Majestic Rocky Mountains, deep blue lakes, and more outdoor adventure than you can pack into a weekend, Waterton is just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or you’re a regular who just can’t get enough, here are the top 10 things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park.

1) Take a Hike

Waterton is a hiker’s paradise! From quick little hikes with fantastic views to long and technical day and multi-day treks, there is a trail for everyone to lace up and explore. Try some short and easy hikes to warm up your legs. The Linnet Lake Loop is an easy stroll around the lake, while Blakiston Falls is a short walk to a waterfall. If you’re keen to spend the day on the trail, continue to Blakiston Valley or take on some challenging hikes to Goat Lake, Wishbone, or Twin Lakes.

If you’re not sure where to go, book a guided hike with Tamarack Outdoors. This family-run guide service has been showing visitors around Waterton since 1922, so they know the best spots for anyone of any ability. Their store also sells the gear you need to turn your time on the mountain from wet and dreary to an epic adventure. They also offer hiker shuttles to specific trails.

Uplift Adventures offers expert guided hikes in Waterton and beyond. They also offer wildflower walks that uncover the incredible biodiversity of Waterton, courses on foraging, wilderness first aid, navigation, outdoor climbing, and backpacking. Their tours focus on sustainable tourism where people can give back to the places they visit.

2) Get on the Water

No visit to Waterton Lakes would be complete without exploring the namesake waterways. But if jumping into a glacier lake isn’t your forte, not to worry! There are plenty of ways to get acquainted with Waterton’s waterways, no splashing required!

The Waterton Shoreline Cruise is one of the most popular tours in the area. These leisurely cruises provide excellent interpretation of the area from experienced crew. Tour the Canada-USA border or cruise to Goat Haunt ranger station in Montana to see a snippet of Glacier National Park. Take a water shuttle to the trailhead of Crypt Lake hiking trail and experience one of the “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails” according to National Geographic.

For a quieter experience, rent a canoe, kayak, SUP, or pedal boat from Cameron Lake Boat Rentals and paddle your way around this serene, mountain-ringed lake. Watch for wildlife on the shoreline or get your fishing license to cast a line. These rentals are pet friendly, so there’s no reason to leave your four-legged family members at home!

Travel Alberta | Katie Goldie

3) Go Camping

Imagine sitting around the campfire eating s’mores under a mountain sunset: it’s a slumber party under the stars and you’re invited! Camping in Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the best ways to experience this mountain oasis.

The Waterton Townsite Campground is near the shores of Upper Waterton Lake, making it an easy-access campground that’s walking distance to all the amenities. This campground has it all: full-service sites, tent only sites, showers, toilets, food storage, and kitchen shelters. Whether you’re roughing it with nature or pulling the comforts of home behind your truck, there is a campsite that meets your needs. This campground is not a well-kept secret, so book early to avoid disappointment! Book online through the Parks Canada website.

Crooked Creek Campground is located just 5.6 km/3.5 mi from town, and it features serviced sites, pull through and back in sites for trailers, cook shack, laundry, free showers, flush toilets, wifi, and an on-site store. This campground fills up quickly, so pre-booking is recommended!

The Belly River Campground is located about 26 km/16.2 mi from the townsite along the Chief Mountain Highway. There are 24 first-come, first-served campsites. These sites are unserviced, and there is no potable water. For some added adventure, reserve some nights at one of Waterton’s 7 backcountry camping sites and truly experience this mountain wilderness for all its splendour. Book these sites though the Parks Canada website, and make sure you are prepared to spend the night in the elements.

When camping in and around Waterton Lakes National Park, please remember there are numerous species of wildlife who live here, and you are visiting their home. Be a good houseguest! Keep your campsite clean of all food and wildlife attractants, keep all pets on a leash, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. You never know who might be checking out your barbecue from just behind those trees!

