Waterton Lakes National Park

National park offering prairie & mountain vistas, plus numerous species of wildlife & vegetation.
When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Waterton Lakes National Park Trip Planner

Waterton Lakes National Park Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Waterton Lakes National Park? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Waterton Lakes National Park

Red Rock Canyon
1. Red Rock Canyon
4.7
(1475)
Park
Nature & Parks
Hikes through a red- & green-tinged river gorge surrounded by wildflower meadows & mountains.
Slide 1 of 8
“Beautiful, Serene, and Scenic, but Crowded at Times” Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates stunning landscapes. The vibrant red rock formations set against the lush greenery and clear blue water create a picture-perfect scene. The short walk around the canyon is easy and suitable for all ages, making it a great option for families or those looking for a relaxing stroll. You can also dip your feet into the cool water, which is refreshing after exploring the park. One of the best parts about Red Rock Canyon is how accessible it is. It’s just a short drive from Waterton townsite, and the road leading there offers some great views as well. The canyon itself is not very large, but it packs a lot of beauty into a small area. It’s a perfect spot to take a break, have a picnic, or just admire the natural scenery. However, the reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. This can make it difficult to find a peaceful moment or get a good photo without other people in the background. The parking area also fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early or visit later in the day. Overall, Red Rock Canyon is a gem within Waterton, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Just plan your visit wisely to avoid the crowds, and you’ll have a fantastic experience!”
Beautiful little canyon, amazing colors astounding location and views. Would recommend walking to the furthest point on the trail where it loops back for best view. The canyon is much deeper there so you can see more beautiful rocks but also there is a lot less people that want to walk up that hill! Very busy parking lot so be prepared you may have to park down the road at the further lot. Its a very busy location due to its accessibility. If you have walking assistance devices, strollers or wheel chairs you can definitely explore a lot of the views with its paved pathway.
We take the drive up to Red Rock Canyon and it offers exquisite views featuring red and green bedrock, alpine vegetation, and protruding peaks. The red rock formations provide a stunning backdrop. It is a great scenic walk for hikers and for those who would like an adventure. With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails, Red Rocks Park is a big draw for those who love outdoor activities.
Was really really busy but to be expected on a weekend during the summer! Parking was a bit gnarly due to that but the attendants were really friendly, kind and patient. Bathrooms could really use a bit more attention (in comparison to other Provincial and National Parks) Great path up to Goat Lake. The regrowth is absolutely wonderful and lush. A must see if you're in Waterton!
A beautiful spot within Waterton Lakes National Park. The rocks are a beautiful red color and the water is crystal clear. There are paths that lead you through the mountains and there are also several waterfalls nearby. The paths range from a short walk to an intense hike so make sure to pay attention to the path markers.
The drive to get here was beautiful. Lots of parking and essential utilities. You can walk the paved path around the canyon, about 15 minutes. Hike down in the canyon along the stream. Then hike over to the falls, about 15 minutes from the lot. Got there about 9am and it was nice and quiet, but by 10:30 it was quite busy.
It was amazingly beautiful.. although it get crowded in summer month, if you want to take a good photos of the whole red rocks, should be there early summer before July/Aug which is the peak summer. Worth of the long driving hours..
Amazing Canyon with red rocks truly unique. There are long and short trails from the parking spot. Speaking of parking lots there are two upper is small and lower is big but a bit of walk so good luck finding one on upper lot on a busy day few washrooms. Views of mountain and canyon is just breath taking. I have reviewed other spots in Waterton like prince of whales hotel etc check out my reviews and list of to do things in Waterton Park. Single day or discovery pass required to enter also follow for more.
Waterton Park
2. Waterton Park
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Waterton Park, commonly referred to as Waterton, is a hamlet in southwestern Alberta, Canada within Improvement District No. 4 Waterton. It is located at the southwestern terminus of Highway 5, approximately 54 kilometres west of the Town of Cardston and 55 kilometres south of the Town of Pincher Creek. Wikipedia.
Cameron Lake
3. Cameron Lake
4.8
(131)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Alpine lake in Waterton Lakes National Park offering fishing, boating & mountain views.
Slide 1 of 8
Went here while on vacation in Waterton. Definitely worth the drive. You have to drive all the way up the road to get there. The view of the lake is amazing. You can do boating up there. There are a lot of animals (deer, mountain sheep, and bears) and you may see some along the road. Just be aware when driving up here.
On our drive between Waterton and Cameron Lake we saw a cinnamon phase black bear wandering along in a field of berries. Once we got to the lake we did some peddle boating around the lake, it was a beautiful day with warm temperatures and hardly any wind. Highly recommend taking the drive out to Cameron Lake!
Cameron Lake is breathtaking every time we visit! The drive up is gorgeous with mountain views and a good chance of spotting wildlife — we’ve seen bears here a few times. The lake itself is stunning, surrounded by peaks, and perfect for a peaceful stroll, picnic, or canoe ride. Truly a gem of Waterton!
Beautiful lake. Lots of nice trails. You can rent boats. Came here on vacation in Waterton and greatly enjoyed it. Not very difficult trails, right by the lake, and lots of boats for renting (paddleboats, canoes, etc). Nice place to visit for an hour or two if you enjoy lakes and nature.
Cameron Lake was beautiful in the early morning when the water was calm and you could see the amazing mountain reflections! It can get busy in the late morning and afternoon, which detracts from the natural beauty here. You can rent kayaks/boats from the shoreline to explore the lake and there is a small store with souvenir items, drinks, etc. I came here to start the Carthew-Alderson Trail via the hiker shuttle through Tamarack on August 29, 2025. We arrived around 8:30 am and there was nobody else at the lake. This was the best time to see the beauty here!
The lake and its surroundings are truly breathtaking. The parking lot is spacious and pleasantly uncrowded, which I really appreciate.
This is a beautiful mountain lake, that gets bonus points for the great drive from Waterton town along which you are highly likely to see some big horn sheep. Boating options are available for rent (pinch pricy, but that is to be expected). Note that it is very often very windy.
We met juvenile on the road from Cameron Lake befire first oil well area , its bear play ground.
Cameron Falls
4. Cameron Falls
4.7
(134)
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
This picturesque waterfall with a viewing area occasionally turns pink after a heavy rain.
Slide 1 of 8
Cameron Falls is an awesome stop! Just a short walk from the parking lot and you're face to face with a powerful, beautiful waterfall. The sound of the rushing water is wild — you can feel it in your chest. Great spot to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and take in the view. If you're lucky, you might even catch the water turning pink after a storm. Nature showing off!
