Waterton Lakes National Park

Participate in the rich cultural traditions of the Blackfoot from Monday July 23 to 25! The Blackfoot Arts and Heritage Festival includes traditional and contemporary aboriginal dancing, music, art and more. Be sure to check our site for a full schedule of events! https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/activ/evenements -…/blackfoot-festival

Parks Day is this Saturday, July 21! Celebrate with us at the green space on Waterton Ave, beside the Blackfoot Information Centre from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Archeology displays, discovery tables, interpretive shows and more make this the perfect family activity! Learn more at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/wa…/activ/even ements-events/parcs-day Photo: Ian Robert Reid

Today is the last day to pre-register for the 25th annual Knapweed Rodeo and help us lasso invasive spotted knapweed! By pulling it before it goes to seed, we can stop this weed from taking over critical wildlife habitat. Bring the family and help for a half day (or more!) while enjoying fun competitions and prize draws! No experience is necessary and all are welcome. Lunch is provided for volunteers who pre-register. For more information and to sign up, go to http://www.pc.gc.ca/…/pn-np/ab/wa…/ac tiv/benevolat-volunteer

Come enjoy the morning views on a guided bike ride along the Kootenai Brown Trail. Bring your bike and helmet to the Linnet Lake parking lot, Wednesdays at 9 am. Visit our website to find out more about our 2018 interpretive programs: https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/…/ab/waterton/ activ/decouvertes-tours

Butterfly Bioblitz! Monday, July 16, 10 am to 2 pm. Here’s your chance to help us catch and count these beauties and then release them unharmed. Meet at the Maskinonge day use area. Join the experts and be a citizen scientist, no experience necessary. Great for families! More info: https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/benevolat-volunt e…/citoyenne-citizen…

These images were taken in Waterton Lakes National Park soon after the Kenow Wildfire in 2017. They show the impact the fire had on the landscape.
Parks Canada is working hard to assess and reduce wildfire-related hazards on trails and backcountry facilities. As a result of this work, many affected areas have reopened and we are welcoming visitors in 2018. For more information on what is available in the park this year, visit our website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton /visit/ouvert-open

The Peace Park Plaza and Marina parking lot are now open in the Waterton townsite! Visitors can enjoy the plaza's new pathways, exhibits and interpretive nodes and take in the scenery of Upper Waterton Lake from the Red Chairs. The Peace Park Plaza celebrates Waterton Lakes and Glacier national parks' designation as the world's first international peace park.
The Marina parking lot provides visitors a more efficient parking area, with improved circulation and increased parking. Construction is substantially complete and minor disruptions will take place in July as interpretive installations are finalized. The plaza and parking lot will be closed for 6 to 8 weeks starting in September to complete remaining utility, asphalt and finishing work.

Updated: 2018-07-08 16:00 Waterton Lakes National Park is open to visitors in 2018. Currently traffic is moving, delays are minimal and parking is available at sites that are open.
Plan ahead to ensure you are aware of sites and facilities that are open: www.parkscanada.ca/waterton-open

We are looking forward to a weekend of warm weather!
Be sure to plan ahead and expect a busy park and potential delays. To help you have an enjoyable visit, arrive at the park early and stay informed by checking our website and social media channels.
To stay safe while enjoying the sun, don't forget to bring water, a hat and sun screen. Some hiking trails burned by last year's wildfire may be more strenuous due to reduced shade.
... Plan your trip ahead of time: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton /visit/ouvert-open
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This #endangered butterfly needs all of our help! The half-moon hairstreak butterfly is only known to live in nine areas in #Canada, one being the Blakiston Fan - an area renowned for beautiful wildflowers this time of year. When visiting the Blakiston Fan, please respect the native habitat of the half-moon hairstreak butterfly. Avoid trampling or crushing the native flowers, such as silky lupines and goldenrods that it relies on. This area is so special to the rare butterfly that it is recognized and protected as critical habitat under the Species at Risk Act. https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/wa…/decouvrir- discover/enviro/eep-sar

