About Alberta's Historic Waterton National Park
Waterton is waiting for you … Rocky Mountains and crystal clear lakes, acres of wildflowers, miles of pristine trails and centuries of fascinating history. It’s waiting with a rugged natural beauty you won’t see anywhere else in this world. Stroll our flower-lined streets, picnic along our shorelines, golf our courses and explore our village boutiques. Relax in one of our lakeside or mountain-view suites and enjoy fine dining that celebrates fresh local ingredients. Welcome to Waterton Lakes National Park. There’s so much to discover.
Park Info
Waterton Lakes National Park reflects a rare spirit of community, shared vision and a desire to maintain the natural beauty and integrity of one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
This is made possible through a variety of community groups such as the Waterton Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Parks Canada. From nurturing a vibrant business community to ensuring a sustainable future for our beautiful park, Waterton Lakes National Park is in good hands.
For more information about our park, select any of the links below.
Hours of Operation
Entry Gates
At the entry gates you will:
– Pay your fee to enter the park or
– Show your annual pass to enter the park
– Receive maps and other park information
– Receive important information about fire and wildlife hazards
Visitor Information Center
Located inside of the townsite, the Visitor Center is the place to:
– Get more information about Waterton Lakes National Park
– Get maps
– Get trail maps
– Register for hikes
– Register for the International Peace Park Hike
– Speak to a Park Warden
Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening June 1
Phone: 1-403-859-5133
Parks Canada Administration Office
For park operations and additional information, you can contact us at the Parks Canada Administration Office Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Street Address
215 Mount View
Phone
1-403-859-5133
Fax
1-403-859-5152
Mailing Address
Box 200 Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada, T0K 2M0
Park Fees
People often ask why Parks Canada charges a fee to enter Waterton Lakes National Park. The truth is that entry and service fees are charged at most national parks and national historic sites. The revenues raised from these fees help to support visitor services and facilities and to maintain the integrity of national treasures like Waterton Lakes National Parks as a legacy for future generations.
Adult – Ages 18 – 64
Senior – Above 65 year of age or over
Youth- Under 17 years of age
Family/ Group – Up to Seven people arriving in a single vehicle in a national park
| Daily pass | |
|---|---|
|
Adult |
$10.50 |
|
Senior |
$9.00 |
|
Youth |
Free |
|
Family/ Group |
$21.00 |
|
Commercial Group, per person |
$9.00 |
| Annual | |
|---|---|
|
Adult |
$52.25 |
|
Senior |
$44.50 |
|
Youth |
Free |
|
Family/ Group |
$104.50 |
About Parks Canada
The mandate of Parks Canada exists to protect and preserve nationally significant examples of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Parks Canada also fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment in ways that ensure Canada’s historical, ecological and commemorative integrity for both present and future generations.
What Parks Canada does in Waterton Lakes National Park
Parks Canada strives to maintain the ecology, integrity and biodiversity of Waterton Lakes National Park while at the same time creating a welcoming environment that will draw respectful visitors to experience all that this area has to offer.
Parks Canada achieves this by:
– Providing timely information to visitors
– Promoting awareness around Waterton’s natural and cultural wonders
– Providing a variety of activitiesfor visitors
– Creating learning experiencesfor visitors of all ages
– Offering access to valuable educational resources
– Keeping the public apprised of public safety issues
– Providing up to date weather reportsfor Waterton Lakes National Park
– Providing up to date trail reportsfor Waterton Park hikes
– Providing up to date reports on avalanche conditionsfor Waterton’s mountain slopes
– Nurturing the spirit of collaboration
– Maintaining and preserving national historic siteswithin Waterton Park
– Promoting the rich historyof Waterton Lakes National Park
– Managing camping facilitiesin Waterton Park
– Park management
For more information, you can visit their website:
Waterton Seasons
Winter
Winter is by far the quietest season in Waterton. Snow and ice formations define the landscape, blanketing this beautiful park in white. Travelers still come to Waterton during the winter season to snowshoe, cross country ski, ice climb and get glimpses of wildlife that includes everything from bighorn sheep to river otters. While very few services are available to visitors during this season, cozy lodge accommodations are available at the Waterton Glacier Suites year round and some of the best dining at the Red Rock Trattoria in the Glacier Suites.
Autumn
During the fall months, the days are still long and often unseasonably warm. Travelers come from far and wide to bird watch, view wildlife, golf, hike or drive one of Waterton’s many scenic parkways. While most services close down for the season in mid-October, the Waterton Glacier Suites is a welcome retreat for guests year round.
Spring
As the blanket of snow retreats into Waterton’s creeks and lakes, a new landscape emerges, giving rise to one of Waterton’s most unique ecological features: more than 50% of Alberta’s plant species are found in Waterton Park, and include rare species you will not see anywhere else.
Many other spring activities emerge as the park comes back to life, including camping, golfing, water sports and wildlife watching. By mid-May, most services are fully operational in Waterton Village, including a full array of accommodations, dining and shopping.
Summer
July and August are by far the busiest months in Waterton Lakes National Park. There is an endless list of things to do and places to stay. If you are planning a trip to Waterton during these months, it is important to book your accommodation in advance.