This is an extremely accessible waterfall in Waterton National Park. You can walk here or even push a wheelchair here from town in ten minutes or less. Free parking is available on the street a few minutes away, especially near the city park. There's a large viewing platform in front of the fall and above it, though there are a fair number of steps to reach the top. Expect to spend maybe 15-30 minutes here because it gets crowded and doesn't offer that much more than a nice view.
You definitely don’t want to miss Cameron Falls when visiting Waterton National Park. While it’s not a very large waterfall, it’s truly beautiful and worth experiencing. Plus, it’s easy to find, making it a convenient stop during your visit.
It's a beautiful fall in the town with a short hiking trail on the side to have a closer look from top. You can do fishing as well but not a really large area to explore. Also, parking available right in front, for wheelchair accessibles as well. It's has beautiful scenic view if you go other way around, the one from the lake side passing through campaign areas towards Bertha hiking area. It's just lovely town to visit nd to spend time away from city life. Also, they have ferries to take you around US border to visit 30 min.
Walk from the waterton lake beach to enjoy the view is quite good choice ,got to see local houses n camping site .
Small fall nearby the campground! Beautiful and safe with rails!
Cameron Falls is a hidden gem nestled within Waterton Lakes National Park. This picturesque waterfall captivates visitors with its cascading beauty and serene surroundings. The rushing waters, framed by lush greenery, create a mesmerizing sight and provide a tranquil atmosphere.
Easy walk from anywhere in town. Beautiful falls. Can walk up to view falls from above as well. Definitely worth a stop when in Waterton
Crypt Lake Trail
5. Crypt Lake Trail
4.9
(42)
Lake
Outdoor Activities
Ferry-accessible trail at Waterton Lakes National Park, with 2,297 ft. elevation gain over 10 miles.
Slide 1 of 8
Spectacular hike up to crypt lake. I’m not a regular hiker and found this great. Little out of breath at times but the views more than made up for it. Even the boat ride over to the start was marvellous. The tunnel made it feel like it was a harder hike than it was. Remarkable views from start to finish. We did it in early June. Wonderful experience.
Hiked the Crypt Lake Trail on August 25, 2025. We pre-purchased tickets for the 8:30 ferry a couple days before and boarded around 8:20. The ferry took 15 minutes to get to the trailhead. Everyone starts the trail at once but then people naturally spread out as everyone finds their pace. The first section of trail was through lush forest, gaining gradual elevation along a narrow trail. It then continues on long switchbacks through forest and starts to open up to nice views of the mountains and Upper Waterton Lake. At the junction with Hell Roaring Canyon, stay to the left (our boat captain said this section is much steeper and is not necessarily worth the effort - if you have time, you can hike this section on the way down). The trail continues through a mix of forest and rocky sections. You start to get stunning views of the mountains and valleys as you climb higher and they only get more dramatic as the hike goes on. The trail becomes rocky and exposed as you get higher than the tree line. You then reach a viewpoint of a tall waterfall in the distance which was gorgeous. The trail continues to gain elevation along rocky switchbacks and then follows along the narrow ledge leading to the cave and tunnel. This was the most epic part of the hike. After reaching the end of the ledge, you climb a ladder and then crouch and crawl through the dark, narrow tunnel. After emerging on the other side, there is a sketchy section with uneven rock and chains fixed to the rock wall to hold on to. From there, it’s not too much longer to the lake and there is no more elevation gain. The lake was not the most beautiful mountain lake I’ve seen but it was pretty. We spent half an hour soaking our tired feet in the cold refreshing water and enjoying a much needed snack and rest. There is a loop around the lake but we didn’t do that one. The hike back down was mostly downhill and was faster than going up. The chain section was sketchy coming down so we went slow there. It was a very hot and sunny afternoon which was draining and the shaded sections were always welcome. The last few kilometres were completely shaded through the dense forest which was an amazing way to finish off the hike. My partner and I took 4 hours going up to the lake and 3 hours hiking down. We got back to the boat dock at 4:30 and waited for an hour for the 5:30 boat. There is also a boat at 3:30 if you’re a faster hiker. It was nice to rest on the logs at the trailhead and soak my feet in the lake again. There is an outhouse at the trailhead and another one along the trail before the tunnel. There is no cell service on this hike but the trail is easy to follow. My FitBit tracked 19 km total and 858 m elevation gain. This hike made for a long day with lots of hard work on the legs but it felt amazing to finish! The views along the trail are spectacular and the tunnel/ladder/chains is a very epic feature. We didn’t see any wildlife but heard from someone on our boat who saw a bear near the outhouse along the trail. Our boat captain said that bear sightings occur almost daily, so come prepared with bear spray. Would recommend this trail - very rewarding!
A must do when visiting Waterton. You will not regret doing this hike. Beautiful views, well maintained trails and lots of interesting sections of trail. Make sure you do have the fitness level for a 17+ KM hike. Also depending on season pack for mountain weather. We've had +20 degrees along the beginning of the trail, with sections of deep snow near the top and cool weather. Bring lots of water. Now there is one negative to this trail. The amount of people can be staggering. We've been stuck in literal "traffic jams" on the cliff scramble section. Where people are stuck going in either direction. This can be an absolute pain and hopefully the people will all be working together to keep things moving. If hiking with a dog, be sure you are prepared for the ladder. We thought we were but found out we were not. Luckily, with the help of some awesome hikers we were able to raise and lower the dog safely. As a final note.. BE CAREFUL on the wire rope section of the climb. We hit two burrs on the line and actually ripped our hands open to the point of running blood. After seeing it happen to a few people you realize it's an actual health hazard. If anyone has any transferable blood diseases, that is a dangerous location.
Great trail and views, very runnable throughout sections in the ascent and definitely descent
Great trail to hike. Very well maintained even early in the season. If I hiked it again I would not wear mountain boots. Maybe just a pair of ankle high hiking boots or even a psir of runners. I would suggest going earlier in the hiking season to avoid crowds.
Beautiful hike, it's not technical, nor challenging. If you hike or exercise regularly you should find this hike a walk in the park. Great day, however not amazing enough to do again or spend the $30.00 for the ferry.
Worth every ounce of effort! This is by far one of the most mentally and physically challenging hikes I've ever done but honestly the pay off was insane to spend the day at this majestic lake!
We did this hike with our dog. It is a beautiful, must-do hike. Some parts are very challenging - don't look down! For dog owners: I don't know if I would do this with a dog over 60 lbs because we did lift/boost her on a few parts. The ladder is the most difficult part, we had extra leads to help lower her down while letting her place her feet on the rocks. We also had a lead clipped to the cable for her Incase she fell, would highly recommend for peace of mind. Don't do this hike with your dog if you can't trust your dog.
Bison Paddock Lp
6. Bison Paddock Lp
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app