Working on Waterton’s trails is dirtier than usual this year. Our trail crew is professionally trained to identify and reduce wildfire-related hazards on trails and at backcountry campgrounds. The trail crew has repaired damaged and destroyed infrastructure (benches and small footbridges) and assessed, cut, and cleared fallen and burned trees to reopen over 50 km of previously closed trails and three backcountry campgrounds! Colleagues from Jasper National Park provided a much appreciated helping hand!
While it is still too early to know when additional areas will reopen, this work will continue. To have the best possible experience in Waterton, check our website for information before visiting to see what is available in the park: www.parkscanada.ca/waterton-open

Have you always wanted to learn to fish but haven’t had the gear, the knowledge, or the chance to? Join Parks Canada interpreter Will every Tuesday at 9 am at the end of the Hay Barn Road for an introduction to fishing. Rods, reels and lures are provided. Ages 15 and under do not require a fishing license. Ages 16 and older must purchase a licence from the temporary visitor centre. Learn more at: http://ow.ly/yzDi30kIhb6

Happy Canada Day from Waterton Lakes National Park! We are pleased to welcome visitors to celebrate Canada’s 151st anniversary today. Spend the day with @ParksCanada and take advantage of the free admission and fun activities we have planned! http://ow.ly/yxy630kIf9C

Waterton Lakes National Park is open to visitors in 2018. Currently traffic is moving, delays are minimal and parking is available at sites that are open. Plan ahead to ensure you are aware of sites and facilities that are open : https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.as p…

Summer is a great time to have fun on the water! We all have a role to play in protecting the park’s beautiful lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species. Prevention is key, so visitors must complete a self-inspection permit form before launching human-powered watercraft in Waterton Lakes National Park. Forms are available at the park gate, Visitor Centre, campgrounds and self-inspection stations throughout the park at popular boat launching areas. Also, don’t forget to Clean, Drain, and Dry your canoes, kayaks, inflatables and fishing and scuba gear. Learn more at: http://ow.ly/479I30kIgXx

The chance of seeing wildlife is one of the most exciting things about visiting Waterton Lakes National Park, but it is important to treat wild animals with respect. Here are some tips if you see wildlife roadside in the park:
-slow down, obey speed limits. -stay in your vehicle. -be aware of the wildlife and traffic around you. ... -pull over only when it is safe to do so. -use your hazard lights to alert other drivers. -watch for a few moments, take a quick photo, and move on. -if a traffic jam develops, move on. It is unsafe for people and wildlife. -do not surround or crowd wildlife.
For more information, visit our website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/water…/securit e-safety/faune-wildlife
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Celebrate Canada's birthday with us on Sunday, July 1! A bike parade through the Waterton townsite begins at 11 am followed by flag raising, "O Canada", a hot dog lunch, live music and a variety of family-friendly activities! Complete your day with one of Parks Canada’s free interpretive programs. Remember, park admission is free on Canada Day. We hope to see you here! We want to make sure that you have the best day possible. Please make sure to plan ahead. http://ow.ly/yxy630kIf9C

The Bertha Falls, Bertha Lake, Crandell Lake Loop, Horseshoe Basin, and Lakeshore trails are open! The portion of the Red Rock Parkway that is open to non-motorized use (such as hiking and biking) is extended, proceeding from the Entrance Road to Coppermine Creek. The Bertha Bay, Bertha Lake (pending snowmelt and assessment), and Boundary Bay backcountry campgrounds have also opened. Please remember that some open areas of the park were burned by the Kenow Wildfire and increased hazards may be present.
Visit our website for information on safely recreating in areas burned by the wildfire, and recreational opportunities to help you plan your trip: www.parkscanada.ca/waterton-open

Join for opening night at Falls Theatre tonight, Tuesday, June 26! Enjoy informative, entertaining programs all summer long, starting at 8 PM. Learn what is happening in Waterton, with topics including winds, wildfire, Blackfoot stories, fescue connections, wildlife corridors, and more. For more information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/…/…/ab/waterton/ activ/decouvertes-tours

What an energy of the Nature, what a water and the air clarity!

