Waterton Lakes National Park Canada: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Canada’s most underrated gems. With dramatic mountain meets prairie landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife, Waterton offers the raw beauty of Banff with a fraction of the crowds. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden waterfall or staying lakeside under star-filled skies, this park promises a uniquely peaceful Rocky Mountain experience.
Overview
Waterton Lakes National Park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and part of it’s land is shared with Glacier National Park in Montana. It’s the only park in the world that is simultaneously a biosphere reserve, a World Heritage Site, and an international peace park. So if you do a trip here, you can also cross over into the US national park for more activities.
- Location: Alberta, Canada (borders Montana, USA)
- Size: 505 square km
- Known for: Rugged peaks, deep lakes, wildflower meadows, and cross-border hiking opportunities.
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How to Get There
By car:
- From Calgary: 2.5–3 hour drive (270 km via AB-2 S and AB-3 W)
- From Lethbridge: 1.5 hours (130 km)
- From Glacier National Park, Montana: ~1.5 hours via Chief Mountain Border Crossing (seasonal)
By air:
- The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC). Rent a car from there for a scenic drive through Alberta’s foothills.
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Best Times to Visit
- Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking, wildflowers, and boat tours. All facilities and trails are open.
- Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds and golden larch trees.
- Winter (November–April): Quiet and serene, but many trails and services close due to snow.
- Spring (May): Melting snow brings roaring waterfalls and blooming wildflowers.
Tip: July and August are peak wildflower season. Waterton is known for having more plant diversity than any other Canadian national park!
10 Best Things to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park
There’s a ton of things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park and here’s a great Tripadvisor page that showcases the top attractions there, but here’s an overview of them:
- Hike to Crypt Lake: Voted one of Canada’s best hikes, this adventure includes a boat ride, ladders, tunnels, and epic views.
- Explore Red Rock Canyon: A colorful, scenic gorge perfect for families and short hikes.
- Walk the Bear’s Hump Trail: Short but steep, this hike offers a panoramic view over Waterton townsite and lakes.
- Take a Scenic Boat Tour on Upper Waterton Lake: Ride to Goat Haunt (U.S. side, passport needed) and admire towering cliffs from the water. See reviews.
- Visit Cameron Falls: A must-see right in the townsite, especially dramatic after rain.
- Go Wildlife Watching: Spot bears, bighorn sheep, moose, and deer, especially near Akamina Parkway.
- Cycle the Kootenai Brown Trail: This paved trail connects the park gate to the townsite and is ideal for biking.
- Stroll through Waterton Townsite: Cute shops, cafes, and lakeside walks make the town a relaxing base.
- Horseback Riding Adventures: Explore the park’s less-traveled areas on guided trail rides.
- Wildflower Viewing in the Blakiston Fan: Bring a camera, the blooms here are truly incredible during peak summer.
5 Hidden Gems in Waterton Lakes National Park
- Linnet Lake Loop: A peaceful walk around a small lake, ideal for birdwatching.
- Lower Rowe Lake Trail: Less trafficked but with amazing lake and mountain views.
- Crandell Lake: An easy trail leads to this quiet alpine lake, great for picnics and fishing.
- Akamina Pass Trail: Borders Glacier NP and is rarely crowded.
- Vimy Peak: A challenging full-day hike with unbeatable summit views—often overlooked by visitors.
1–5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive in Waterton, check into lodging
- Stroll the townsite and enjoy Cameron Falls
- Sunset hike up Bear’s Hump
Day 2:
- Morning boat tour on Upper Waterton Lake
- Afternoon hike to Crypt Lake
- Dinner lakeside at the townsite
Day 3:
- Explore Red Rock Canyon
- Hike to Blakiston Falls or Twin Lakes
- Wildlife drive along Akamina Parkway
Day 4:
- Horseback riding or guided nature walk
- Relax at Linnet Lake or Crandell Lake
- Stargazing at Waterton Lakeshore
Day 5:
- Morning wildflower walk near Blakiston Fan
- Grab coffee and souvenirs in town
- Drive back to Calgary or continue to Glacier NP (U.S.)
Packing List
There’s several things I’d highly recommend you bring on a trip to this park, and you can get the majority of them through my Amazon gear list. But here’s a basic overview:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for chilly mornings)
- Waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Daypack with snacks and water
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Passport (if crossing to Goat Haunt, Montana)
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Bear spray (essential for hiking in bear country)
Where to Stay
Inside and outside the park: See top deals
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry Pass: Required to enter the park. Purchase at the gate or online.
- Wildlife Safety: Bears, elk, and cougars are present. Carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and follow local safety guidelines.
- Cell Service: Limited in some areas of the park. Download offline maps.
- Weather: Can change quickly, come prepared for sun, wind, or rain even in summer.
- Border Crossing: If hiking or boating into the U.S. side, bring a valid passport. The Chief Mountain border crossing is seasonal.
- Consider guided tours in Waterton Lakes National Park if you’re unsure about where to go or what to do.
Similar Sights
Final Thoughts
Waterton Lakes National Park is where mountain drama meets peaceful solitude. It’s a park that invites exploration but rewards you most when you slow down. Whether you’re hiking bucket-list trails like Crypt Lake or watching the sunset reflect off the glassy waters of Upper Waterton Lake, this place will leave a lasting impression. For first-time visitors, this guide should set you up for an unforgettable adventure in one of Canada’s best-kept natural secrets.