Other notable attractions

Upper Waterton Lake
Lake
Nature & Parks
One of 3 lakes in a national park, ringed by the Canadian Rockies & known for boating & windsurfing.
Lower Bertha Falls
Waterfall
Outdoor Activities
Blakiston Falls
Waterfall
Nature & Parks
A forest walk leads to an observatory deck overlooking this dramatic cascade in a national park.
Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada
National park
Nature & Parks
National park offering prairie & mountain vistas, plus numerous species of wildlife & vegetation.
Carthew-Alderson Trail
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Bertha Lake
Lake
Outdoor Activities
Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
Visitor center
Museums

All road trips from Waterton Lakes National Park

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Waterton Lakes National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Waterton Lakes National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Weather in Waterton Lakes National Park

Here's the historical average temperature in Waterton Lakes National Park over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in Waterton Lakes National Park in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December
Monthly temperature highs and lows in Waterton Lakes National Park
Ready to plan your trip to Waterton Lakes National Park?
Use our free trip planner for the easiest way to plan your vacation. No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click

We crawled the web so you don’t have to. Easily save mentioned places.

Collaborate with friends in real time

Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing.

Import flight and hotel reservations

Connect or forward your emails to get them magically added into your trip plan.

Expense tracking and splitting

Keep track of your budget and split the cost between your tripmates.

Checklists for anything

Stay organized with a packing list, to-do list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Get personalized suggestions

Find the best places to visit with smart recommendations based on your itinerary.
Plan on the go with our free travel app
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.
Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.
Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Get the iOS app from the App StoreGet the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Waterton Lakes National Park