On the banks of Upper Waterton Lake, overlooking Emerald Bay in the very heart of Waterton Lakes National Park, is the quaint, verdant mountain hamlet of Waterton Park, the base for visiting the stunning Waterton Lakes National Park. Nestled amidst rugged mountains and wilderness, Waterton Park makes for the perfect getaway to the lush, wild countryside of Alberta. Unspoiled blue-green wilderness surrounds this charming town, which features gorgeous places to stay, a cluster of great dining places, a golf course, and acres and acres of countryside to explore, including hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, and campgrounds. Here are the best things to do in Waterton Park, Canada.
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1. Marvel at majestic mountain views while riding in the wind at Kootenai Brown Trail
The 14.6-km-long (9-mile) out-and-back, casual Kootenai Brown Trail is a great cycling trail for young and tested bikers alike, making it a suitable destination for families. This picturesque trail was built to mark the 125th anniversary of Canada’s national parks. It begins from a gentle slope, then leads through some prairie grass, and finally enters a gorgeous treelined tunnel with wildflowers swaying slightly in the wind. Lower Waterton Lake sits at the end of the trail, which also houses the grave of conservation advocate, soldier, and polymath John George “Kootenai” Brown.
Kootenai Brown Trail
Address: Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Kootenai Brown Trail
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
2. Have beautiful lifelong memories with the breathtaking scenery at Carthew-Alderson Trail
One of the most favourite and scenic of all Waterton trails is Carthew-Alderson Trail, a thrilling trail with exhilarating views. The one-way high-alpine Carthew-Alderson Trail takes adventurers past three alpine lakes—Carthew, Alderson, and Summit, where the trail ends. The trail begins on Evergreen Avenue in Waterton Park, continuing through the forest and finally onto an alpine-wildflower-filled avalanche path that leads to the eastern point of Carthew Mountain. The path winds down to Carthew and the gem-like Alderson Lakes, through Montane Forest, and finally down to the trail end at Cameron Falls.
Carthew-Alderson Trail
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Carthew-Alderson Trail
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
3. Lift your mood with the natural vibrant hues of Red Rock Canyon
True to its name, the narrow, deep, and utterly gorgeous Red Rock Canyon is full of various flat, jagged, and many other interestingly shaped deep-red rocks that lend the canyon its name. Red Rock Canyon has a small river that flows right through, meandering along the winding Blakiston Valley road. It is also from where many of Waterton’s favourite day hikes begin. The canyon itself is a panorama of red- and green-coloured bedrocks known as argillite. The dark, snowclad mountain peaks in the background, the swaying wildflowers, and the lush vegetation surrounding the canyon make for an excellent place for snapping stunning photos and enjoying picnic lunches.
Red Rock Canyon
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Red Rock Canyon
4. See how hiking can be accessible for everyone at Linnet Lake
Nestled on the northern ridge of Waterton Park just below the northern side of the fabulous Prince of Wales Hotel, the tranquil, breezy Linnet Lake is one peaceful haven for picnickers and hiking enthusiasts. Linnet Lake is known for a short-haul, flat, paved 1-km (0.6-mile) hiking loop trail around it, which has many interpretive displays as well as benches for visitors to make a day of it. What’s more, the Linnet Lake hike is the only wheelchair-accessible hike in Waterton Lakes National Park!
Linnet Lake
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Linnet Lake
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
5. Feel alive while traversing the thrilling Crypt Lake Trail
Having been voted as Canada’s best hike more than once in the last 30 years, the 17.2-km-long (10.7-mile) looped Crypt Lake Hike is one of Waterton Lakes National Park’s premium hikes. For the trail’s first part, there are two routes, the longer forested route going via Hell-Roaring Falls. The rest of the hike is a stunning open-valley walk as you cross small mountain streams and a now-defunct campground, before arriving at a ledge and a tunnel. You then walk along the precarious 50-cm-wide (20-inch) ledge, before crawling through a 100-feet-long (30-metre) natural mountain tunnel, and finally scrambling alongside a sheer cliff using nothing but a steel cable! Finally, a shaded forest route gets you to the stunning Crypt Lake.
