So you’re looking for things to do in Waterton. You’ve come to the right place. Waterton Lake National Park is where the vast Canadian prairies dramatically meet the towering Canadian Rockies, creating a landscape that feels almost magical. With so much natural beauty, choosing the perfect activities for your day trip or longer stay can feel a bit overwhelming.
Are you an avid hiker searching for a challenge on world-class hiking trails? Perhaps you prefer a quiet paddle on a glassy lake or a scenic drive with beautiful views. No matter your style, we can help you create a game plan to find the best things to do in Waterton for an unforgettable trip.
Hike to Some Unbelievable Views
Let’s be honest, you can’t visit Waterton without hitting at least one trail. The hiking here is world-class, with options for every fitness level and incredible rewards for your effort. Remember to carry bear spray and know how to use it, as you are in prime bear country.
Bear’s Hump Trail
This hike is a classic for a reason and a must-do for anyone who has visited Waterton. Although short at just 1.7 miles (2.8 km) round trip, it is quite steep. The trail switchbacks up the side of Mount Crandell, gaining elevation quickly, but the climb is absolutely worth it for the view overlooking Upper Waterton Lake.
From the rocky outcrop at the top, you get that picture-perfect view of the Waterton townsite, the chain of lakes stretching south, and the surrounding peaks. It’s the best spot for a photo that perfectly captures your visit to this lake’s national park. Due to its popularity, the parking lot can fill up quickly, so plan to go early in the morning.
Crypt Lake Trail
Are you up for a true adventure? The Crypt Lake trail is a full-day commitment that people talk about long after they’ve finished it, and it’s often listed among Canada’s best hikes. Your journey starts with a 15-minute boat shuttle across Upper Waterton Lake, which you must book in advance.
The hike itself is a steady 10.8-mile (17.4 km) climb through forests and past stunning waterfalls. The most famous part involves climbing an exposed steel ladder, crawling through a 60-foot natural tunnel, and carefully moving along a cliffside with a safety cable. Your reward is the stunning Crypt Lake, a beautiful alpine gem tucked into a massive cirque, making this one of the most memorable things to do in Waterton National Park.
Bertha Lake and Falls Trail
If you want something between a short walk and a massive trek, the lake trail to Bertha Lake is a fantastic choice. The hike has two great destinations, letting you choose your adventure based on your energy level. The first stop is Lower Bertha Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading down a series of steps, making for a great, relatively easy walk for families.
If you have more in your tank, continue up a series of switchbacks to reach the quiet and peaceful Bertha Lake. Set in a stunning mountain cirque, the vibrant blue water offers a serene spot for a lunch break. This part of the trail is more challenging but well worth the effort for the solitude and scenery.
To help you choose, here’s a quick comparison of these popular hikes.
| Hike | Round Trip Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear’s Hump | 1.7 miles / 2.8 km | Short but Steep | An iconic view of the townsite and lakes. |
| Crypt Lake | 10.8 miles / 17.4 km | Difficult / Full Day | Boat ride, ladder, tunnel, and a stunning alpine lake. |
| Lower Bertha Falls | 3.2 miles / 5.2 km | Easy to Moderate | A beautiful, accessible waterfall. |
| Bertha Lake | 6.4 miles / 10.4 km | Moderate to Difficult | A peaceful alpine lake in a mountain cirque. |
Fun On The Water
The “Lakes” part of Waterton Lakes National Park is a big clue about the park’s character. Getting out on the water gives you a different perspective of the majestic mountains. It is an essential part of the experience in this part of the Canadian Rockies.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise
The Waterton boat tour is one of the most popular activities in the park for good reason. The historic M.V. International, a charming lake boat, takes you on a narrated tour down the length of Upper Waterton Lake. You will learn about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife from the knowledgeable crew.
The boat crosses the international border into the United States, docking briefly at Goat Haunt, Montana, a remote outpost of Glacier National Park. This journey highlights the cooperation of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. The return trip on the upper Waterton offers even more beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding
Do you prefer to power your own boat? Renting a kayak, canoe, or one of the available paddle boards is a great way to explore the water at your own pace. The bright red chairs at Cameron Lake are a perfect photo op before you paddle on its calm, chilly water.
You can rent gear from places like Blakiston & Co. right in the Waterton townsite or directly at Cameron Lake. A word of warning: the main Waterton Lakes are famous for their sudden, powerful winds. For a calmer experience, it’s often better to stick to smaller bodies of water like Cameron Lake or the tranquil Linnet Lake near the town entrance.
Explore Waterton Townsite
You don’t always need to go on a long hike to have a great time. The town itself is full of charm and character. There are plenty of fun and relaxing things to do in Waterton just by sticking close to the village.
Stroll Through The Village
Waterton’s townsite is small, walkable, and packed with a relaxed, vacation feel that is hard to resist. Spend an afternoon wandering between the gift shop locations, art galleries, and great restaurants. Make sure you grab a scoop of ice cream from one of the local shops and take a leisurely walk along the paved path that follows the lake’s edge.
