Rugged, windswept mountains rise abruptly out of gentle prairie grassland in spectacular Waterton Lakes National Park. Here, several different ecological regions meet and interact in a landscape shaped by wind, fire, flooding, and abundant plants and wildlife.
The park helps protect the unique and unusually diverse physical, biological and cultural resources found in the Crown of the Continent: one of the narrowest places in the Rocky Mountains.
The highlight of Waterton's sparkling chain of lakes is the international Upper Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. In 1932, the park was joined with Montana's Glacier National Park to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park - a world first. Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park became a World Heritage site in 1995.
There's plenty on offer to keep you busy. You can sight see in the comfort of your car and keep an eye out for wildlife, or go on foot and explore the natural attractions such an canyons and waterfalls. There's plenty of trails too, from easy to more difficult ones as there's over 200km to discover!
From Calgary, take Highway 2 south to Fort Macleod, then west on Highway 3 to Pincher Creek, then south on Highway 6 to the park (approximately 3 hours).
Get directions$10.50
Free!
2023
During the peak summer season - especially in July and August - Parks Canada encourages visitors to plan ahead, be patient and consider visiting on weekdays.
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