4) Admire the Stars

While sitting around your campfire after a long day of exploring, don’t forget to look up! The International Peace Park, composed of Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park, is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. That means the area goes through great lengths to protect the night sky from light pollution, which is crucial for the survival of many nocturnal species, and it’s also been shown to have positive impacts on human health. Plus, it’s gorgeous.

While viewing the night sky, it’s possible to see craters on the full moon, the milky way when there’s no moonlight, meteor showers, northern lights, and awe-inspiring beauty all around you.

If you’re looking to learn more about the night, book a tour with Dark Sky Guides. The award-winning tours offer everything including guided walks around town to learn about the stars, nighttime hikes into pristine and untouched dark sky experiences, and even a night sky telescope tour. There’s never been an easier way to discover the stars, and the excellent interpretative guides can answer all your questions.

Waterton Chamber | Dark Sky Guides

5) Enjoy a Rainy Day

If the weather isn’t cooperating with your outdoor plans, or you just want a break from hiking to mountaintops, there are great ways to spend the day indoors in Waterton while still making the most of your vacation.

Pamper yourself with a day at the spa. The Serenity Spa offers treatments that can help you relax, unwind, and reconnect with your sense of self. Book a massage, and enjoy options including deep tissue, aromatherapy, jade stone, and more. For a relaxing experience that is somewhat less involved, try a chair massage. Enjoy 10, 20, or 30 minutes of massage seated in a chair and fully clothed to relax your tight back and shoulders. The spa also offers all the classic services, including mani/pedis, body wraps, facials, and waxing.

For a traditional experience, visit the iconic Prince of Wales hotel for Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a selection of quality teas and a variety of sandwich squares and pastries in the Royal Stewart Dining Room. Savour your decadent delights with an exceptional view of the lake and valley. Enjoy this daily experience during the summer operating season.

Cozy up with some popcorn and a show at the Waterton Opera House, home of the Waterton Stage & Screen. Whether it’s a live show or a fun movie, there’s something showing that’ll catch your interest. Also, you don’t actually need to see a show to enjoy popcorn and soft serve from the concession stand. Stop in for your next snack!

When all else fails, there’s nothing like a little retail therapy. The quaint village of Waterton has fun little shops with all the goodies you need for your mountain vacation. Find gifts and souvenirs at Akamina Gifts, Evergreen Gifts, or The Village Gift Shop. Find gear for your next outdoor adventure at Tamarack Outdoors or discover the artistic side of the mountains with Lost Art Jewellery, Gust Gallery, My Sisters Room, and Zum’s Mercantile.

6) Get Golfing

If you’re looking for 18 holes of classic mountain scenery, look no further than the Waterton Lakes Golf Course. This scenic course was restored with input from Stanley Thompson, Canada’s most well-known golf course designer. Each hole features astounding views, which you can enjoy while you play or from the clubhouse while dining after your game. The course is also home to over 1,400 species of wildflowers and other plants, many of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. What’s more, there is an opportunity to view wildlife amongst the golf course since the course backs onto natural landscapes where these creatures live. Please be respectful when viewing wildlife: keep your distance, do not disturb their natural behaviours, and never feed wild animals!

Outside of Waterton, the Lee Creek Golf Course near Cardston and the Pincher Creek Golf Club offer challenging games and breathtaking scenery. With a bit of planning, the Waterton area could be your next golf getaway!

Travel Alberta | Katie Goldie

7) Grab a Bite

After days of mountain adventure one thing becomes clear: you’ve gotta eat! There are local restaurants for every taste and budget. Check out our Dining Directory in the Visit Waterton guide to discover your next meal or get inspired to plan your vacay.

If dining with nature is more your style, Waterton has some fantastic picnic spots that offer views and fresh air. Parks Canada day use areas are perfect for a picnic, and they often have firepits or stoves, picnic shelters, and washrooms. Check out the day use areas at Emerald Bay, Cameron Bay, Linnet Lake, or Red Rock Canyon. There’s a full list of day use areas and amenities from Parks Canada online. Please remember that you are visiting the homes of many species of wildlife, so bring your manners! Pack out what you pack in, keep a clean site, and never—never—feed wildlife.

