20+ BEST Things to Do in Waterton in Summer

This small national park is just 3 hours from Calgary

The view from the Bear's Hump hike
The view from the Bear's Hump hike

Waterton Lakes National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta, is an absolute gem of a place to visit year round. It’s the smallest of the Rocky Mountain National Parks, with drop-dead gorgeous mountain scenery that’s easily accessible. That means you can cover a lot of ground in the national park if you’re short on time. If you’re not, explore the wide variety of things to do in Waterton at a more leisurely pace, described below.

There is literally something for everyone in Waterton from a scenic boat cruise to SUP, to hiking, enjoying high tea or simply checking out the local shops in the small dowtown area.

Waterton is unlike any other park in Canada. It shares a border with Glacier Lake National Park in Montana and the two combined are called the “Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park – the first such park in the world.” 

In 2017 a massive fire ripped through a large swath of Waterton. While the Visitor Centre was lost to the fire – along with 47,000 acres of land, the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel was not, nor was any of the townsite. Much of the landscape was changed – but the regrowth and the wildflowers are compelling in their own fabulous way. I like the vistas we didn’t have before!

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The Prince of Wales Hotel enjoys a spectacular setting
The Prince of Wales Hotel enjoys a spectacular setting

The best time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park

If you want to experience a large number of activities – with all the facilities in town open, then time your visit to Waterton for summer. June in particular is outstanding for wildflowers, while late September offers fall colours and some gorgeous larch hikes. 

If you’re crowd adverse, visit in the spring, late fall and winter. I think winter in Waterton is amazing – especially since it feels like you’ve got the park to yourself.

Time it right and one of the things to do in Waterton is have the beaches to yourself
Time it right and you could almost have the beaches to yourself in Waterton

Drive the Red Rock Parkway

The Red Rock Parkway is is one beautiful 15 km one-way drive or bike ride. The road travels up the Blakiston Valley to end at Red Rock Canyon. It is the premiere spot for experiencing “Waterton’s classic prairie meeting mountain landscape.

I have ebiked it in the past when it was closed to cars – and that was great fun, especially as it made short work of the hills!

Along the Red Rock Parkway there are numerous pull-outs and even trailheads and interpretive signs. Once you’re at the end of the road you might find parking challenging, especially on a weekend afternoon. Exercise a little patience or go earlier.

There are several trailheads from the Red Rock Parkway if you’re into hiking including: 

  • Crandell Lake (short and easy)
  • Bellevue Prairie Trail (short, easy hike)
  • Blakiston Falls (short, easy and pretty falls)
  • Blakiston Valley (20 km moderate hike)
  • Goat Lake (difficult 14 km hike) and Avion Ridge (add another 3.2 km plus some elevation gain from Goat Lake)
  • Snowshoe (16.8 km easy day hike)
  • Twin Lakes (difficult 24.2 km hike)
  • Tamarack Trail access (difficult multi-day hike)
Spectacular views along the Red Rock Parkway
Spectacular views along the winding Red Rock Parkway
So many wildflowers along the side of the Red Rock Parkway
Reams of wildflowers that will make your heart sing along the Red Rock Parkway

Explore Red Rock Canyon

Get out of the car and explore Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park on foot. It’s an easy 0.7 km loop trail.

On a hot summer’s day you might want to take one of the trails down to the sparkling stream and cool off the toes. I know I did after my hike to Goat Lake.

One of the things to do in Waterton is to visit Red Rock Canyon
One of the top things to do in Waterton is to visit Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is truly spectacular
Red Rock Canyon is truly spectacular

Take a hike in Waterton Lakes National Park

Crypt Lake hike

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park. I have already done the Crypt Lake hike – considered one of the top hikes in Canada. If you don’t mind some exposure and a tunnel, this is a great choice. It starts with a boat ride.

Steel cables on the far side of the tunnel
Steel cables on the far side of the tunnel on the Crypt Lake trail

Lineham Ridge hike

The 17.2 km return Lineham Ridge hike is one for the books. Travel along the Rowe Creek stream bed an be dazzled by red argillite rocks. After getting past treeline, climb steadily to a ridge, famous for its red colour. Note that the wind can be fierce on this hike.

