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National park in Alberta, Canada
Photo: Gorgo, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Waterton Lakes National Park is the Canadian portion of Waterton Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve which extends into the US as Glacier National Park. The park is in the southwestern corner of Alberta, and protects the southernmost portion of the Canadian Rockies. As a destination, Waterton is best known for hiking and sight-seeing.
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Long lake that stretches across the Canadian/US border, set below spectacular mountain scene. There is a pleasant stroll along the shoreline in the town.
The Buffalo Paddock is a fenced-off area of prairie grassland that is home to the park's buffalo herd. The single road loops through the enclosure and offers a good opportunity to see these animals in their natural environment.
A pretty spot, which, true to its name, features a canyon and river bed with a striking shade of red. There is a short trail (15-30 minutes) that follows both sides of the canyon. A 1-km trail leads to a waterfall, and a few longer (5-9 hour) trails start here.
A short but very steep walk up to a ridge above the town provides a spectacular view of the whole valley. The trail is gravelled and has stone steps in places, but would be hazardous for anyone with mobility issues, or who does not have good cardiorespiratory health. There is, however, a disabled parking spot next to the trailhead. It is usually very windy at the top, so dress accordingly.
Beautiful glacial lake, with opportunity for canoe rentals in summer.
From the south end of town, the falls are a 5.2-km (return) hike on a good trail with great views of Waterton Lake along the way. The hike to Bertha Lake is 10.4 km (return).
A 1 hr 15 min scenic cruise on Upper Waterton Lake that provides fantastic views of the lake and mountains on a sunny day and good opportunities to see eagles, moose, deer and other wildlife. The boat itself is interesting as it was built in the 1920s, in conjunction with the Prince of Wales Hotel, to wine and dine the rich visitors to the park of the time.
An international challenge for hikers, featuring 2 of Waterton's most beloved trails, Crypt Lake (9 km) and Carthew-Alderson (16 km), in addition to 2 of Glacier National Park's favourites Siyeh Pass (16.5 km) and the Garden Wall (18.5 km). You must bring your passport. (60 km total)
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A challenge for hikers, three local favourite trails: Crypt Lake (9 km), Carthew-Alderson (16 km) and Akamina Pass (20 km). (45 km total)
Hike of about one hour uphill from Cameron Lake car park to a small lake in a mountain pass. In some years, the path is clear by June, and in others it can be under snow in July.
Start the Great Divide Trail at the US border and begin your journal North for some 1,130 km.
Spacious coffee shop with a good selection of breakfast and lunch wraps and baked goods. Awards a t-shirt to hikers on completion of the Triple Crown of Waterton (three hikes) or Fantastic Four of Waterton Glacier (four hikes). A public computer is free to use with purchase of food or drink and two hours of wi-fi is available for clients (ask at the counter for the access code).
Family-run restaurant with a lumberjack/rustic décor. It has a number of dishes with local ingredients like bison and Saskatoon berries. Good quality food but a little expensive.
Family diner-style restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Interesting décor of vehicle licence plates, good service, food is of medium quality. (You'll wonder why the world-famous chicken you've never heard of is famous anywhere.)
at the Waterton Lakes Lodge
Casual fine dining with Rocky Mountain cuisine. Excellent burgers (beef, chicken, salmon, vegetarian) $19-28. Unique wine selections. Two patios with mountain views. Dining room menu available from 5-10PM. Big screen TVs playing sports and cushy leather lounge chairs to view from. Good quality food but not cheap.
Casual bar with a dance floor, DJ and pool tables.
A real town favourite, noted by several prominent guide books as having the best coffee in Waterton. Featuring small batch roasted Cuppers Coffee, with a dizzying variety of hot and cold drinks. Offers delicious bagels prepared with imagination, and local baked goods.
in the Waterton Lakes Lodge
A relaxing lounge to enjoy a drink next to a fireplace. Big screen TVs that have sports. 2 patios with great mountain views.Casual fine dining also available.
A mix of rooms and suites on the lakefront with TV, internet and an on-site spa. Open May through early October.
One- and two-bed rooms with a country-style look and feel. Kitchen and Deluxe rooms cost a bit more but come with gas fireplaces.
An old railway hotel built in 1927 to attract tourists to the region. It's not your best value for money since the beds are small (doubles or twins in standard rooms), the hotel's age shows in a few spots and the rooms don't come with many extra amenities (no TV, no minibar, not all rooms have full bathtubs). It does have heaps of character and history though, and the views -- the hotel is built on a hill overlooking the lake and town -- are outstanding.
Mix of chalet-style accommodation and suites of good quality. Different sizes of rooms available.
Big variety of accommodation. Choose from kitchenettes, suites and cottage style rooms. Rooms are available with fireplaces and jetted tubs.
Classic 1960s motel. Basic rooms with comfortable beds. Good wifi connection for guests. Grill available in car park. Probably best value in town if you are not looking for luxury.
A fairly open, grassy campground with serviced and unserviced sites. Showers and flush toilets available. Reservations are recommended if staying over a weekend or if you want a serviced site. Open mid-April to mid-Oct.
Unserviced sites set in the forest with flush toilets but no showers.
Unserviced sites with dry toilets. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. Open mid-May to mid-Sept.
Sells a variety of sheepskin and leather clothing. The mitts, hats and slippers are their own brand, manufactured locally in Alberta.
Waterton Lakes is at the end of Highway 5, about an hour and a half from Lethbridge and 3 hours from Calgary.
Read in the guideThe townsite is small and can be easily travelled on foot. However, if you want to see some of the lakes, hikes and other features of the park, a car or bike will be necessary. There is a shuttle bus service.
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Kalispell · Regional · FCA
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