You can find Waterton Lakes National Park in the southwestern corner of Alberta, one of Canada’s smallest national parks. It sits on the U.S. border, seamlessly connecting with Montana’s Glacier National Park to create a breathtaking protected wilderness area. Unlike its more famous neighbors—Banff and Jasper—Waterton offers an equally stunning Rocky Mountain experience with far fewer crowds. This makes it a perfect destination for RVers, hikers, and nature lovers looking for solitude among towering peaks, pristine lakes, and vast prairie landscapes.
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A Unique & Diverse Landscape
Here, you will see three distinct ecosystems—prairie, mountains, and lakes. The deep, glacier-carved Waterton Lake is one of the deepest in the Canadian Rockies, offering dramatic reflections of the surrounding cliffs. About 80 lakes, ponds, and streams are in the park. The rolling grasslands at the park’s entrance give way to jagged peaks, creating a rare and striking contrast. Geologically, the park’s history stretches back 1.5 billion years, with ancient seabed fossils and ripple marks still visible today. Wind, ice, and water have shaped this dramatic terrain, creating deep U-shaped valleys, hanging cliffs, and rugged ridges for incredible hiking and sightseeing.
A Park with Deep History
Waterton Lakes National Park was established in 1895, making it Canada’s fourth national park and the smallest in the Canadian Rockies at just 505 square kilometers (195 square miles). It has two National Historic Sites—the Prince of Wales Hotel and the First Oil Well in Western Canada. The Prince of Wales Hotel sits on a bluff overlooking Waterton Lake, opened in 1927, and remains one of the park’s most iconic landmarks. Its views and historic charm make it a must-visit spot for travelers.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park joined forces in 1932 to create the world’s first International Peace Park, uniting Canada and the U.S. in a shared commitment to conservation. This agreement between Canada and the U.S. protects a shared ecosystem of alpine meadows, wildlife corridors, and glacial lakes. The Chief Mountain Border Crossing allows visitors to explore both parks in a single trip.
Wildlife & Ecology
The park is home to grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and numerous bird species, making it a prime spot for wildlife watching. If you drive the Bison Paddock Loop Road, you can spot the park’s bison roaming freely. Since the Kenow Wildfire of 2017, the landscape has been undergoing natural regeneration, and visitors can witness firsthand how forests and grasslands recover after fire.
Top Things to Do in Waterton
Scenic Drives
Waterton has some incredible scenic drives:
- Akamina Parkway – A 16 km (10 mi) route winding through the Cameron Valley to Cameron Lake, with breathtaking mountain views.
- Red Rock Parkway – A 15 km (9 mi) drive through Blakiston Valley, ending at the colorful Red Rock Canyon. This route offers some of the best views of Mount Blakiston, the park’s highest peak at 2,940 m (9,645 ft).
- Entrance Parkway – An 8 km (5 mi) drive from the park gate to the townsite, offering panoramic views of the Waterton Valley.
- Bison Paddock Loop Road – A short drive where you can see bison in their natural habitat.
Must-Do Hikes
Waterton Lakes National Park trails range from short, scenic walks to challenging mountain climbs. Some of the best hikes include:
- Bear’s Hump (2.8 km / 1.8 mi round trip, Moderate) – A short but steep hike leading to one of the most iconic viewpoints in the park. You will see a panoramic view of Waterton Lake, the townsite, and the surrounding peaks.
- Red Rock Canyon (0.7 km / 0.4 mi loop, Easy) – A paved path through the canyon with red, white, and green rock formations.
- Blakiston Falls (2 km / 1.2 mi round trip, Easy) – A short walk from Red Rock Canyon that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
- Prince of Wales Loop (2 km / 1.2 mi loop, Easy) – A scenic walk around the famous Prince of Wales Hotel, with lake and mountain views.
Camping & RVing in Waterton
The Townsite Campground is located right on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake and offers amenities like showers, electrical hookups, and easy access to town. Other options include Crandell Mountain Campground and backcountry campsites for those seeking a more rugged experience. Due to high demand, booking early is best—especially during peak summer months.
Have you been to Waterton Lakes National Park?
Whether taking in the views from the Prince of Wales Hotel, hiking to a hidden lake, or spotting wildlife on a scenic drive, there’s something here for every traveler. Even after the Kenow Wildfire, Waterton Lakes National Park remains as beautiful as ever, with new growth and changing landscapes adding to its charm.
If you haven’t been to Waterton yet, it’s time to put it on your travel list. If you have, send us a message and let us know the story of your trip!