We were on a camping trip to Waterton National Park. We camped in the town campground. I can not say enough good things about the town. First off it is extremely walkable. You can walk just about anywhere in town in about 10-15 minutes. There are fantastic coffee shops, ice cream parlours and restaurants. Everyone is friendly and the town is full of local mom and pop business. The whole town is surrounded by beaches as it sits at the edge of the lakes.



Aside from the town there are wonderful hikes and lots of wildlife.



Waterton is Albertas best kept secret. You have to go.

This was my first visit to Waterton after living in Calgary over 20 years. It is absolutely stunning! By far the most surprising hidden gem in Alberta. Did the boat tour from Waterton to Goat Haunt on the US side and hikes around Red Rock Canyon. Lots of wildlife (even saw a black bear off in the distance enjoying some berries on a hillside). I have been to the other Mountain Parkways (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise..) numerous times so if i had to compare it to the other parks, it is not nearly as crowded. It has the hospitality of Banff, and the majestic beauty of Lake Louise. If you have never been, make sure you go! I will absolutely return as there is so much more to do and see!

Stunning beauty, the way nature was intended to be. The water was clear and warm and had a great rocky shore with lots of rocks to skip which kept the kids entertained. Nice hiking trails and waterfalls to enjoy. Will be back 100%!

Our family made our first trip to Waterton and stayed in Pincher Creek. It was easy to get reservations there than in the park on short notice. It's an easy drive to the park each morning. After stopping at the visitor center, we went to Red Rock canyon and had a picnic lunch. After our hike to the falls, we hiked the strenuous Bears Hump. Beautiful view!! The next day we rented a canoe at Cameron Lake. Another awesome time! We enjoyed our time we stayed an extra day and did the hike to Bertha Falls. That evening we did the lake cruise. Very informative! I would recommend doing that the first day... so you have more knowledge of the area. Thumbs up Waterton!

Our 3 days camping at the Townsite Campground (May 25-28) has turned Waterton into our favourite national park, even with most of it closed (we had done our research and were well aware of that before we went). It's a long trek from our home in the Yukon, but we'll be back when things return to normal, probably in the Fall next time - hopefully September 2020.

One of my favourite places in the world!! My boys and I have been tenting here for 3 summers. Very basic which is the charm for us. Lovely little stores. Can walk from one end to the other of the townsite in under 10 minutes. Awesome short and long hikes. Plethora of wildlife. Parks Canada employees everywhere to educate you. Beautiful lakes to kayak in. Great eats. Surrounded by picturesque mountains. What else could you possibly need?

My wife (Marlene) and I visit the park 3-4 times a month hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and usually going for a meal afterwards. We are devastated by the fire but will continue to come to the park as this is our 'playground' and we love it. A huge thank you to the fire fighters who had enough time to prepare and save the town site. Absolutely amazing.

Most beautiful place on earth, quite and wonderful people you will love it and never want to leave

I will give this campsite a one star review in the townsite. But because of the fire, you need help. Red Rock was a terrible campsite, no privacy . You have a chance now to build private campsites at Red Rock!! Do it!!! The space is unlimited now. It won't happen I'm sure, but Red Rock could have been a great campsite & never was.

I love Waterton. It’s my backyard. Please, do not discard cigarette butts on the ground. Apart from the fire risk it also takes about 14’000 years for the filters to decompose.

I grew up in Southern Alberta and have gone to Waterton Park a lot over the course of my life. I love the simplicity of it compared to Banff and Jasper. Although it has become a little more commercial, it is still a quaint little piece of our beautiful National Parks in the Rocky Mountains. It's a little busier with the Canada 150 promotion on right now; visitors I spoke to all said they loved the beauty and ruggness it had to offer.

I LOVE Waterton! It's so unspoiled. Tons of wildlife and plant diversity. Tons of trails to hike. Best of all, it's not commercialized and overly touristy and busy. You can easily avoid the few crowds that gather in the town around meal times by taking a hike or a canoe on the lake. My new favourite place!! ❤️

Born and raised in Alberta and I just returned from my first time in Waterton! I'm so happy I finally went and it won't be our last! Took in the Cruise, Cameron Falls & Lake, Red Rock Canyon...and all the sights and stops getting there. Would go again in a heartbeat! Stayed in Pincher Creek and made the drive, not finding accommodations in Waterton didn't stop us! Don't waste your time thinking about it...GO!

