“Oh, Canada…” you are so beautiful! This was clearly evident in the Canadian National Park, Waterton Lakes. If you have ever wanted to cross the boarder into Canada but was unsure where to start, you have come to the right place! In this post, you will learn what to do in WLNP, where to stay, and other tips about the area!
My husband and I are travel therapists currently completing an assignment in Kalispell, Montana. If you are unfamiliar with this area, it is ~30-40 minutes from Glacier National Park. We have had the absolute best time while living here for 16 weeks! We went into GNP almost every weekend! We couldn’t get enough of it… well that was until we did every hike we wanted to in the park. So then we started looking into other places to go outside of Montana. We knew we were close to the Canadian border, so one day we went to get our passports and the rest is history!
I mentioned all that to say, if you are planning a trip to Northern Montana, you need to add Canada to your itinerary! Vice versa, if you are planning a road trip through Canada, you should definitely add Kalispell, MT to your itinerary to visit GNP. From where we live in Montana, we are only 1.5 hours to the Canadian border. So, Kalispell is not a bad place to start an epic road trip.
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What is Waterton Lakes?
Waterton Lakes is a Canadian National Park located in Alberta. It is a stunning expanse of natural beauty that encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from mountains and forests to lakes and meadows. If you enter GNP, you may notice a part of the park’s map will say “Waterton Lakes National Park”. That is because WLNP is the Canadian side of our Glacier National Park!
This is not to get confused with Canada’s national park that is called Glacier. WLNP and GNP are the same mountain range and land but in two different countries.
History of Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park was established in 1895 as one of Canada’s first national parks. It was created to protect the breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the region. Its founding was influenced by the growing conservation movement of the time, alongside the recognition of its natural beauty. WLNP is part of the larger Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
The park is known for its beautiful scenery of the iconic Waterton Lake and the striking peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Rich in history, it was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, and later became a favored destination for early European explorers and settlers. Today, Waterton Lakes continues to draw visitors with its outdoor recreational opportunities and commitment to conservation, showcasing both its natural wonders and cultural heritage.
What to Pack for Waterton Lakes National Park
Packing can be a stressful experience when going somewhere you have never been! What you will pack for WLNP will greatly depend on what season you are going to visit. Make sure you check the weather prior to going to know how to pack most accordingly. But here are some items that are definitely staples to your packing necessities for your stay in WLNP- that is if you are camping 🙂
- Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
- Jacket: Since you will be traveling north in comparison to America, you will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
- Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
- Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
- Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
- Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
- Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
- Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
- Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
- Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!
How to Get to Waterton Lakes National Park
How you will be getting to WLNP depends on which way you are coming in and where you are starting. Here are the most popular options:
- America:
- Fly to Glacier International Airport in Kalispell, MT
- From here it will be ~2.5 hour trip for to WLNP in your rental car
- If you are planning to drive in from the American side, I would highly advise you to also take a couple days to visit GNP while lodging in one of these North Western Montana cities:
- Kalispell [see above for more info on this], Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Eureka
- No matter which town you choose to lodge in if you are also visiting GNP, you will fly into Glacier International Airport
- Canada:
- Fly to Lethbridge Airport (YQL).
- From here, it will be ~1.5-hour drive to WLNP in your rental car
Where to Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park
There are many options of where to lodge while visiting the park. Depending on what experience you are going for, there is something to meet your desires!
My husband and I car camped while visiting to save on time and money as well as the fact that we really love to camp. I would highly advise you to also camp to fully experience the beauty of the park!
Camping in Waterton Lakes National Park:
Most campgrounds in/ near WLNP will require a reservation. Click here to book a reservation for a campsite in the national park.
- Crandell Mountain Campground: This popular campground features beautiful views, access to hiking trails, and amenities like fire pits and washrooms.
- Waterton Townsite Campground: Located near the park’s main town, this campground provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and various attractions.
- Bears Hump Campground: A more rustic option, this site is situated near the Bears Hump trailhead and offers a more secluded camping experience.
- Cameron Bay Campground: Located along the shore of Waterton Lake, this site offers stunning lake views and a more tranquil atmosphere.
- Beaver Mines Lake Campground: This is where we stayed! Beaver Mines is located 50 minutes north from WLNP. This worked in our favor due to the fact that we were going into Banff the next day so we wanted to stay somewhere on route to Banff.
- You will not find this campground reservation on the link above. You will make a reservation through Alberta Parks at this website!
Again, reservations are required for all of these campgrounds. In Anna and Devin fashion, we decided to go on this trip very last minute. So, we did not have the opportunity to plan ahead for a campsite. With that being said, the campsites for options 1-4 were already reserved. But there were plenty of spots at Beaver Mines Lake. Keep that in mind if you are unable to find a campsite in the other options due to them being filled!
