Waterton Lakes National Park may be the smallest in the Canadian Rockies, but its size in no way limits its grandeur. This is the place where rolling prairie collides with rugged mountains and the contrast is truly dramatic.
The scenery is centered around the chain of lakes that give the park its name, backdropped by prairie to the north and mountains to the south. Deeper into the park, a series of deep valleys reveal turquoise coloured alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls and canyons painted in bold colours.
Waterton has plenty to offer, whether you’re popping in for a day or staying a full week. In my opinion, three days is the sweet spot for a great first introduction. It provides enough time to hike a few trails, take a cruise on the lake, explore the walkable Townsite, take in the views and potentially see some wildlife.
This post shares a three day Waterton Lakes National Park itinerary, based on our favourite experiences and the activities that I think showcase the best of the park. We’ve explored Waterton multiple times, across different seasons.
There’s so much to love about Waterton Lakes National Park, from its striking blend of prairie and mountain landscapes and network of scenic hiking trails to the convenience of its compact layout and surprising solitude in the off season.
Visit for three days with this itinerary and I’m sure you’ll agree!
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Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Tucked away in southwestern Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is three hours drive south of Calgary. It is located on the traditional territory of the Blackfoot (Niitsitapi) who have long referred to the area as Paahtómahksikimi, meaning ‘inner sacred lake within the mountains.’
Part of Canada’s national park system, Waterton is managed by Parks Canada. It borders the U.S.’s Glacier National Park, and together they form the world’s first International Peace Park.
While Waterton Lakes National Park is less busy than its more famous counterparts further north (Banff, Jasper), it’s still very popular in the summer months. Expect peak crowds between 10am and 4pm on weekends in July and August, especially on the Canada Day and Labour Day weekends.
For a quieter (and cheaper) trip, visit in mid/late May, June or September. I honestly couldn’t believe how peaceful the park was during our recent late May trip. Most of the photos included in this post were taken then and you’ll notice that there are very, very few people in any of the shots.
The weather is more of a gamble during this time, however, and some attractions may have limited availability or accessibility. This includes the Crypt Lake hike (cruises start at the end of May) and the Bison Paddock, which usually opens the third week of May.
During our late May visit, it was sunny and very warm (24°C to 27°C). Normal daytime temps for that time of year are typically 8°C to 15°C! So it can really go both ways. Needless to say, bring plenty of options for clothes and lots of layers.
Essential details
- A national park pass is required to enter and explore Waterton Lakes National Park
- From 19th June to 7th September 2026, there are no admission fees for national parks and national historic sites operated by Parks Canada (Canada Strong program)
- Mid/late May to late September is the best time to visit
- Facilities, trails and services are more limited outside of this time period, especially during the winter months
- Reservations for the Townsite campground open in January each year. The date is usually revealed on this Parks Canada page in late November, early December
- In 2017, a major wildfire swept through the western side of Waterton (39% of the park). Burned trees are still visible in many areas. Learn more about the fire at the Visitor Centre
- The view of Upper Waterton Lake from outside of the Prince of Wales Hotel is iconic but keep in mind that parking is only free for 30 minutes. It is $10/day otherwise
Use the below map to locate all of the mentioned activities and destinations.
Waterton itinerary: Day 1
This itinerary assumes an early afternoon (3-4pm) arrival in Waterton National Park. When driving from Calgary, I would recommend stopping at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site on the way.
This 11m high cliff at the foothills of the Canadian Rockies was used to hunt buffalo for thousands of years by the Blackfoot.
Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the multi-level interpretive centre and the jump viewpoint. Bring food with you as there are not many options nearby.
To avoid driving unpaved roads, head back to Highway 2 to continue your journey towards Waterton. Top up on gas before leaving Pincher Creek.
As you approach Waterton National Park, I would suggest stopping at the Bison Paddock and Maskinonge Overlook. Both are located very close to the main entrance.
The Bison Paddock Loop Road is a 3.6km scenic drive through the park’s summer bison habitat. Visiting early on your trip makes it easy to return if the herd happen to be far away from the road. There’s also a viewpoint located just beyond the fenced boundary.
The Maskinonge Overlook is a road accessible viewpoint with stunning panoramas of the park’s mountains and lakes, a great introduction to what awaits just a little further down the road!
On arrival in Waterton, check into your accommodation. If you arrive early, consider dropping by the Visitor Centre to learn about the park’s history and ecosystems. Otherwise, take a walk along the lakeshore path and take in the views.
For dinner, check out the Thirsty Bear Kitchen & Bar, the Waterton Park Cafe or Wieners of Waterton.
Day 2
This is your one full day in Waterton – let’s make the most of it!
