- Region
- Alberta, Canada
- Best season
- Summer, Spring
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements with Parks Can…
- Managed by
- Parks Canada
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Photos of Waterton Lakes National Park
How to get there
Waterton Lakes National Park is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, accessible by motor vehicle. It is 271 km south of Calgary and 132 km southwest of Lethbridge. The park is easily reached via paved highways, with Chief Mountain (seasonal) and Carway/Peigan (year-round) being nearby international points of entry.
Photo: Dwayne Reilander / CC BY-SA 4.0 Entrance Parkway (Park Gate)This 8 km route starts past the Maskinonge wetlands and the park gate, leading to the Waterton townsite. It runs alongside the multi-use Kootenai Brown Trail.
Photo: Noah Wulf / CC BY-SA 4.0 Red Rock ParkwayThis parkway travels 15 km up the Blakiston Valley through grasslands, ending at Red Rock Canyon. It is seasonally closed to motor vehicles from November through May, but remains accessible by bike or on foot.
Photo: Martin Kraft / CC BY-SA 3.0 Chief Mountain HighwayThis highway serves as the primary route between Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park (U.S.), climbing from grasslands near Maskinonge Lake. It leads to the Chief Mountain international border crossing, which is seasonal (May 15 to September 30).
- Bison Paddock Loop Road
Located just inside the park's north boundary, off Highway 6, this loop road provides an opportunity to see plains bison in their natural habitat.
- Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre
The visitor center is located at 404 Cameron Falls Drive and offers ample parking, including RV parking. Four EV charging stations are in the marina parking lot, and another is across Mount View Road.
- Prince of Wales Hotel
This trail has three starting points: Linnet Lake Day Use Area, Emerald Bay Day Use Area, and the Prince of Wales Hotel itself.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage · Driving Directions and Printable Maps · Scenic drives - Waterton Lakes National Park. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Alberta, Canada · Season: Best: June to September
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
The country
Waterton represents a dramatic geographical choke point where the rolling Albertan prairies meet the sheer walls of the Rocky Mountains without any foothills. High winds funnel through deep valleys, shaping distinct subalpine ridges and crystal-clear lakes. This unique convergence creates massive biodiversity, fostering heavy populations of black bears and bighorn sheep.
Why enthusiasts come
The park is famous for world-class day hiking circuits that traverse high ridges and tight alpine cirques. Cross-border hikers tie Waterton into longer treks spanning into Montana's Glacier National Park. The combination of intense alpine vistas and relatively accessible trailheads makes it a favorite for strong hikers.
Top experiences
The Crypt Lake Trail features a thrilling sequence involving a ladder, a narrow tunnel, and cables hugging a cliff edge. The Carthew-Alderson Trail offers a majestic point-to-point traverse descending past colorful alpine lakes. Taking the historic boat tour across Upper Waterton Lake provides unrivaled views of the primary U-shaped valley.
Planner-relevant notes
Wind speeds in Waterton frequently exceed 80 km/h, making ridge hiking treacherous during squalls. Bear activity is exceptionally high; carrying bear spray and hiking in groups is actively enforced on certain trails. Trail shuttles operate for point-to-point hikes but require advance booking.
Field notes
- To dodge crowds on the Crypt Lake Trail, take the earliest possible boat shuttle across the lake.
- Tick season is heavy in late spring and early summer in the lower prairie zones.
- Expect snow on high passes like Carthew Summit until mid-July.
- The Red Rock Parkway is a premier dusk driving route for spotting grizzly bears safe from a distance.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 49.0494, -113.9180
- Latitude (DMS)
- 49° 2′ 57.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 113° 55′ 4.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Waterton Lakes National Park, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Where the prairies abruptly collide with towering rocky crests, defining a ruggedly beautiful corner of the continent.
Key takeaways
- Region: Alberta, Canada
- Best season: Best: June to September
- Coordinates: 49.049, -113.918
Climate suitability
Best: June to September
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Waterton Lakes National Park
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Waterton Lakes National Park
Park Overview
Waterton Lakes National Park is situated in the southwest corner of Alberta, Canada, bordering Glacier National Park in Montana, United States. It was established in 1895 as Kootenay Lakes Forest Reserve, making it Canada's fourth national park. The park is named after Waterton Lake, which in turn honors the Victorian naturalist and conservationist Charles Waterton. Encompassing 505 square kilometers of rugged mountains and wilderness, the park spans the transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies, supporting a diverse ecosystem. Managed by Parks Canada, the park is open year-round, with the peak visitor season occurring in July and August.
Geographic Features
The park's landscape is characterized by rugged mountains and expansive wilderness, covering an area of 505 square kilometers. Elevations within the park vary significantly, ranging from 1,290 meters at the townsite to 2,910 meters at Mount Blakiston. The park's location between the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies contributes to its varied terrain and ecosystems. It is home to Waterton Lake, from which the park derives its name, and offers numerous scenic trails for exploration, including the notable Crypt Lake trail.
International Peace Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is a component of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located directly on the 49th parallel, marking the boundary between Alberta, Canada, and Montana, United States. This international designation recognizes the contiguous nature of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park. Both parks were separately declared Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 1976 and later designated as World Heritage Sites in 1995. This unique cross-border park symbolizes peace and cooperation between the two nations.
Visitor Information
Waterton Lakes National Park saw 402,542 visitors in 2012/2013, indicating its popularity as an outdoor destination. The park maintains an open status throughout the year, though the primary tourist season is concentrated in July and August. The only commercial facilities available to visitors within the park are located at the Waterton Park townsite. While it is physically possible to cross the USA-Canada border by foot or boat at certain points, park warden checkpoints are present. Canadian and US citizens should carry their passports for these crossings. Other nationalities must use official border crossings and cannot hike across.
Route options
- Crypt Lake trail
This is one of the many scenic trails available within Waterton Lakes National Park.
Seasonal conditions
Summer
July and August
This period is noted as the main tourist season.
Spring
The park is open year-round.
Fall
The park is open year-round.
Winter
The park is open year-round.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | July and August | This period is noted as the main tourist season. |
| Spring | The park is open year-round. | |
| Fall | The park is open year-round. | |
| Winter | The park is open year-round. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements with Parks Canada, the managing agency.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Waterton Lakes National Park FAQ
- When is Waterton Lakes National Park open?
- Waterton Lakes National Park is open all year.
- When is the main tourist season?
- The main tourist season for Waterton Lakes National Park is during July and August.
- Where are the commercial facilities located?
- The only commercial facilities available within the park are located at the Waterton Park townsite.
- Can I cross the border into the USA from the park?
- It is physically possible to cross the USA-Canada border at a number of points by foot or boat. Canadian and US citizens should carry their passports. Other nationalities must use main official border crossings.