Hotels and Lodging In and Near Waterton Lakes National Park
Looking for something less rugged? Here are some great lodging options with hotels for your stay near Waterton Lakes National Park:
- Prince of Wales Hotel: This historic hotel offers stunning views of Waterton Lake and a charming, upscale atmosphere.
- See below for more details on visiting this hotel even without booking a room!
- Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort: Located in the townsite, this lodge provides comfortable accommodations and convenient access to park amenities.
- Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa: Situated right on the waterfront, this inn features cozy rooms and a spa for relaxation after a day of exploring.
- Mountain View Inn: This budget-friendly option offers simple accommodations with easy access to the park.
- Crandell Mountain Lodge: A cozy lodge with a rustic vibe, providing a comfortable stay amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Make sure to book in advance, especially during the peak summer months!
Airbnb/ VRBO In & Near Waterton Lakes National Park
If you want an original experience but without the ruggedness of camping, Airbnb/ VRBO are great options! Here are some popular choices near WLNP. Search these names in the Airbnb/ VRBO search engines:
- Waterton Lakes Cabin: A cozy cabin with stunning mountain views, perfect for a peaceful getaway. It often includes amenities like a full kitchen and outdoor space.
- Charming Cottage in Waterton: This charming cottage features a rustic design and is conveniently located near the park entrance, making it great for exploring.
- Waterton Mountain Retreat: A spacious home with modern amenities, offering stunning views and easy access to hiking trails.
- Rustic Log Cabin: Set in a serene location, this log cabin provides a cozy atmosphere with the comforts of home, ideal for families or small groups.
- Modern Condo in Waterton: A contemporary condo offering comfort and style, located close to the townsite and park attractions.
- Cozy Suite Near Waterton: A private suite with all the essentials, perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a convenient base.
Again, make sure to check availability and book ahead, especially during peak seasons!
How Long to Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park
How long you should plan to stay in WLNP is going to depend on your style of vacationing. If you are anything like my husband and I, you can quickly experience everything you want to do and see in a new place. What may take others 3-5 days, we can complete in about 1-2 days. We are up at sunrise and sometimes do not set up camp until late in the night!
So with that being said, we were perfectly content with only spending 1 day in WLNP to experience everything we wanted to see.
But, you can easily spend an extra day or two here to gain the full experience!
What to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park
Now to the fun stuff! If you would enjoy watching a video on what we did in WLNP, see below!
- Prince of Wales Hotel
When you enter WLNP, the first landmark you will come to is the Prince of Wales Hotel. And what an amazing landmark to welcome you in the park! The hotel in its entirety is beautiful… But the complete view of the hotel being next to lake and against the mountains, it’s unbelievable!
The Prince of Wales Hotel, built in 1927, was designed to attract tourists to the area, offering luxury accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Named after Edward, the Prince of Wales, the hotel played a pivotal role in promoting Waterton as a premier destination for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. Its historical significance and architectural charm have made it a beloved landmark within the park, reflecting the rich history of tourism in this pristine natural setting.
And no worries, you do not need to book a room to be able to visit the hotel! The ground floor is open to all guests.
The Prince of Wales Hotel offers afternoon tea for guests during the summer months, often from late May to mid-September. This delightful experience usually features a selection of teas, scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches, served in the hotel’s elegant lounge with stunning views of Waterton Lake. It’s a lovely way to take in the beauty of the park. It’s a good idea to check the hotel’s official website or contact them directly for specific dates and availability, as offerings can vary by season.
There are also two options for dining in the hotel for an elegant meal. Again, you do not need a reservation to enter the dining halls- you are welcome to walk through to see all the beauty!
You can also explore the hotel’s gift shop to get a souvenir! The gift shop also has a coffee shop where you can also get coffee, tea, and pastries if you missed the hotel’s afternoon tea.
- Hike Bear Hump Trail
This is a popular hike in the park to see a breathtaking overlook of Waterton Lake. This relatively short but steep trail spans about 1.7 miles to a stunning lookout point. The hike is well-marked and is accessible for most fitness levels. Keep your eyes open to spot local wildlife along the way. The rewarding views at the top is a perfect spot to pause, take photos, and soak in the beauty of the park. It’s best to hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat, beat the crowd, and to enjoy a more serene experience.
The trail head is right next to the Prince of Wales Hotel- so I would try to do these back to back.
We actually decided not to do this hike to save time for other adventures we wanted to be sure to see while in WLNP, but the pictures of this hike look beautiful!
