Waterton | Canada's Alberta

A historic hamlet in the heart of the Southern Rockies.

Waterton often surprises first-timers. Five deep-blue lakes make way to staggering mountains, waterfalls descend through canyons and stars sparkle in pitch-black skies.

It’s a year-round outdoor adventure haven for everything from hiking and biking to canoeing and snowshoeing. Between escapades, the inviting townsite offers every amenity imaginable. So go ahead and unleash your Wild Side.

Useful links:

Transportation Hub: YYC Calgary International Airport
Must see: Red Rock Canyon
Population: 158
Nearby City: Calgary - 275 km (170.9 mi)

Uncrowded Canadian Rockies

Explore quiet, uncluttered cliffs while others flock to Banff. Waterton may be the path less trodden but it is equal in beauty and opportunity.

Endless outdoor experiences

Wander to where mountains meet prairies and find an array of activities on and off the water, from hiking to scuba diving to horseback riding.

Women on the boat of a Shoreline Cruise at Waterton Lake

Historic sites and spaces

Canada’s fourth national park boasts classic architecture and untouched wild. Step back in time on charming streets and at an iconic waterfront lodge.

Welcome to Waterton

It can surprise first-timers that a quaint town like Waterton can hold such immense wild. Five deep-blue lakes make way to staggering mountains. Waterfalls descend through multi-coloured canyons. Stars sparkle in pitch-black skies.

Waterton is a year-round outdoor adventure haven—from hiking to biking, canoeing, snowshoeing and more. Between escapades, an inviting townsite with every amenity imaginable awaits. So go ahead and unleash your Wild Side upon Waterton—it can handle it.

Visitors taking photos and exploring plant species during the Waterton Wildflower Festival. — Immerse yourself in nature at Waterton’s Wildflower Festival.

Couple golfing at Waterton Lakes Golf Course with the mountains in the background. — Take on 18 holes at the Waterton Lakes Golf Course.

Person standing on top of mountain in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Things to do

Unforgettable experiences can be found across the waters, skies and summits of Waterton.

Dark Sky Tours

As a Dark Sky Park, Waterton is world-recognized for its pristine night skies. Take an interpretive tour to catch a glimpse of nocturnal wildlife and gaze upon the stars.

Crypt Lake Trail

This day hike is considered one of the best in Canada. Start with a 15-minute boat trip before trekking through forests and waterfalls and finishing at an alpine lake.

Waterton Shoreline Cruise

Take a round-trip tour on the deepest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Over one-and-a-quarter hours, you’ll learn about the park’s history, wildlife and topography.

Person hiking through Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon

A 30-minute drive will bring you to a colourful canyon that shelters a sparkling mountain stream. Explore looping trails before enjoying a picnic.

Explore all things to do

Waitress looking out restaurant windows to the lake at the Price of Wales Hotel in Waterton.

Places to eat

Taste your way through a range of dining experiences nestled amongst mountains and lakes.

Red Rock Trattoria

Indulge in classic Italian dishes paired with fine local and Italian wines.

Thirsty Bear Kitchen + Bar

Visit this hangout for live music and a large selection of Alberta craft beers.

Wieners of Waterton

Try locally made sausages with fresh-baked buns and unique toppings.

Lakeside Chophouse

Bask in the sun and epic views of the lake on Waterton’s largest patio. Lakeside Chophouse features a West Coast menu infused with international flavours.

Explore all places to eat

Scenic view from the water of the Prince of Wales Hotel at sunset in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Places to stay

Complement your Waterton adventures with a stay at a historic hotel, a charming lodge or even a private mountain villa.

Historic hotel on a hill above a lake with a mountain view in the background.

Prince of Wales Hotel

Enjoy an unforgettable stay with iconic views at this historic mountain hotel.

Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort

Stay in a year-round hotel with a variety of rooms, including family apartments.

Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

Find this contemporary Pincher Creek hotel only 30 minutes from Waterton.

Waterton Country Villas

With everything from private rooms to complete houses, this complex is ideal for those who prefer to stay outside of town and enjoy sweeping views all to themselves.

Explore all places to stay

Discover trip ideas

Inspiration for your next adventure.

Paddleboarders glide across the turquoise water of Moraine Lake, with the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

12 Days

Alberta Adventure: Summer Road Trip Inspiration

This Alberta road trip itinerary is packed with inspiration to help you explore the province’s most iconic destinations, lesser-known tours and hidden gems. Find hikes, gondolas and waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, plus things to do in Calgary and Edmonton, and arguably the most scenic highway on the planet: the Icefields Parkway.

Visitors on a plant walk with Matricia Bauer

13 Days

Alberta Indigenous and Cultural Experiences

Embark on an epic tour to learn more about Alberta’s rich Indigenous history and culture. Explore natural wonders, historic sites and educational centres - one urban hub at a time.

Hiker sitting on a rock ledge at Little Beehive with views of turquoise Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

10 Days

Canadian Rockies Explorer

Enjoy 10 mountain-packed days in Southern Alberta and the Canadian Rockies with stops in Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Waterton and historic sites along the way.

A couple walks along the rocks at Lundbreck Falls, located near the Crowsnest Pass.

7 Days

Experience Southern Alberta

Discover what southern Alberta has to offer, like the landscape of the Canadian Badlands, towering mountains and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Featured Stories

4 min read

How to Spend a Magical Winter Weekend in Waterton Lakes National Park

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Alberta.

6 min read

The Five Best Road Cycling Routes in Alberta

Learn about the best road cycling routes in Alberta, from the Canadian Rockies to the Badlands, including some off-the-beaten-path adventures.

3 min read

You Need to Visit Alberta's Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No matter where you travel in Alberta, you won’t be far from one or more of the province’s famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites – these amazing sites are well worth a visit.

10 min read

Explore These Alberta Locations Featured in HBO’s The Last of Us

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the popular HBO series The Last of Us was shot across Alberta. Find out how to explore its many memorable filming locations.