Waterton Lakes National Park
Alberta
•Est. 30 May 1895
Area
505 km² (195 sq mi)
Natural Region
Rocky Mountains
Annual Visitors
475,842
Established
30 May 1895
About the Park
Waterton Lakes National Park, where the prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, offers a diverse range of landscapes, including clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, colorful streams, and mountain vistas. The park is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's first transboundary protected area.
Park Location
History
Established in 1895, Waterton Lakes became Canada's fourth national park. In 1932, it was combined with Glacier National Park in Montana to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, symbolizing the friendship between Canada and the United States.
Landscapes
The park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from prairie grasslands to subalpine forests and alpine tundra. Notable features include Upper Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies, and the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel.
Wildlife
Waterton Lakes is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and over 250 bird species.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking over 200 km of trails, scenic drives, boat tours, wildlife viewing, and camping. The park also offers interpretive programs and special events throughout the year.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
Late June–September for hiking, boat tours, and wildlife; May and October for fewer crowds and fall colours.
Nearby Towns/Cities
Waterton (in-park townsite), Pincher Creek, Cardston, Lethbridge.
Facilities
Visitor centre, campgrounds, hotels, cabins, picnic sites, marina, washrooms, lakeside park areas.
Services
Guided hikes, interpretive programs, boat tours (summer), shuttles (seasonal), food, emergency services.
Top Highlights
Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes, Prince of Wales Hotel, Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Lake, Crypt Lake hike, wildlife viewing.
Scenic Drives
Red Rock Parkway, Akamina Parkway.
How to Get There
By car from Lethbridge (1.5hrs) and Calgary (3hrs); nearest airport: Lethbridge (YQL).
Parking
Free/paid parking lots at visitor centre, marina, trails, and townsite.
Park Features
Natural Beauty
Pristine Wilderness
Wildlife
Native Species
Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Scenic Views
Photo Opportunities
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