Crypt Lake Trail
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Crypt Lake Trail
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
6. Swig some beers at Thirsty Bear Waterton - Kitchen & Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The oldest pub in all of Southern Alberta is now also Waterton’s only pub and newest hotspot—Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar! After a day of exploring the stunning sceneries of Waterton Lakes, swig some amazing craft beers. The place also has a huge TV for watching games, pool and foosball tables, and an amazing menu of excellent bar food and specialty cocktails as well. A beautiful brand-new patio, locally crafted furniture, and a diverse, wide selection of local Alberta craft beers on tap make Waterton the best watering hole for your Alberta holiday.
Thirsty Bear Waterton - Kitchen & Bar
Address: 111 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Thirsty Bear Waterton - Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: 12pm - 1am (daily)
7. Be mesmerized by a pink-hued waterfall
If you’re really, really lucky, you can feast your eyes on a waterfall in hues of watermelon-rouge pink cascading down a gorgeous valley right in the very heart of town—in the form of Waterton Park’s Cameron Falls. The extremely rare phenomenon happens due to heavy rains stirring up argillite, a Precambrian mineral-sediment that turns the water pinkish-red when the light gets reflected. Sunset is the time when the waterfalls appear particularly spectacular, showcasing Waterton’s geological uniqueness.
Cameron Falls
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Cameron Falls
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Go on an educational horse ride with Alpine Stables
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nature lovers and hippophiles holidaying in Waterton Park can indulge in a bit of Western adventure by riding a steed through wooded trails and on mountain slopes to enjoy wildflowers, alpine habitat, and wildlife galore. Guided Alpine Stables rides can be overnight, full-day, or half-day trips. Your guide will also share stories of wildlife, flora, and local history, resulting in a memorable ride for those enthusiastic and intrepid travellers.
Alpine Stables
Address: 1 Marquis Rd, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Alpine Stables
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
9. Enjoy a delish breakfast at Trappers Mountain Grill
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Good meals are a great way to start off what will be a lovely day, and there’s no better place than Trappers Mountain Grill. Enjoy a hearty, delectable breakfast spread to better enjoy a day of exploring Waterton Lakes National Park. Patrons can choose from a wide range of yummy homemade dishes in a rustic, country setting. Must-eats include burgers, ribs, smoked trout or meat from their authentic barbeque, Saskatoon berries, coleslaw, baked potato, fish ‘n’ chips, pulled pork, bison french, toast pie, and more. Polish off breakfast with a latte or cappuccino.
Trappers Mountain Grill
Address: 106 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Trappers Mountain Grill
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
10. Perfect your swing at Waterton Lakes Golf Course
Those looking to enjoy some well-deserved tee time can indulge in a game at the 18-hole Waterton Lakes Golf Course, one of Canada’s oldest golf courses. It is surrounded by the breathtaking and majestic Southern Alberta Rockies and offers a range of amenities including cart and club rentals, a practice green, a pro shop, and a licensed clubhouse. A friendly staff, the rolling and undulating greens, and the unforgettable scenery make playing golf here a relaxing activity.
Waterton Lakes Golf Course
Address: 215 Mt View Rd, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Waterton Lakes Golf Course
Opening hours: May - October: Mon - Sun; November - April: Sat
11. Have a great meal with a wonderful view at Lakeside Chophouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
To enjoy spectacular views of Southern Alberta Rockies and Waterton Lakes, pick the best seat in the house at Lakeside Chophouse, a premier dining space in the heart of Waterton right on the edge of Upper Waterton Lake. Sit out on the exceptional lakefront patio and dig into delicious food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even cocktails in the afternoon. Do try the Saskatoon berry pie, bison salad, chocolate cake, prawns, spaghetti, butter chicken, crabcakes, and steak, among others. Don’t miss dining at this gorgeous spot!