A look at what's ahead
A look at what’s ahead on the Lineham Ridge hike

Carthew Alderson hike

The Carthew Alderson hike is best done as a one way hike with a shuttle from Tamarack Outfitters. They drop you off at Cameron Lake and you hike back to the Waterton campsite over the course of a day. This hike offers gorgeous lakes, alluring mountain vistas, wildflowers, beautiful rocks and a fabulous adventure.

Heading for the Carthew Lakes
Heading for the Carthew Lakes

Bertha Falls hike

I highly recommend the hike to Bertha Falls, one of the easier hikes in the park. Continue to Bertha Lake if you have the time. It starts near Cameron Falls (a must see if you’re into photography) and offers up stunning views of Waterton Lake along the way.

It’s just 5.2 km round-trip to Lower Bertha Falls. The elevation gain is an easy 191 metres. To continue all the way to Bertha Lake you will climb 471 metres over 10.4 km. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours to do that.

The view on the way up to Bertha Falls
The view on the way up to Bertha Falls
Bertha Falls
Bertha Falls in Waterton

Bear’s Hump hike

You only need about an hour to knock off the 2.8 km round-trip hike to Bear’s Hump, especially as there is only 250 m of elevation gain. The views are so compelling from the top that you might want to spend another hour just hanging out. 

Very pretty hiking up the Bear's Hump
Very pretty hiking up the Bear’s Hump
Hard to beat the view on the Bear's Hump hike
Hard to beat this view
View from Bear's Hump
View from Bear’s Hump

Goat Lake hike

Another excellent choice is the more difficult 14 km return hike to Goat Lake from Red Rock Canyon. The first 4.5 km via the Snowshoe Trail are mostly flat and easy. This part of the trails seems to be popular with the mountain biking crowd as well.

Once you turn off the Snowshoe Trail you start climbing. Fortunately there are switchbacks that make the grade more palatable. There are some pretty waterfalls along the route. At the top there is the option to camp (closed when I did it because of bears) or continue hiking to Avion Ridge – visible from the campground. It’s another 3.2 km return with considerable elevation gain. See how you feel when you get to the lake before committing.

Such a contrast between fresh growth and the burnt forest
Such a contrast between fresh growth and the burnt forest
It's a steep climb up to Goat Lake
It’s a steep climb up to Goat Lake – notice the switchbacks
Goat Lake isn't large but I liked the setting
Goat Lake isn’t large but I liked the setting

Check out Cameron Falls

One of the not to be missed things to do in Waterton is to check out one of Alberta’s beautiful waterfalls – Cameron Falls. It’s super easy to access and the parking lot is literally just across the road.

One of the things to do in Waterton in visit Cameron Falls
One of the things to do in Waterton in visit Cameron Falls

Pick up an e-bike at Pat’s of Waterton and head out for a couple of easy, fun hours of biking. On a previous trip I biked most of the Red Rock Parkway from the Waterton townsite. It’s a fabulous, soul-stirring ride especially with the wildflower display BUT the road is narrow and you really must exercise caution around any cars.

Or hop on the Kootenai Brown Trail – a dedicated bike path that travels for 6.9 km from the Townsite campground to visitor facilities in the Waterton Valley – while enjoying superlative mountain views. It’s nice to do it at a pace that allows you to jump on and off your bike, when there’s a photo you want to catch. 

Another fantastic option is to do the bike ride up the Chief Mountain Highway. That’s what we did and what a fun ride it turned out to be. Start on the Kootenai Brown trail and take it past the park gates. Follow the signs for the US border crossing. Climb – easily if you have an e-bike – enjoying the views of Chief Mountain. We stopped about 5 minutes short of the border. The return was so much fun with some in the group clocking speeds of 65 km/hour.

Over the hour or so we were on the Chief Mountain Highway we saw only a handful of cars so it’s an extremely safe ride to do. If you’re going to do it alone, be sure to carry bear spray and a lot of water with you.

