Waterton Lakes National Park is a protected area in the Canadian Rockies, sharing many elements with Glacier National Park in the US. It has diverse biospheres and terrains, and is open year-round but with seasonal restrictions. The park is among the least visited of all Canadian national parks due to its remote location. It operates three official campgrounds and several hotels, including the famous Prince of Wales Hotel.
Waterton Lakes National Park is a protected area in the Canadian Rockies located in the southernmost part of the province of Alberta. It lies directly across the border from Glacier National Park of the United States and shares many of that park’s geographic and ecological elements. Waterton Lakes National Park contains a total of 195 square miles (about 505 square kilometers) of land surrounding its namesake, Waterton Lake, a glacier-fed reservoir. Most of the park consists of rugged mountainous terrain, but its lands also include grasslands and high deserts. The park’s topographical diversity makes it one of Canada’s most geographically significant areas.
The land within the park has been protected by the Canadian government since 1895 and was recognized along with Glacier National Park as a “World Heritage Site” a century later by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization . Together, these protections ensure that land remains open to the public and free from development and commercialization. Parks Canada, the administrative body of Canada’s national parks, charges a modest admission fee for park visitors, but the majority of all money raised goes to conservation and maintenance efforts. The park is classified as a non-profit organization.
One of the most unique things about Waterton Lakes National Park is its diversity of biospheres, climates and terrains. The entrance to the park is mostly on a prairie, characterized by wide flat plains. From there, the land juts out into the Rockies, creating a vibrant mountainous terrain that supports both lowlands and alpine wildlife. A wetland and aquatic system thrives in and around the lake.
Waterton Lakes National Park is open year-round, but activities like camping, biking, and swimming are seasonally restricted. Winters in the park are often harsh, and being outdoors for long periods of time can be dangerous, particularly in deep snow. The weather is generally best between May and September, which is Waterton Lakes National Park’s peak season.
The park is among the least visited of all Canadian national parks due in part to its harsh winters and remote location. Calgary is the closest major city, but is several hours away. Most visitors to the park come to spend a few days exploring the area, and camping is a popular activity.
Waterton Lakes operates three official campgrounds, most of which are only open during the summer months and fill by reservation. Camping in Waterton Lakes National Park is typically not permitted outside of designated areas, although campers have many offerings to choose from; campsites vary from developed to primitive, and only one site has showers and toilets. A number of unaffiliated campgrounds are located just outside the park, providing additional options.
Parks Canada also operates several hotels within Waterton Lakes National Park, the most famous of which is the Prince of Wales Hotel. The Prince of Wales is located directly on the lake and offers visitors a way to experience the park while also enjoying luxury accommodation. Several more modest offerings are also available, and plenty of hotels are located just outside the park gates. Most hotels are open year-round, weather permitting.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