Lakeside Chophouse
Address: 111 Waterton Avenue, Suite 101, Box #38, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Lakeside Chophouse
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
12. Taste local favorites at Wieners of Waterton
Dig into some delectable, not-your-typical gourmet hotdogs at Wieners of Waterton, which serves up freshly grilled sausages made from locally sourced ingredients on freshly baked buns. The best part about the sausages at Wieners is the plethora of homemade toppings—think grilled onions with homemade mustard or hot peppers with specialty aioli. Don’t miss ordering other notable items such as vegetarian hotdogs, sweet potato fries, and more. Truly this place has established itself as a Waterton staple.
Wieners of Waterton
Address: 301 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Wieners of Waterton
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
13. Rejuvenate yourself at Serenity Spa
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After days of adventure in Waterton involving village strolls, hiking trails, and picnicking, it’s time to unwind, revitalize, and relax at Serenity Spa, whose rejuvenating treatments will make your trip to Waterton even better. Choose from a host of services, including hairstyling, waxing, facials, pedicures, manicures, reflexology, and massages, all from specialists and a skilled staff who will make your time spent at Serenity Spa worth it.
Serenity Spa
Address: 111 Waterton Ave #103, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Serenity Spa
14. Pick up a Canadian souvenir at Zum's Eatery & Mercantile
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The quaint Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile on Waterton Avenue is not just a place to dig into some delicious, hearty food—it’s also where you can pick up a great souvenir to remember your Canadian holiday! Serving up delectable dishes—some must-eats such as cheeseburgers, fried chicken, and milkshakes—Zum’s also features a wide range of Waterton mementoes, including jewellery, trinkets, Christmas ornaments, and more. You can even find distinctly Canadian souvenirs such as bear memorabilia, sweaters, and maple syrup here, making Zum’s the best one-stop place for a great meal and some shopping too!
Zum's Eatery & Mercantile
Address: 16 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
15. Invite family and friends for camping along the banks of Bertha Lake
If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, or rather getting your legs tired, for seeing a gorgeous, azure-blue lake, then kit up to indulge in a hike to the stunning Bertha Lake. Begin from the Bertha trailhead on Evergreen Avenue in Waterton to Lower Bertha Falls, through a forested region before heading to the wide, open Waterton Valley and on to Upper Bertha Falls. Finally, a rocky path down leads to the gorgeous, brilliant blue-green Bertha Lake, with sprawling views of the valley all around. For this 10.4-km-long (6.5-mile) trail, trekkers can indulge in either a day trip or camp overnight at the Bertha campground on the banks of the lake or the Bertha Bay campground 4 km (2.5 miles) away on the trail back.
Bertha Lake
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Bertha Lake
16. Have a picnic and create some artworks at Driftwood Beach
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Driftwood from Waterton Lakes washes ashore to create a stunning shoreline of sand, rock, and wood at Driftwood Beach in Waterton Park. Located off Highway 5 just five minutes from Waterton Park, Driftwood Beach is a great spot for a picnic, so pack a picnic basket with food, beverages, and other odds and ends and make a day of it. Stunning views of Mount Vimy in the distance with the Prince of Wales hotel peeking out from the foliage atop Middle Waterton Lake makes Driftwood Beach a great place to simply get away for some downtime. You can even create some imaginative artwork out of driftwood, but make sure to put the pieces back in place as you found them.
Driftwood Beach
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Driftwood Beach
Opening hours: Dawn to dusk
17. Treat yourself to some well-deserved desserts at Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A Waterton tradition for years, Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour is the perfect place to go when you want to take a break in the middle of a long day exploring the great outdoors in Waterton Lakes National Park. Featuring a whopping 32 delicious flavours of ice cream, Big Scoop is where you need to be on a hot day for some deliciously cold treats—think scoops of flavourful ice cream in fresh handmade waffle cones, frozen yoghurt, sundaes, creamy milkshakes, and some very hard-to-say-no-to homemade fudge.
Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour
Address: Mainstreet, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 8pm; Mon: 10am - 9pm
18. Climb the challenging trail to Vimy Peak
At 7,800 feet (2,400 metres), Vimy Peak offers thrilling views of Waterton Lakes National Park and its many vistas, including the lakes as well as the stunning Crypt Falls. Intrepid adventurers can climb Vimy Peak via the challenging 11-km-long (7-mile) steep Wishbone Trail. Even experienced hikers will find this trail formidable, which requires them to cross the fast-moving, gushing, deep Belly River. However, the vistas of creeks, the green foliage, the wildflowers, and the view from the peak make the trek worth it.
