The gorgeous Waterton Lakes National Park is a spot every mountain lover and outdoor enthusiast should visit. We put together a three day itinerary to help you plan a long weekend trip to this incredible spot. It has a bit of something for everyone, from sightseeing, to eating and hiking. It is impossible to see everything Waterton Lakes National Park has to offer in just three days, but this first taster will help you prepare for a second and third trip to this spectacular park.
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Where Is Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is in the very south of Alberta close to the border with the USA. Driving, it is just under 45 kilometers south of Pincher Creek, following Highway 6. If you are flying into Calgary and driving from there, it is around 260 kilometers, south on Highway 2 and then West on Highway 5.
Do You Need To Pay To Enter Waterton Lakes National Park
Since Waterton Lakes is a Canadian National Park, there is an entrance fee, you can purchase your daily or annual pass at the entrance gates when driving into the park. Alternatively if you will be visiting for a while or going to other National Parks, you can purchase your annual pass ahead of time online. When you get to Waterton Lakes National Park, you can then follow instructions for vehicles with a park pass and scan your pass and the entrance gate will open.
Where To Stay In Waterton National Park
There are lots of places to stay in Waterton Lakes National Park, depending on the experience you want to have and your budget. During the high summer months of July and August, Waterton gets very busy, reservations ahead of time are required if you don’t want to be disappointed!
During our three day trip to Waterton Lakes National Park, we stayed at the Townsite Campground, this Parks Canada run campground is clean, large, has excellent showers and is centrally located. Town is a five minute walk away, the lake is a short stroll from the campground with many sites having lake views and of course, hiking trails are fairly accessible from the central location.
If you are looking for a little more home comforts there is a hotel for any budget in Waterton, from Motels to luxury hotels. Regardless of your choice, you’ll likely pay a premium during the high summer season. Visit in the shoulder seasons of May and September for cheaper accommodation, but be aware that the weather may prevent you from doing some activities.
How To Spend Three Days In Waterton National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise! Three days is the absolute minimum you’ll want to spend here. We spent three days in Waterton, but we will be back for more.
A lot of activities in Waterton are also weather dependent, with some things opening and closing earlier or later in the season depending on conditions. Check the Parks Canada trail report for up to date information on trail conditions.
Day One: Arrive In Waterton
As you are arriving into Waterton Lakes National Park, follow signs for the Bison Paddock, that is right, there are Bison in Waterton, roaming in a large grassland paddock. If you haven’t seen these gorgeous animals, it is definitely worth popping in here. This short scenic drive doesn’t take too long to complete, but remember to drive slowly and do not get out of your vehicle.
Once inside the park, head to your accommodation and get set up. Once we were all unpacked at camp, we walked into town to explore what it had to offer. It is also a good time to enjoy a nice scenic walk, depending on your abilities and your energy levels there are plenty to choose from. A stroll along the lake shore trail is a perfect relaxing option, don’t forget to stop for an ice cream along the way!
If you are feeling more ambition, continue on from the lakeshore trail out to the Prince Of Wales hotel loop for gorgeous views overlooking Upper Waterton Lake. For those who really want to push themselves a steep hike up the Bears Hump is a popular option for incredible views!
While exploring in town make sure to stop by the Parks Canada visitor center, this spot is awesome with lots of information about the Waterton Lakes National Park, its history, the wildlife and the activities you can do within the park.
Head back into town afterwards and check out one of the many great restaurants and bars for a patio beer and a snack.
Day Two: Hiking Day
There are a lot of hiking options in Waterton Lakes National Park and it can be intimidating trying to decide what to do.
We decided to get up early and catch the ferry to hike the Crypt Lake trail. This incredible trail is rated as difficult and is a full day adventure including time to sit and enjoy the lake. There are thin ledges, a small cave tunnel and a steep section which has to be completed with the aid of a chain built into the rockside. This trail is not for the inexperienced.
If the Crypt Lake trail is more than you are looking for, consider hiking from the campground to Bertha Falls and eventually Bertha Lake. This beautiful hike has lots to see and is well worth it.
Day Three: Sightseeing
On our final day, we packed up camp after breakfast and took a short walk up the creek to Cameron Falls before heading back into town to grab a coffee before going back to camp and hopping in our car.
We headed up the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake. This scenic drive is worthwhile just for the drive. There are plenty of hiking opportunities along the road as well. Once at Cameron Lake, there is a short, flat trail which leads to a lookout of the lake. You can also rent boats on the lake and enjoy it that way as well.
After completing the Akamina Parkway drive, head up to the Prince Of Wales hotel and check out the view of the Upper Waterton Lake if you didn’t do that on foot on day one.
Heading out of Waterton National Park, follow signs for the Red Rock Parkway, another scenic drive which rolls over hills and offers incredible views. This is popular with cyclists so slow down and pay attention. At the end of the road is the Red Rock canyon, a very popular spot, with bright red rock carved out by a river running through the bottom. Many people head down into the canyon to dip their toes into the water. There is also the opportunity to continue on and hike to Blakiston Falls, this trail was closed while we were there as they were doing trail maintenance.
What You Might Need To Pack For Three Days In Waterton Lakes National Park
You’ll want a range of items to enjoy your time in Waterton Lakes National Park, since you are surrounded by mountains and a large lake, the weather can change rapidly, so bring lots of layers and prepare for any and all weather.
If you plan on doing any hikes, you’ll want a solid pair of hiking boots, my new favourite pair are the La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots, lightweight and goretex, these will be perfect for any trails you will encounter in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Make sure to bring a towel and bathing suit, if it is hot, the lake water looks so appealing you’ll definitely want a cold dip. The clear blue water is irresistible on a hot summer day.
I always carry a backpack, whether it’s strolling to town or doing a full day hike, a backpack is perfect for carrying water, trail snacks and your camera.
Waterton Lakes National Park is bear country, so make sure to pack bear spray and take it with you on all your adventures.