- Hike to Crypt Lake
Another popular hiking trail to do in WLNP is to Crypt Lake. This is a more challenging hike as it is ~10.6 miles round trip. If you are feeling up for the challenge, you will not be disappointed due to the beautiful alpine scenery, a waterfall, and a thrilling climb through a tunnel. The hike finishes at Crypt Lake to give you a view of the stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.
We also did not have time for this hike, but again the pictures look amazing!
- Visit Downtown Waterton
Waterton town is adorable! There are many different stores, restaurants, and coffee/ dessert shops to meet your wants and needs. Take time to walk or ride your bike around the town to visit the stores for souvenirs, window shop, eat, and grab a beaver tail!
While in town, you have to stop at BeaverTails to get a beaver tail!! If you are like us, you have never heard of a beaver tail… well one that is a dessert you eat 🙂 The shop BeaverTails has many different flavors of beaver tails to try. And no these are not real beaver tails! They are just shaped like a beaver tail. These are similar to funnel cakes, but better!! A deep fried pastry with your choice of toppings is what makes these heaven in your mouth. I got the maple syrup flavor- when in Canada, aye? Devin got the cinnamon sugar lemon flavor. I think I liked Devin’s the best!
- Drive the Cameron Lake Route
This scenic route leads to Cameron Lake, where you can enjoy a picnic and take in the stunning views. WLNP is currently recovering from a previous wildfire. So because of this, the trees were not full and bloomed during our drive. This caused the scenic drive to not be very pretty, but the lake was gorgeous.
- Paddle on the Cameron Lake
Now that you are at Cameron Lake, you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boats to explore the calm waters while enjoying stunning mountain views. The area also offers picnic spots, a short lakeside hiking trail, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
- Drive the Red Rock Canyon Parkway
Now that you have a full belly from the beaver tails, you can sit and relax for a bit while driving this scenic route! We decided to drive this scenic route last since it has two trailheads to hikes we were wanting to do.
This picturesque route is a beautiful drive to the Red Rock Canyon. The drive to the canyon provides gorgeous views of the mountains. Look for wildlife! If you only have time to do one scenic drive, I would advise you to do this one! See below for more information on why.
- Hike to Red Rock Canyon
Since you will be driving the Red Rock Canyon Parkway, you will end the scenic drive at the trail head for two quick, easy hikes. The first is the Red Rock Canyon hike.
The Red Rock Canyon hike is a beautiful and relatively easy trail that showcases the stunning geological features of the area. This hike follows a path along the canyon, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant red rock formations, lush vegetation, and the soothing sounds of the nearby creek. The trail is about 2.5 miles round trip and is suitable for all levels of hikers.
- Hike to Blackiston Falls
Also at the end of the Red Rock Canyon Parkway is the trailhead for Blackiston Falls! The trail to the falls is about 4.3 miles roundtrip. This is a relatively easy hike with rewarding views! You’ll be rewarded by the sight of the cascading water plunging into a rocky gorge, creating a breathtaking backdrop for photography and relaxation.
The park has made the falls to be very accessible via the two build platforms offering perfect viewpoints of the falls. The first one you come upon provides a perfect view of the waterfall in its entirety- get your pictures here!
The second platform is at the top of the waterfall allowing the perfect view of looking down the falls.
- Take a Boat Ride
Taking a boat ride in Waterton Lakes National Park offers a serene and scenic way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. As you cruise across the deep blue waters of Upper Waterton Lake, you’ll be surrounded by towering mountain peaks and may spot wildlife along the shoreline. It’s a peaceful and memorable way to experience the park’s natural beauty.
Have More Time in Alberta Canada?
If you are looking for more things to do near WLNP, there are plenty of options to consider!
Visit Fernie
On our way in to WLNP from MT, we stopped in the town Fernie. This is a well known, picturesque mountain town located in southeastern British Columbia, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Fernie is most known for being a ski- town due to Fernie Alpine Resort being close by. If you are visiting in winter, plan to spend a day having fun on the variety of slopes catering to all skill levels. During the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The town itself has a charming, historic downtown with vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafés, reflecting its rich mining history.
Visit Calgary
Calgary is a major city closer to Banff. We decided to drive through Calgary on route to Banff after leaving WLNP.
Calgary was inviting, warm, and beautiful. Although cities are not our preferred scene when road tripping, we felt it necessary to stop in! We spent our time in Calgary at Stephen Avenue. This is a vibrant pedestrian street located in downtown Calgary, Canada. Renowned for its historic architecture, the avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a popular destination.
Banff National Park
If you make your way to Calgary, you might as well go all the way to Banff! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Read more about what to do in Banff National Park here!
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Waterton Lakes National Park! We really enjoyed our time in this park and are thankful for another opportunity to experience God’s creation. I hope that you will get to experience it as well!!
Leave a comment below if you have ever visited WLNP or if you planning to!
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