Vimy Peak
Address: Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Vimy Peak
19. Bring your RV to Townsite Campground for easy access to Waterton Lakes National Park
Townsite Campground at the southern end of Waterton Park is the ideal place to camp with your RV to be able to explore Waterton Lakes National Park, located conveniently right at the entrance. Offering 45 electricity sites; 90 electrical, sewer, and water sites; as well as walk-in and unserviced tent sites, Townsite Campground is an excellent place to camp. It even features WiFi, potable water, generator use, washrooms, and some picnic tables as well. A number of campsites even have the option of purchasing firewood for use.
Townsite Campground
Address: Evergreen Ave, Improvement District No. 4, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Townsite Campground
20. Camp with your pet at Crooked Creek Campground
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Crooked Creek Campground in Waterton Lakes National Park offers a fantastic location—only 15 km (9.3 miles) away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Waterton Park, just 5.6 km (3.5 miles) east of the gates of Waterton Lakes National Park, and 15 km (9.3 miles) from the town of Mountain View, which sits to its east—providing campers choices for stocking up on supplies. The pet-friendly Crooked Creek features 80 serviced and unserviced campsites and tent sites with a plethora of cook-shack options, flush toilets and free showers, and free WiFi. There’s even a laundry facility and a store on-site.
Crooked Creek Campground
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Crooked Creek Campground
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
21. Catch a performance at Waterton Lakes Opera House Movie Theater and Concert Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A historic and beloved cinema and performing arts venue, Waterton Lakes Opera House has played host to celebrated events, special film presentations, or live concerts, which have since long been playing in the hallowed halls of this treasured community space. Housed in an iconic structure dating back to 1935, Waterton Lakes Opera House is home to Waterton Arts, a season of special film presentations and live concerts, and has been an indispensable part of the tiny Waterton Park community. Currently, the place also features speaker events, festivals, and more.
Waterton Lakes Opera House Movie Theater and Concert Hall
Address: 309 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Waterton Lakes Opera House Movie Theater and Concert Hall
22. Shop for souvenirs at Evergreen Antiques & Gifts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Evergreen Antiques & Gifts is the perfect shop to pick up a souvenir while holidaying in Waterton Park. Featuring a wide selection of antiques, linens, fashionable clothes, jewellery, and a range of gift items and accessories, the place makes for a one-stop store to buy anything and everything you might need for gifting loved ones back home—such as authentic Canadian souvenirs and trinkets. So take some time out of your exploration of Waterton Lakes National Park and shop for unique and thoughtful souvenirs at Evergreen Antiques & Gifts.
Evergreen Antiques & Gifts
Address: 112 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Evergreen Antiques & Gifts
23. Explore the scenic vistas of Waterton Lakes National Park
The fairytale-esque Waterton Lakes National Park is where flat prairies and Southern Alberta Rockies clash and create a landscape that is as stunning as it is surreal. Hilltop castles, sparkling lakes, and vegetation and foliage that are dark green and lush create an atmosphere of tranquillity in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve and International Peace Park, which is a sanctuary for a number of iconic mountain animals, including elk, grizzlies, and more, along with almost 800 species of the gorgeous wildflower. Indulge in hikes, camp in the depths of forests, and picnic beside lakes to enjoy the remarkable stretches of flora and fauna habitats in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Address: AB-5, Waterton Park AB T0K 2M0
Website: Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Park—a visual wonder
Waterton Lakes National Park is a sprawling Shangri-la of dark-green mountains, green-blue foliage, emerald-blue lakes, and sweeping, undulating, rolling green valleys with gushing streams, rivers, and cascades—an absolute natural wonder. This makes the tiny hamlet of Waterton Park—which is right in the middle of the national park—the perfect place to make your base for exploring the world-recognized site, not to mention the other top things to do in the surrounding area.
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