If you forgot something to bring on your picnic, or you need to refill on your grocery supplies, visit Rocky Mountain General Store, Switchback Micro Café, and Pat’s Waterton to get your necessities and something a little extra.

8) Take in the Sights

There are so many fantastic things to see in Waterton, and you don’t have to venture far to take in the views! For some unique scenery and photo ops, check out places like the Bison Paddock Overlook, or the Prince of Wales Hill. Visit the picnic area at Lake Linnet or see Emerald Bay or Driftwood Beach. Maskinonge is the largest wetland in the area, and its home to plenty of plant and animal species. Look for osprey and sandhill cranes or go for a quiet paddle around the lake.

At many places throughout Waterton Lakes National Park, Parks Canada has placed red chairs to mark scenic viewpoints. These landmarks always make for great photographs, so be sure to look out for them on your adventures!

If you don’t have a great camera, don’t worry! Many cellphones take fantastic photos these days, and a couple of tweaks can turn your cell phone photos onto memorable keepsakes in no time. For starters, turn on the grid on your camera app so you can make sure the horizon is level. Clean your lens before each photograph to get rid of any pocket lint and tap the screen where you want to focus your shot. To make the mountains look bigger, stand back and zoom in on your subject.

Travel Alberta | Johannes Hulsch @bokehm0n

9) Discover New Trails

Waterton is known for its seemingly endless trail network. From scenic strolls close to town to epic backcountry hikes, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy the mountainous scenery. If your boots are made for walking, then hiking is a great way to explore this wild wonderland. But if you’re looking to try something a little different, there are other ways to discover some new trails in Waterton.

Scenery always looks better when it’s framed by the ears of a horse. Why not take in some western heritage with a trail ride from Alpine Stables? This family operation began in 1969 and continues to be one of the best ways to experience the park to this day. Enjoy rides for every level of experience, from 1- and 2-hour scenic strolls to full day or multi-day mountain adventures. Alpine Stables has a variety of horses for every experience level, and each rider will be matched with a suitable partner to explore the area.

If you’d like to explore the park on two wheels, Pat’s Waterton rents bikes, e-bikes, and the iconic Surrey Bike. For roadies, check out the Kootenai Brown Trail, an off-road paved pathway that runs alongside the Entrance Parkway or take a road trip on the Chief Mountain Highway. For those who prefer the dirt, check out Snowshoe Trail, Akamina Pass Trail, Wishbone Trail, or Crandell Loop. Remember to yield right of way to pedestrians and equestrians.

10) Take a Drive

Did someone say road trip? The scenery in and around Waterton is astounding, which makes it the perfect place to go for a drive and take it all in. For a uniquely Waterton experience, drive the Bison Paddock Loop Road for a chance to see plains bison in their natural grassland habitat. This short and scenic route drives through fescue grasslands where the bison are free to roam within their enclosure. Please remember that bison are wild animals and can be dangerous. Drive slowly, always stay in your vehicle, and take photos from a safe distance. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are not permitted on this route.

Take in the views along the Chief Mountain Highway and cross the seasonal border crossing between Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park. This route features grasslands, viewpoints with panoramic lookouts, wetlands, and great colours in the fall. The shoulders are large enough for cycling, but there are some large hills! You’ll need a passport to cross into the United States and Glacier National Park.

A short and sweet drive on the Red Rock Parkway is one of the best ways to see where the prairies meet the mountains. There are scenic pullouts with interpretative displays along the route, all of which add to the beauty of the drive. In early summer, the wildflowers are spectacular. There are also dramatic views of Mount Blakiston from the parkway. The road ends at Red Rock Canyon, which has a self-guided walking loop.

Note: this road is narrow and may not be suitable for large motorhomes.

Travel Alberta | Johannes Hulsch @bokehm0n

Waterton Lakes is an oasis just waiting to be discovered. Escape the crowds and find your mountain getaway.

Taylor Jaine