Awesome place!Everything is a great experience and exciting back there in Waterton Lake National Park..the black bear that walked beside our tent we almost didnt noticed it bec.its dark and were busy grilling our marinated meat that I believed attracts this beautiful wildlife..waterton lake cruise is s great experience also we were able to cross the International border between CANADA waterton lake park and Montana USA..the best pizza 49 in town and also you should try the ice cream store that will surely satisfy your palate..etc.but one thing that I loved doing is the mountain trail hiking/camping it feels good when you reach the top its very rewarding because of its fresh air,over looking the beauty of mountains,lakes not to mention the hospitality and kindness of people living there...its really a place to visit.

Arrived Saturday Sept 2 and it was terribly smokey. Thought about heading back home. Instead camped at Belly River campground and it was awesome. Beautiful campground. Sunday we went into the town and hiked up to Bertha Lake. It was beautiful despite the bear sightings. Had an awesome pizza in town later that evening. Finished the weekend with some great coffee and breakfast at the waffle place. I highly recommend a visit to the park.

Absolutely stunning! Such a beautiful spot to spend the day! The wildlife, the mountains, the water and the views!!

Waterton..I have loved you, since childhood, now 62, I often find myself remembering the same walks up Bear's Hump, down the red shale paths in town, riding bike, lazing on the beaches...I Love you and your Beauty!!! Rebirth will be divine, I have two grand daughters, that I have wrote in a special Book!! all about Waterton, and how they must go, and Love it like Grandma E.........a Love that will never end!!.

Waterton is a great place, but today after 4 hour drive it is regretful to know that almost 90% of things are closed due to wild fire and still they charge you same fees for admission and does not post that RedRock and most lakes are closed which provides misleading information for trip planers.

What an energy of the Nature, what a water and the air clarity!

We were on a camping trip to Waterton National Park. We camped in the town campground. I can not say enough good things about the town. First off it is extremely walkable. You can walk just about anywhere in town in about 10-15 minutes. There are fantastic coffee shops, ice cream parlours and restaurants. Everyone is friendly and the town is full of local mom and pop business. The whole town is surrounded by beaches as it sits at the edge of the lakes.



Aside from the town there are wonderful hikes and lots of wildlife.



Waterton is Albertas best kept secret. You have to go.

This was my first visit to Waterton after living in Calgary over 20 years. It is absolutely stunning! By far the most surprising hidden gem in Alberta. Did the boat tour from Waterton to Goat Haunt on the US side and hikes around Red Rock Canyon. Lots of wildlife (even saw a black bear off in the distance enjoying some berries on a hillside). I have been to the other Mountain Parkways (Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise..) numerous times so if i had to compare it to the other parks, it is not nearly as crowded. It has the hospitality of Banff, and the majestic beauty of Lake Louise. If you have never been, make sure you go! I will absolutely return as there is so much more to do and see!

Stunning beauty, the way nature was intended to be. The water was clear and warm and had a great rocky shore with lots of rocks to skip which kept the kids entertained. Nice hiking trails and waterfalls to enjoy. Will be back 100%!

Our family made our first trip to Waterton and stayed in Pincher Creek. It was easy to get reservations there than in the park on short notice. It's an easy drive to the park each morning. After stopping at the visitor center, we went to Red Rock canyon and had a picnic lunch. After our hike to the falls, we hiked the strenuous Bears Hump. Beautiful view!! The next day we rented a canoe at Cameron Lake. Another awesome time! We enjoyed our time we stayed an extra day and did the hike to Bertha Falls. That evening we did the lake cruise. Very informative! I would recommend doing that the first day... so you have more knowledge of the area. Thumbs up Waterton!

Our 3 days camping at the Townsite Campground (May 25-28) has turned Waterton into our favourite national park, even with most of it closed (we had done our research and were well aware of that before we went). It's a long trek from our home in the Yukon, but we'll be back when things return to normal, probably in the Fall next time - hopefully September 2020.

