Beginner’s Guide to Waterton Lakes National Park
Reflections on Lower Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
After three incredible days in Glacier National Park, we crossed the border into Canada to explore Waterton Lakes National Park. While the weather wasn’t on our side—overcast skies and chilly temperatures—we still managed to enjoy the park’s unique charm. Waterton felt like a quieter, more intimate counterpart to Glacier, with its own distinct personality. We’d love to return on a warmer, sunnier day to fully appreciate its beauty.
One of the first things that struck us was the small historic village nestled in the heart of the park. This isn’t something you typically see in Canadian national parks, and it added a quaint, almost European feel to the area. The village is home to charming shops, restaurants, and the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, which overlooks Upper Waterton Lake. The blend of natural beauty and human history makes Waterton a unique destination.
Waterton Village, Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
A Brief History of Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park was established in 1895, making it Canada’s fourth national park. It was named after Waterton Lake, which in turn was named after British naturalist Charles Waterton. In 1932, Waterton and Glacier National Park were united to form the world’s first International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This designation highlights the parks’ shared ecosystems and the importance of cross-border conservation.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
The park’s history is also marked by wildfires, which have shaped its landscape over the years. The most recent significant fire was the Kenow Fire in 2017, which burned over 38,000 hectares (94,000 acres) and dramatically altered parts of the park. While the fire caused destruction, it also played a natural role in rejuvenating the ecosystem, and evidence of regrowth is visible throughout the park.
Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Exploring Waterton: What We Did
Akamina Parkway and Cameron Lake
We drove the Akamina Parkway, a scenic road that winds through the park and ends at Cameron Lake. The drive itself was beautiful, with views of rugged mountains and forests. Cameron Lake, nestled at the base of towering peaks, was serene and peaceful. We walked along the lakeshore trail, which is an easy, family-friendly option:
Distance: 2.8 km round trip (1.7 miles)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
The trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and it’s a great spot for a picnic or some quiet reflection. On a clearer day, we imagine the reflections on the lake would be breathtaking.
Cameron Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Red Rock Parkway and Red Rock Canyon
Next, we drove the Red Rock Parkway, another scenic route that leads to Red Rock Canyon. Along the way, we noticed significant fire damage from the Kenow Fire, a reminder of the park’s resilience and the power of nature. The canyon itself is a striking sight, with its deep red rock formations carved by the flowing water.
Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
We did the short loop hike around the canyon, which is perfect for beginners or families:
Distance: 0.7 km loop (0.4 miles)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
The trail offers close-up views of the canyon and its vibrant red rocks, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife. While we were there, we saw a few smaller bears in the distance, though many visitors were hoping to spot grizzlies.
Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Bear’s Hump and Roadside Exhibits
On our way back, we stopped at Bear’s Hump, a short but steep hike that offers panoramic views of the park. While we didn’t have time to do the hike ourselves, it’s on our list for next time. We also checked out several roadside exhibits that provided insights into the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
What We’d Do Next Time
While we enjoyed our time in Waterton, we left feeling like we’d only scratched the surface.
On our next visit, we’d love to:
Rent a Canoe on Cameron Lake: Paddling on the calm waters of Cameron Lake sounds like the perfect way to soak in the scenery.
Take the Guided Boat Tour on Upper Waterton Lake: This tour offers a unique perspective of the park and includes a stop at Goat Haunt, Montana, in Glacier National Park.
Hike Bears Hump: The steep but short hike promises incredible views of the park and surrounding area.
Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park may not have the same dramatic scale as Glacier, but it has its own unique charm. The historic village, serene lakes, and striking canyons make it a destination worth exploring. While the weather didn’t fully cooperate during our visit, the park’s beauty still shone through, especially as we left and caught stunning reflections on Lower Waterton Lake.
Reflections on Lower Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Waterton is a place we’d love to revisit, ideally with clearer skies and more time to explore. Whether you’re a beginner hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Waterton Lakes National Park has something to offer.
Reflections on Lower Waterton Lake, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
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