If you're visiting Waterton Lakes National Park, then you already know about this spectacular hidden gem. But there's more to this secret mountain oasis than meets the eye. Within just a short drive, southwestern Alberta has many wonders to see, and they're all waiting do be discovered. There is so much to see and do in southwestern Alberta. Take a drive and discover what the area has to offer!

Pincher Creek

Drivetime from Waterton: 45 min

Just a short drive from Waterton, Pincher Creek encompasses the best of the prairies as they meet the majestic Canadian Rockies. The visitor centre is located at the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village, an outdoor heritage village intended to preserve the area's vibrant pioneer history. Explore 31 buildings throughout the site and see over 30,000 artefacts. Explore on your own or take a guided tour to learn about the area.

The Heritage Acres Farm Museum is an open-air museum that showcases antique and restored farm equipment and rescued heritage buildings, giving visitors a sense of what it was like to live and work on the prairies in southwestern Alberta.

Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area near Pincher Creek. Photo by Travel Alberta | Neil Zeller @neil_zee

Castle Parks

Drivetime from Waterton: 1 hr 15 min

Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Park are two adjacent wilderness parks that offer plenty of summer activities including hiking, fishing, camping, comfort camping, and canoeing or kayaking. There are even some trails designated for OHV use and winter snowmobiling.

Nearby, Castle Mountain Resort is a ski hill build by skiers, for skiers. The laid-back, casual atmosphere and excellent runs on great snow bring people from near and far to discover this hidden gem. During the summer, Castle Mountain boasts excellent hiking, with something for everyone including leisurely strolls along the river to moderate hikes to alpine lakes and strenuous ridgetop adventures.

Castle Provincial Park. Photo by Travel Alberta | Stevin Tuchiwsky @stevint

Crowsnest Pass

Drivetime from Waterton: 1 hr 30 min

Crowsnest Pass is a collective of 5 towns. Discover the history of the area at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, which discusses the history of coal mining in the mountains as well as the stories around Canada’s deadliest rockslide. Visit the Crowsnest Museum to learn more about the area and take the Bellevue Underground Mine tour to feel what it was like working in an underground coal mine.

If you prefer to stay above ground, the Crowsnest Pass Golf Club has an excellent course and great dining with fantastic views.

Biking in Crowsnest Pass. Photo by Travel Alberta

Fort Macleod

Drivetime from Waterton: 1 hr 15 min

This quaint Alberta town features a classic main street that has been featured in many movies including Brokeback Mountain, Interstellar, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. In 1982, the street was part of the first “Provincial Historic Area.”

The Fort Museum features historic NWMP Barracks, the First Nations Interpretative Centre, and history and displays depicting early prairie life. See the NWMP Musical Ride, a precursor to the famous RCMP Musical Ride, and learn about the early days of Canada’s police force.

Float down the Oldman River or try your hand at fly fishing. The Oldman River Valley Wilderness Park and Oldman River Provincial Recreation Area are great places to access this conservation area. Take a dip or explore the paths on either side of the river. Keep an eye out for deer, moose, river otters, and more!

The Fort Museum of the NWMP and First Nations Interpretive Centre. Photo by Travel Alberta | Katie Goldie

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Drivetime from Waterton: 1 hr 20 min

This UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. Learn about the tribes of the Blackfoot people and how they used the unique geography of this site for their annual buffalo jump hunting practices. Various programs and events throughout the summer further education and give a glimpse into the ongoing traditions that are tied to the land. See the jump, feel the history, and learn something new about prairie life.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site. Photo by Travel Alberta | Roth & Ramberg

Cardston

Drivetime from Waterton: 40 min

With family-friendly whitewater rafting adventures, inflatable kayak adventures, guided fishing, and more, Incept Adventure Co. knows how to have fun outside around Cardston. There’s no better way to spend the summer than on the water, and these guys know all the best spots for chasing wild, native Alberta fish.

Visit the Remington Carriage Museum and discover the largest collection of horse-drawn transportation, with over 330 vehicles. This one-of-a-kind attraction is great for the whole family.

Police Outpost Provincial Park near Cardston. Photo by Travel Alberta | Neil Zeller @neil_zee