Visit The Prince of Wales Hotel
You simply can’t miss it. The Prince of Wales Hotel sits on a bluff overlooking the town and lakes, one of the most iconic and photographed buildings in the Rockies. This grand old railway hotel was built in 1927 and is a National Historic Site of Canada.
You can feel the history as soon as you step inside the historic Wales Hotel. Even if you are not staying there, it is worth a visit to see the grand lobby with its dark wood and huge windows. The lawn in front of this magnificent hotel, built on the hill, offers commanding views of the entire valley.
Have Afternoon Tea
For a truly classic experience, book a spot for the hotel’s traditional Afternoon Tea. You get to sit in the elegant Royal Stewart Dining Room, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. This is one of the great places to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
They serve a selection of fine teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and delicious pastries. It’s a little fancy, but it makes for a very memorable afternoon in the Stewart dining room—one of the highlights among Waterton hotels. This is an especially good activity on a day when the weather might not be ideal for outdoor adventures.
Rent a Surrey Bike
Have you seen those fun, four-wheeled bikes with a canopy on top? They are called Surrey bikes, and you can rent them right in town. This is a hilarious and fun activity, especially for families or groups of friends.
Places like Pat’s Waterton have a whole fleet of them ready to go, making it easy to rent bikes for an hour or two. You can pedal your way around the townsite and along the dedicated bike trails and lakeshore path. It’s a silly and wonderful way to make some memories during your visit.
Wildlife Watching
Waterton is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, which is also an international biosphere reserve. This designation means it is a vital area for nature and wildlife. You have an excellent chance of seeing some incredible animals during your visit.
Bison Paddock Loop Road
Just before you enter the park from the north, you will see the entrance for the Bison Paddock. This short, scenic loop road takes you right through the home of a small herd of plains bison. It is a fantastic opportunity to see these huge animals up close from the safety of your car.
The bison were reintroduced here as part of a conservation effort by Parks Canada to bring the species back to its historic range. Reading about their history makes you appreciate seeing them even more. The best viewing times are usually early in the morning or later in the evening when they are more active.
Look For Bears and More
Besides bison, Waterton is home to both black bears and grizzly bears. The Akamina Parkway and Red Rock Parkway are well known as great places to spot them, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled along the edges of the forest and in berry patches.
You’re also very likely to see mule deer and bighorn sheep. The sheep often hang out on the cliffs and slopes right around the townsite, and deer frequently wander through the streets. Always remember these are wild animals; never feed them and always view them from a safe and respectful distance.
Take a Scenic Drive
Sometimes you just want to see the scenery without a long hike. Waterton’s parkways take you into different parts of the park, which is known for its stunning views right from your car. These drives offer views that rival any in the national parks system.
Red Rock Parkway
This beautiful drive winds for about 9 miles (15 km) through rolling grasslands before entering a narrow valley. The Red Rock Parkway gets its name from the bright red and green argillite rock layers visible in the surrounding mountains. It’s a geology lesson you can see from your window.
The road ends at Red Rock Canyon. Here, you can get out and walk along a short, paved loop trail that crisscrosses a creek. The water has carved a surprisingly deep canyon out of the vibrant red rock, and on a hot day, many people enjoy wading in the chilly stream.
Akamina Parkway
The Akamina Parkway is another scenic road that travels 10 miles (16 km) up a lush, forested valley. It follows the path of Cameron Creek all the way to Cameron Lake. This drive is another prime spot for wildlife viewing, so keep your eyes open.
At the end of the road, you will find beautiful Cameron Lake, nestled right against the Continental Divide. You can walk the easy trail along its western shore or just sit and admire the mountain views reflected in the water. Seeing the Cameron Falls in the townsite is also a treat, as they are fed by the waters from this very valley.
Stargaze in a Dark Sky Park
One of the most incredible things to do in Waterton happens after the sun goes down. Waterton Lakes National Park, along with Glacier National Park, forms the world’s first transboundary International Dark Sky Park. This designation recognizes the exceptional quality of the starry nights here.
With minimal light pollution, the views of the night sky are breathtaking. On a clear, moonless night, the Milky Way can be seen stretching across the sky in brilliant detail. Find a safe pullout along a parkway or head to the shores of Linnet Lake for an unobstructed view.
Unlike the summer crowds at places like Moraine Lake, the nighttime quiet of Waterton offers a profound sense of peace. It’s a chance to connect with the universe in a way that’s hard to find in the modern world. It is one of the features that makes this lake’s national park truly special.
Conclusion
Waterton Lakes National Park is more than just a place on a map; it’s an experience that stays with you. From the thrill of reaching a mountain summit on the Crypt Lake Trail to the simple joy of watching deer wander through the townsite, there is always something new to discover. The park’s status as half of the first international peace park adds a layer of significance to its natural beauty.
Whether you fill your days with epic adventures or quiet moments of reflection, you will find plenty of things to do in Waterton. This corner of the Rockies, a place where prairies and mountains collide, has a way of capturing your heart. It’s a park that will call you back to explore its hiking trails, waterways, and peaceful valleys again and again.
