Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park protects soaring peaks, deep glacial lakes, wind-swept prairie, and aspen parkland where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains in southwestern Alberta. Adjacent to Montana’s Glacier National Park, it forms the UNESCO-listed Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park (est. 1932), noted for exceptional scenery and biodiversity.

At a glance — Waterton Lakes National Park

Location	Southwest corner of Alberta on the U.S. border (adjoins Glacier National Park, Montana)
Province	Alberta
Established	1895
Area (approx.)	≈ 505 km²
Highest peak	Mount Blakiston (≈2,912 m)
Notable features	Upper/Middle/Lower Waterton Lakes; Crypt Lake Trail (tunnel & ladder); Red Rock Canyon & Red Rock Parkway; Akamina Parkway & Cameron Lake; Bear’s Hump; Prince of Wales Hotel (NHS)
Nearby communities	Waterton Park (townsite); gateways: Pincher Creek, Cardston, Fort Macleod; U.S. side: Babb/St. Mary (MT)

Overview

Waterton is famous for its compressed diversity: prairie grasses run straight into steep mountains, creating strong chinook winds, wildflower meadows, and lake-filled valleys. Wildlife includes elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black and grizzly bears, mule deer, wolves, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies. The 2017 Kenow Wildfire reshaped many slopes; regeneration and restoration are ongoing.

Lands and relationships

The park lies within the traditional territories of the Niitsítapi (Blackfoot Confederacy—Kainai, Piikani, Siksika) and other Indigenous peoples. Parks Canada works with Indigenous partners on cultural stewardship, fire, and species conservation across the Peace Park.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Mountains & passes: Steep fault-block peaks drop abruptly to valleys and lakes; red argillite and limestone create vivid canyon colours.
Lakes & canyons: Long, deep Waterton Lakes carved by ice; short, photogenic slot at Red Rock Canyon.
Prairie–aspen edge: Fescue prairie, aspen parkland, and wildflower meadows at the mountain front.
Wildlife (highlights): Elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bears, cougar, wolf, moose; loons, harlequin ducks, raptors, and many migrants.

Things to do

Scenic drives: Red Rock Parkway to Red Rock Canyon (trailheads into the Blakiston Valley); Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake.
Hiking (classics): Crypt Lake Trail (boat shuttle + tunnel/ladder); Bear’s Hump (short, steep viewpoint); Carthew–Alderson and Bertha Lake/Falls; Lineham Ridge and Buchanan lookouts.
Boating & paddling: Lake cruises on Upper Waterton Lake (seasonal); canoe/kayak/SUP on Waterton or Cameron Lakes (watch wind).
Cycling & picnicking: Road rides on parkways and quiet roads; day-use areas around the townsite and lakes.
Winter: Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions allow; services are limited—check seasonal operations.

Access and visitor services

Primary approach via Hwy 6/5 from Pincher Creek or Cardston to the park gate and Waterton townsite.
Seasonal Chief Mountain Highway links to the U.S. border crossing toward Glacier NP.
Townsite services include a visitor centre, lodging, groceries, rentals, and restaurants (seasonal variability).
Reservations recommended for campgrounds and popular experiences; backcountry camping requires permits. A valid Parks Canada pass is required.

Safety and low-impact travel

Wind & weather: Powerful chinooks and sudden storms are common—carry layers and secure gear.
Bears & other wildlife: Carry bear spray on trails; make noise; keep 100 m from bears/wolves and 30 m from elk/deer; never feed or approach animals.
Steep exposure & water hazards: Several hikes have cliff exposure; stay on signed routes. Lakes are cold and can be rough—dress for immersion.
Fire & closures: Some areas may have ongoing wildfire recovery or seasonal wildlife closures—check current bulletins.
Practice Leave No Trace and respect cross-border rules if joining U.S. routes by boat or trail.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Waterton Lakes National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton
Parks Canada — Visit (Akamina/Red Rock, activities): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit
Parks Canada — Reservations (camping/backcountry): https://reservation.pc.gc.ca
Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, fire bans): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp