Waterton Lakes National Park is located in the southwest corner of Alberta, Canada. It borders Glacier National Park in Montana, United States. Waterton Lakes National Park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995 for their distinctive climate, physiographic setting, mountain-prairie interface, and tri-ocean hydrographical divide. Within the park, there are areas of significant scenic values with abundant, impressive and diverse flora and fauna.
The beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park is sure to blow your mind. It instantly became one of my most favorite places on earth. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, the residents were friendly and we loved the relaxed atmosphere.
The drives out to Cameron Lake and Red Rock Parkways were both closed to vehicles from the damage caused by the wildfire that happened at the end of last summer. Even though we were bummed that we would not be able to do those drives where wildlife was said to be abundant, we sure did not have any trouble finding some great wildlife – deer, a moose with her calf, and plenty of bears! If we had another day I would have loved to go on a hike. Even though you couldn’t access those parts of the park by vehicle, you could still go on foot. A great reason to make it back!
Camping at Waterton Lakes National Park was also beautiful. There was quite a bit of light from the washrooms that were nearby us (bonus with having three kids under five at the time!), but the night sky still lit up enough to blow our minds. I’m fascinated by the sky and what is beyond our planet; I could have gazed up at the sky all night.
It sure was impressive to see a Mama bear and her cubs playing in the wildflowers, a moose with her calf in the swamp and the more common sightings such a deer we find just as exciting. What is it about wildlife that leaves us so in awe? We were hoping to see a bull Moose to get a look at those massive antlers, but the bull eluded us. One day!
50 photos that really showcase the beauty, wonder, and fun:
Thinking About A Visit To Waterton Lakes National Park?
You’ll want to plan your visit according to what you want to see. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, making it the most busy time. If you’re in search of wildflowers, visit in Spring. Fall is the best time for wildlife viewing. You can also have some epic snowshoeing and ski adventures during the winter months, when the park is covered in a blanket of snow.
How To Get There
By Air
The two closest international airports are Calgary International, a three hour drive away from Waterton, or Kalispell, Montana which is 3.5 hours away. The closest regional airport is Lethbridge County Airpot, a 1.5 hours drive away from Waterton.
By Car
From Calgary
The Fastest Route
Take highway south 2 to Fort MacLeod. From Fort MacLeod, go West on Highway 3. Head south through Pincher Creek on Highway 6.
The Scenic Route
Take highway 2 south and go West on highway 7. Take highway 7 to Black Diamond and head south on highway 22. Head east on highway 3 until Pincher Creek and go south on highway 6 for 56 km.
Coming from Glacier National Park
From Kalispell
Take highway 2 through Flathead National Forest to East Glacier Village. Head North on Highway 49 to highway 89. Take highway 89 to Carway border. From the Carway border, head north on Alberta highway 2 to Cardston. Head West on highway 5 to Waterton.
Daily Admission Fees
Adult – Person 18 to 64 years of age – $10
Senior – Person 65 years of age or over – $8.40
Youth – Person 6 to 17 years of age – Free
Family/Group – Up to seven people arriving in a single vehicle in a national park- $20
Commercial Group – Per person – $6.90
Some Parks Canada fees will be changing beginning in January 2023.
What is a spectacular National Park that you enjoy?
Last updated February 2021.