Pick up a bike and a cold drink at Pat's of Waterton
Pick up a bike and a cold drink at Pat’s of Waterton
Fantastic, easy biking along the Kootenai Brown Trail
Fantastic, easy biking along the Kootenai Brown Trail
Biking the Chief Mountain Highway on the way to the US border
Biking the Chief Mountain Highway on the way to the US border
It's a quiet road so you can let 'er rip on the descent
It’s a quiet road so you can let ‘er rip on the descent

Experience the Night Sky in Waterton Lakes National Park

If you want to learn something about the night sky – and you’re okay with staying up till 1:30 AM then I highly recommend signing up for a tour with Dark Sky Guides – run by four brothers based in Waterton, all with a passion for the stars.

Waterton Lakes National Park is an International Dark Sky Park and is part of the world’s first trans national international dark sky park.

On our tour we had Keith as a guide – a delightful man who is a born storyteller. He’ll pick you up in a van at your hotel (or you can follow him in your own car while COVID is with us) and take you to the Blakiston Falls trailhead at the end of the Red Rock Parkway.

Don one of the headlamps provided and set off on an easy one kilometre walk to the falls. The walk itself is interesting, even in the dark. We stopped to admire giant fireweed, as tall as a six foot person – thanks to the nutrients from the 2017 wildfires. I don’t think I would have appreciated how unusual that was without a guide.

Once at the falls, I sat back and craned my neck looking for shooting stars (I spotted four of them) while listening to Keith deliver Native stories about some of the constellations. What I really appreciated on this tour was the green laser Keith produced from his pack. It allowed him to pinpoint the stars so you knew exactly which ones he was referring to. That was a first for me.

Bring your own tripod if you want to shoot the night sky. I know a couple in our group got some great shots.

The Waterton night sky - Photo credit: Kris Robinson, Dark Sky Guides
The Waterton night sky – Photo credit: Kris Robinson, Dark Sky Guides
Spectacular night skies over Waterton Lakes National Park - The Waterton night sky - Photo credit: Kris Robinson, Dark Sky Guides
Spectacular night skies over Waterton Lakes National Park – The Waterton night sky – Photo credit: Kris Robinson, Dark Sky Guides

Paddle or SUP on Linnet Lake or Upper Waterton Lake

From summer all the way through until October, SUP and kayaking are a great way to experience Waterton Lakes National Park. You can bring your own kayak/SUP or rent from local outfitter – Blakiston & Company. Early and late in the season you may want to wear a wet suit! Pictured below is Linnet Lake where the paddling is usually mellow.

The same cannot be said for Upper Waterton Lake. Kayaking and SUP can get tough here on a windy day, especially with waves, but if you’re up for it and have the experience, there’s a lot of exploring to do. Take a half day to several days and paddle the lake, staying in backcountry campsites along the west shore of the lake. Reserve campsites ahead with Parks Canada.

How does some SUP sound in the shadow of the Prince of Wales Hotel?
How does some SUP sound in the shadow of the Prince of Wales Hotel?
Post paddle enjoy a red chair moment on Linnet Lake
Post paddle, bike ride or SUP experience, enjoy a red chair moment on Linnet Lake

How about a horseback ride in the park?

From one hour to full day rides, Alpine Stables in Waterton has something for everyone – at least if you’re five years or older. There are three rides to choose from this year – including an exploration of the prairie grasslands, a shorter wildlife habitation ride and a full day of riding up to Vimy Peak.

Horseback riding will never be my first choice of adventures probably because of some deep-seated fear of galloping off and holding on for dear life until the horse either tires or bucks me off. But on my horseback ride in Waterton the scenery  was so breathtaking that I couldn’t help but be swept along in the moment.

They do a really good job at the stable of matching you with a horse that fits your ability.

Nice views over to the Prince of Wales Hotel in the distance
Nice views before the fire over to the Prince of Wales Hotel in the distance 

Catch a sunset

In the summer I highly recommend wandering down past Cameron Falls to the beach on Upper Waterton Lake. It’s a peaceful place offering the option to walk the rocky beach, skip stones or meditate while watching the sun go down.

