaches, and scenic viewpoints provide perfect spots to relax, have a picnic, or simply take in the stunning scenery.

Upper Waterton Lake Beach: This sandy beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the clear waters of Upper Waterton Lake. The beach is located near the townsite and offers picnic tables, restrooms, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Waterton Golf Course: For golf enthusiasts, the Waterton Lakes Golf Course offers a scenic and challenging 18-hole course. The course is set against the backdrop of the park’s mountains and provides a unique golfing experience.

Conclusion

Waterton Lakes National Park is a true natural treasure, offering a diverse and breathtaking landscape that invites exploration and adventure. From its rugged mountains and pristine lakes to its rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife, the park provides a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re hiking to panoramic viewpoints, paddling on glacial lakes, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery, Waterton offers something for everyone.

The park’s unique position at the intersection of the Rockies and the Great Plains creates a mosaic of habitats that support a rich array of flora and fauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The geological history of the park, shaped by tectonic, sedimentary, and glacial processes, has created a dramatic and varied landscape that is both awe-inspiring and educational.

Getting to Waterton Lakes is relatively easy, with convenient access by car from Calgary and other nearby cities. The park’s accommodations, from historic hotels to cozy lodges and campgrounds, provide a range of options for visitors to rest and recharge.

Waterton’s human history, marked by Indigenous heritage, European exploration, and conservation efforts, adds depth and significance to the visitor experience. The park’s interpretive programs and cultural sites help to preserve and share this rich history with visitors.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, Waterton Lakes National Park is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore one of Canada’s most beautiful and diverse national parks.

Popular Articles:

Planning The Perfect Adventure Trip To Grand Lake, Colorado

Exploring the Hidden Gems of Hokkaido

Adventurer’s Guide to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

An Adventurer’s Guide to Badlands National Park, South Dakota

An Adventurer’s Guide to Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Terms of Use: As with each guide published on SKYBLUEOVERLAND.com, should you choose to these routes, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While taking a trail, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. SKYBLUE OVERLAND LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individuals following this route.