Option 1 is to spend the day hiking the famous Crypt Lake Trail. This adventurous 17km round trip hike starts with a 15 minute boat ride on Upper Waterton Lake to the trailhead. The following trail is mostly forested, with spectacular valley views, several waterfalls, a slightly nerve-racking steel ladder climb and an exposed traverse.
The finale is Crypt Lake itself, a turquoise coloured alpine lake sitting just above the US border. Since the boat shuttle brings everyone over at the same time, it’s not the most peaceful trail, but we still found it to be a super fun and beautiful hike.
With 700m elevation gain, this hike is on the high side of moderate level. In the summer months, the boat shuttle leaves at 8.30am and 9.30am, returning at 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Tickets are first come, first serve (no reservations).
If a full day hike doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then consider Option 2. While it also starts with a boat trip, this one is a sightseeing cruise to the far end of Upper Waterton Lake. The longer tour stops on the US side of the lake. I’d suggest a morning departure as the lake is usually calmer.
After the boat trip, choose between hiking or exploring the townsite area.
For hiking, I’d recommend Lower Bertha Falls (5.2km return, 2 hours) or Lower Rowe Lake (9km return, 3 hours). From Lower Bertha Falls, you could continue an additional 2.6km to Bertha Lake.
If you decided to stay in town, head to the Visitor Centre if you haven’t been already and then Cameron Falls. There are multiple viewpoints to get different vantages of this impressive waterfall.
Consider checking out one of the other short walks in town or rent one of the cute family friendly Surrey Bikes from Pat’s.
Later in the day, enjoy afternoon tea at the Prince Of Wales Hotel (reservation recommended). The generous spread includes savoury and sweet treats plus unlimited tea, all backdropped with gorgeous views of the lake. It’s a great change of pace from outdoor activities.
Day 3
Begin your day early with a quick hike up Bear’s Hump.
This 2.8km return trail is uphill all the way, where you’ll find incredible views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains. It only takes an hour (or less), so ideal for sunrise or a pre-breakfast workout.
After check-out, it’s time to leave the Waterton Townsite. Make a quick stop at Cameron Falls and then the Prince of Wales Hotel (for the view!) if you haven’t been to those locations yet and then head to the Red Rock Canyon Pathway.
This scenic drive travels 15km through the Blakiston Valley, showcasing mountain and prairie views. There are various lookouts along the way, as well as trailheads and picnic areas. I’d suggest continuing all the way to the end of the road, to visit Red Rock Canyon first.
There is a paved trail along both sides of this colourful canyon. If you can, continue along the trail to Blakiston Falls. It’s 2km return with only a few short uphill sections. There are two amazing viewpoints overlooking the steep canyon and waterfall.
On the return drive along the Red Rock Canyon Pathway, stop at any pull-out that looks interesting. We got really lucky on our recent trip and spotted a family of grizzly bears crossing the river at one of the roadside viewpoints!
Another good hike is the short trip to Crandell Lake (4km return with 125m elevation gain). For something different, head to the Bellevue Trail (7.4km return). Walk as far as you like through this open prairie area. The trail is lined by wildflowers in late spring and summer.
Eat a packed lunch at one of the picnic areas along the Red Rock Canyon Pathway or Pass Creek. Another option is the Knight picnic area near the entrance. Before leaving the Waterton area completely, head back to the Bison Paddock for another chance to see the park’s herd of bison.
Where to stay in Waterton National Park
Offering a view that’s hard to beat anywhere in the Rockies, the Prince of Wales Hotel is an unmistakable Waterton landmark as well as a memorable place to stay.
Constructed in 1927, the Prince of Wales is still decorated in the Edwardian style. The rooms are small but comfortable and some even have lake views. We’ve enjoyed breakfast (not included) and afternoon tea in the hotel’s beautiful dining room.
On our last visit to Waterton, we reserved to stay at Aspen Village Inn but due to a booking issue, ended up at the Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort. Our two bedroom suite was perfectly adequate for our busy visit, though the kitchen supplies were not very comprehensive.
I’ve heard good things about Waterton Glacier Suites and Bayshore Inn (lake view rooms!)
Whichever hotel you choose in the Townsite, you can be assured that it is within walking distance from shops, restaurants and the marina dock.
There are two vehicle accessible campgrounds in Waterton Lakes National Park. Townsite campground is centrally located in the village and has 237 sites. Reservations open in January every year, with most sites being booked out well in advance of summer.
Belly River campground is a more primitive campground (no showers, no flush toilets) located close to the US border. There are 24 sites and all are available on a first-come, first serve basis only.
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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!