Looking down the length of Upper Waterton Lakes
Looking down the length of Upper Waterton Lakes
Kids skipping stones as the sun goes down
Kids skipping stones as the sun goes down

Enjoy a boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake

The best way to see Upper Waterton Lake is via a scenic cruise. Over the two hour cruise you are treated to a mountainscape that includes soaring vertical cliffs, waterfalls and glacial valleys.

Part way down the lake you’ll cross the international border into Glacier National Park in Montana – where a 30 minute stop (with the proper ID of course) at Goat Haunt is part of the deal. Sign up for a cruise in the morning for the best lighting – and the evening for the best chance of seeing wildlife.

Cruises run through to Thanksgiving weekend. Note that from the last week of September through to Thanksgiving there are only two cruises a day.

You need to buy boat tickets to get to the Crypt Lake trailhead
Enjoy a cruise on the lake – and don’t forget your passport

Come for a festival

Waterton Lakes National Park boasts a number of festivals including the Waterton Wildlife Weekend and the annual Wildflower Festival in June.

Also, in either late May or early June there’s a Taste of Waterton event that features a pie cruise. In mid-September check out the Artisan Fair – held in mid-September.

Wildflowers on the Carthew Alderson Trail
Wildflowers on the Carthew Alderson Trail

Stroll through the Waterton International Peace Park 

Take an easy stroll the Waterton International Peace Park featuring Parks Canada red chairs near the marina. 

The peace park uniting Waterton Lakes National Park with Glacier Nation Park is the first of its kind in the world. It was proposed back in 1931 by the rotary clubs of Montana and Alberta. The idea was to promote goodwill and peace between the two countries but also to recognize the “international nature of wilderness.”

Walk past the marina towards the trees and the red chairs to get to the Waterton International Peace Park
Walk past the marina towards the trees and the red chairs to get to the Waterton International Peace Park

What to do in Waterton in winter

Waterton is quiet in winter with more animals than people in the townsite. There are a couple of restaurants and hotels open, but you really need to get a handle of what services are available before showing up. Fill up your gas tank before you visit and bring some snacks.

There’s a lot to do in Waterton in winter. Be sure to bundle up as this area is famous for its winds.

Go snowshoeing

Want an easy but beautiful snowshoe outing – or winter walk if it’s not snowy enough? Take the Akamina Parkway for 6.7 km to reach the trailhead for Crandell Lake. 

Head out on a 1.8 km one way trail – enjoying gorgeous views of the lake at the turnaround point.

Snowshoeing to Crandell Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park
Snowshoeing to Crandell Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park

Drive the roads in Waterton including the Akamina Parkway

You can’t go wrong with the gorgeous drive along the Akamina Parkway in Waterton in winter. Without a lot of traffic, you can take your time, enjoying the scenes at a leisurely pace.

Just driving into Waterton in winter can be a breathtakingly beautiful experience. Photographers will be yelling “Stop the car” because in the right light, it’s over the top beautiful.

It's a pretty drive on the Akamina Parkway
It’s a pretty drive on the Akamina Parkway to get to the parking lot to access Cameron Lake
Had to stop to capture the Prince of Wales Hotel from a distance during winter in Waterton
Had to stop to capture the Prince of Wales Hotel from a distance during winter in Waterton

Go for a winter hike, snows or cross-country ski at Cameron Lake

From the parking lot it’s a 2.5 km one way outing on skis, snowshoes or on foot to reach Cameron Lake. Allow 1- 2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the lake.

There is a shelter where you can eat your lunch up by Cameron Lake.

The Alpine Club of Canada rents out the Cameron Hut – which you’ll pass on the way to the lake, down in the woods.

Cross-country skiers near Cameron Lake
Cross-country skiers near Cameron Lake
It's an easy 2.5 km one way hike, ski or snowshoe to Cameron Lake from the parking lot
It’s an easy 2.5 km one way hike, ski or snowshoe to Cameron Lake from the parking lot

Do the Bear’s Hump hike in winter

The Bear’s Hump hike is a beauty in winter – just don’t forget the microspikes or you’ll have a treacherous descent.

