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Alberta · Canada
The national park in southwestern Alberta where the Rocky Mountains meet the prairie, with valley lakes, waterfalls and the first international peace park, joined with Glacier in the United States.
In the photo: Upper Waterton Lake among the Rocky Mountains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Waterton Lakes National Park is at the far southwest of Alberta, on the border with Montana, United States. Here the Rocky Mountains rise abruptly from the prairie, with no intervening hills, and the landscape changes within a few kilometers from grasslands to peaks, glacial valleys and deep lakes.
In 1932, Waterton and Glacier National Park on the American side formed the world’s first international peace park, jointly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upper Waterton Lake crosses the border, and tour boats run from the village to the American end of the lake.
Waterton Park Village lies on the lakeshore, with houses, shops and accommodations, a waterfall in the middle of the streets and the Bear’s Hump trail just above. Two scenic roads leave the village: one to the red-rock canyon of Red Rock Canyon and another up-valley to Cameron Lake. In 2017 a large wildfire affected much of the park, and the slopes show a forest in recovery.
The park is known for its wildlife—bears, moose, deer and bighorn sheep—for wildflowers in early summer, and for strong winds.
This destination brings together 1 city: Waterton Park.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Lethbridge Airport (YQL), in Lethbridge · 130 km to Waterton Park
✈ Calgary International Airport (YYC), in Calgary · 270 km to Waterton Park
The nearest airport is Lethbridge (YQL), about 130 km away; Calgary (YYC) is about 270 km, roughly a 3-hour drive. There is no regular public transport to the park.
The local experience
A waterfall in the middle of Waterton Park Village, where Cameron Creek drops over some of the oldest rocks in the Canadian Rockies.
Short, steep trail of about 2.8 km round trip to a rocky viewpoint above Waterton Park Village and Upper Waterton Lake.
A narrow canyon of red and green rock at the end of the Red Rock Parkway, about 15 km from the village of Waterton Park, with a short trail along the rim.
A mountain lake at about 1,660 meters elevation, at the end of the Akamina Parkway, 16 km from the village of Waterton, whose southern tip is in the United States.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to September, when roads, boats and services are open; wildflowers usually appear in June and July. September has fewer people and autumn colors. In winter most of the village closes and some roads are open only for skiing.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Two or three days: one for the village, Bear’s Hump and the boat on the lake, one for Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake and, if time allows, one for a long hike.
Waterton Park Village concentrates the accommodations—in hotels, inns and cabins—within walking distance of the lake and trails; many open only from May to October. Outside the park, Pincher Creek and Cardston offer more options.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Two or three days for the village, the boat on the lake, Red Rock Canyon and Cameron Lake.
Yes, to get there and to reach the park’s scenic roads.
Boats go to the tip of the lake in Montana; disembarking there requires U.S. entry documents and passing border control when it is open. Check the rules.
About 270 km, roughly a 3-hour drive.
Alberta Time, fixed year-round: UTC−6.