One of my favourite places in the world!! My boys and I have been tenting here for 3 summers. Very basic which is the charm for us. Lovely little stores. Can walk from one end to the other of the townsite in under 10 minutes. Awesome short and long hikes. Plethora of wildlife. Parks Canada employees everywhere to educate you. Beautiful lakes to kayak in. Great eats. Surrounded by picturesque mountains. What else could you possibly need?

My wife (Marlene) and I visit the park 3-4 times a month hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and usually going for a meal afterwards. We are devastated by the fire but will continue to come to the park as this is our 'playground' and we love it. A huge thank you to the fire fighters who had enough time to prepare and save the town site. Absolutely amazing.

Most beautiful place on earth, quite and wonderful people you will love it and never want to leave

I will give this campsite a one star review in the townsite. But because of the fire, you need help. Red Rock was a terrible campsite, no privacy . You have a chance now to build private campsites at Red Rock!! Do it!!! The space is unlimited now. It won't happen I'm sure, but Red Rock could have been a great campsite & never was.

I love Waterton. It’s my backyard. Please, do not discard cigarette butts on the ground. Apart from the fire risk it also takes about 14’000 years for the filters to decompose.

I grew up in Southern Alberta and have gone to Waterton Park a lot over the course of my life. I love the simplicity of it compared to Banff and Jasper. Although it has become a little more commercial, it is still a quaint little piece of our beautiful National Parks in the Rocky Mountains. It's a little busier with the Canada 150 promotion on right now; visitors I spoke to all said they loved the beauty and ruggness it had to offer.

I LOVE Waterton! It's so unspoiled. Tons of wildlife and plant diversity. Tons of trails to hike. Best of all, it's not commercialized and overly touristy and busy. You can easily avoid the few crowds that gather in the town around meal times by taking a hike or a canoe on the lake. My new favourite place!! ❤️

Born and raised in Alberta and I just returned from my first time in Waterton! I'm so happy I finally went and it won't be our last! Took in the Cruise, Cameron Falls & Lake, Red Rock Canyon...and all the sights and stops getting there. Would go again in a heartbeat! Stayed in Pincher Creek and made the drive, not finding accommodations in Waterton didn't stop us! Don't waste your time thinking about it...GO!

Awesome place!Everything is a great experience and exciting back there in Waterton Lake National Park..the black bear that walked beside our tent we almost didnt noticed it bec.its dark and were busy grilling our marinated meat that I believed attracts this beautiful wildlife..waterton lake cruise is s great experience also we were able to cross the International border between CANADA waterton lake park and Montana USA..the best pizza 49 in town and also you should try the ice cream store that will surely satisfy your palate..etc.but one thing that I loved doing is the mountain trail hiking/camping it feels good when you reach the top its very rewarding because of its fresh air,over looking the beauty of mountains,lakes not to mention the hospitality and kindness of people living there...its really a place to visit.

Arrived Saturday Sept 2 and it was terribly smokey. Thought about heading back home. Instead camped at Belly River campground and it was awesome. Beautiful campground. Sunday we went into the town and hiked up to Bertha Lake. It was beautiful despite the bear sightings. Had an awesome pizza in town later that evening. Finished the weekend with some great coffee and breakfast at the waffle place. I highly recommend a visit to the park.

Absolutely stunning! Such a beautiful spot to spend the day! The wildlife, the mountains, the water and the views!!

Waterton..I have loved you, since childhood, now 62, I often find myself remembering the same walks up Bear's Hump, down the red shale paths in town, riding bike, lazing on the beaches...I Love you and your Beauty!!! Rebirth will be divine, I have two grand daughters, that I have wrote in a special Book!! all about Waterton, and how they must go, and Love it like Grandma E.........a Love that will never end!!.

Waterton is a great place, but today after 4 hour drive it is regretful to know that almost 90% of things are closed due to wild fire and still they charge you same fees for admission and does not post that RedRock and most lakes are closed which provides misleading information for trip planers.