What a view from the top of Bear's Hump
What a view from the top of Bear’s Hump in winter

Where to eat in Waterton Lakes National Park

Red Rock Trattoria is considered the best restaurant in town though I have yet to eat here.

For a wiener – even for all you non-wiener eating folks, wander over to Wieners of Waterton for a gourmet hotdog – with or without all the fixins’. Not a meat eater? Don’t worry. They’ve got falafels on a bun that will fill you up for any adventure you might do. There are lots of picnic tables so you can eat it all outdoors.

The Lakeside Chophouse with an outdoor patio overlooking the lake is another excellent choice. Even better is the fact that it’s got a few of the dishes on the menu that were big hits at the Red Rock Trattoria. (The restaurants are owned by the same family.) Portion sizes are LARGE, so if you’re having an appetizer you might want to split the main with someone.

If you’re a fan of Mexican food be sure to visit The Taco Bar, owned by a third generation local. All the slow-cooked meats, salsas and sauces are made from scratch and everything is made fresh to order. There is no Tex-Mex here. I had the burrito and it was very filling. – almost enough for two.

If you’re heading out for a day in the hills, pick up lunch supplies at Pearl’s Café. I enjoyed a delicious brie, apple and chicken sandwich.

If you only eat weiners once a year be sure to do it at Weiners of Waterton
If you only eat wieners once a year be sure to do it at Wieners of Waterton
My delicious pasta from the Lakeside Chophouse
My delicious pasta from the Lakeside Chophouse
Try the gourmet hotdog from locally sourced ingredients at Wieners of Waterton
Try the gourmet hotdog from locally sourced ingredients at Wieners of Waterton

Show up for High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel

After a full day of e-biking and hiking in Waterton you might be ready to slump into a comfy chair with a view down the length of Waterton Lakes. If this sounds like something you’d like, visit the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel for high tea.

Smiling servers dressed in kilts (both male and female) will offer you a choice of teas and then let you poke away at a choice of goodies while enjoying the scenery. Fall is a great time to take advantage of high tea as there aren’t nearly the lineups that you get in summer. But beware – the hotel is the first to close for the season in Waterton.

How about afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel?
How about afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel?
One of the top things to do in Waterton - enjoying both the view and high tea at the Prince of Wales hotel
Enjoying both the view and high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel

Where to stay in Waterton Lakes National Park

There is everything from camping to B&B’s to hotel stays across a range of price points. The Townsite Campground on the lake is a good choice if you’re into camping. You can reserve online or call Parks Canada at 1-877-737-3783.

I stayed in the Northland Lodge near Cameron Falls. Even though the rooms are basic I loved the fact I could walk out onto a deck from my room with a view and lots of seating. The staff is particularly friendly here.

The Prince of Wales Hotel enjoys the most incredible views – along with a high tea though I have never stayed here. 

Other solid choices in town include Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort, Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa and Crandell Mountain Lodge.

Note that in winter you can ski into and night over in the Cameron Lake Cabin run by the Alpine Club of Canada.

Pretty deck with a view at Northland Lodge
Pretty deck with a view at Northland Lodge

Getting to Waterton Lakes National Park

From Calgary it’s only about a 250 km drive. Take Highway 2 to Fort Macleod, then turn west along Highway 3 to reach Pincher Creek. Or take the scenic Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) but when you reach Highway 3, go east to get to Pincher Creek.

At Pincher Creek go south on Highway 6 for about 50 scenic kilometres to reach the park gate. From the gate it’s another 8 km to reach the townsite with all the services. It takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to drive from Calgary.

Drive past stunning fields of canola on the way to Waterton
Drive past stunning fields of canola on the way to Waterton

A big thank you to the Waterton Chamber of Commerce for hosting my visit.

Further reading on things to do in southern Alberta

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20+ best things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park

 

 

 

 

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