Top Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park
Top Hotels in Waterton Lakes National Park
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10 Free Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta including Bertha Falls, Cameron Lake, Red Rock Canyon, Waterton Village, Blakiston Falls, Cameron Falls, Wall Lake Hike, Pat's Waterton, Waterton Heritage Centre, Bison Paddock Loop Road.
Restaurants in Waterton Lakes National Park
1. Bertha Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Greenlakereener - Vancouver, Canada
The Bertha Falls trail was one of the only trails open and accessible by car as the two main roads in the park are currently closed due to the forest fires of 2017. But because the trailhead for the falls hike was located close to the town, we were able to drive to the parking lot and access this trail. The hike began with a climb in elevation that took us high above the lake, through the burned out forest, with great views of the lake and town, until we reached a series of pretty waterfalls. It was steep in places but not too hard. You really get a good look at the devastation the fire caused as you hike past many burned trees. You reach a series of small waterfalls first and then you come to the big lower falls. At this point you can see the trail rising steeply above the falls so we chose to turn around at this point. It took us a little less than two hours roundtrip to complete this portion of the hike. Take lots of water as there is no shade and you do climb uphill a lot.
2. Cameron Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
The climax of a 16 km (10 mile) scenic highway known as the Akamina Parkway, is Cameron Lake. Nestled between the majestic mountain peaks of the Akamina Ridge, this sub-alpine lake is one of many serene bodies of water that makes up Waterton Lakes National Park. Beautiful Cameron lake is a great place to rent a canoe and grizzlies are often seen on the far slopes.
Reviewed By sandraburke9189 - Lacombe, Canada
Beautiful lake and inlet to Waterton Lake Townsite. Tour boats are on hand; canoeing and paddle boats are allowed. US border just across the way! Mountain backdrop awesome. Didnt take part in this activity, weather was too cold, rough and very windy but just imagine the locations; awesome. Visit in 2021 Spring.
3. Red Rock Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 859 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
We visited Red Rock Canyon in July 2020. The drive along Red Rock Canyon was beautiful and scenic. We were disappointed that we didn't see any wildlife as others had mentioned, but the landscape is amazing and shows the devastation left by the fire. The wild flower ground cover is impressive, as it grows up where the trees were once super thick. There are two parking lots at the canyon, both of which fill up quickly by mid-day. There are also washrooms on site. We arrived at 9:30 on a Thursday, well before the crowds, and had the place almost to ourselves. I've seen pictures of the canyon crowded with hundreds of people, which is the way it was by the time we left a few hours later. Definitely go early for a more serene experience. One of the bridges was out, so it wasn't possible to do a complete loop around the canyon. The park is undergoing lots of repairs and upgrades since the fire. It's great to see the area coming back since the fire, so this is all part of the process. It's a super easy hike around the canyon, and we were able to safely venture down into it and explore. The kids liked playing the cold water. Some people sat and had a lunch. From the canyon, there are a number of hiking paths and horse trails of varying difficulty levels. We chose to hike up to Blackiston Falls (about 1 km), and while we turned around here, there is a much longer hike that continues past this point. The path is clear all the way and the scenery absolutely beautiful. At the falls, they have built two look-off platforms. It is an easy hike for all ages. I highly recommend going early in the day, or perhaps even later in the evening. By the time we left, people were circling the parking lot looking for spaces, the canyon was full of visitors, and the place just didn't feel as nice. Overall, a great experience. A beautiful spot!
4. Waterton Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 571 reviews
Reviewed By sueb1984
This town site is extremely walkable with a good selection of shops, restaurants and fast food. If you have the time, you can rent bikes to get around or simply pick up a coffee and browse.
5. Blakiston Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
Started at Red Rock Canyon and hiked the short 1 km in to the falls (2 km return). The hike up is beautiful. The trails can be busy at midday, so go earlier in the day for a more serene experience. We went at 9:30am and it was peaceful with not many people around. The trail is pretty easy and would be fine for all ages. The route in inclined, so it's a bit more work than on the way out. The scenery is amazing. Since the wildfire of 2017 burned most of the trees in that area, you can actually see further and have a great view of the mountains. The wildflower ground cover is like nothing I've ever seen before, with beautiful flowers native to the mountain range. It's like looking at a tree graveyard and provides a glimpse of the devastation. Once you get to the falls, there are two new viewing platforms. The trail continues for 10+ km past the falls, although we turned around there and made our way back. The trail is clearly defined. Definitely wear proper sneakers or hiking boots. Would recommend this beautiful hike if in Waterton!
6. Cameron Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By arlenen750 - Calgary, Canada
Cameron Falls is located right in town and offers many viewing points that are an easy walk. Lots of parking available.
7. Wall Lake Hike
8. Pat's Waterton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By helenw501
We rented one of the 4 wheel bikes from Pat’s for our family (2 adults, two kids) and had a blast. It was $20 for half an hour and $30 for an hour. We chose an hour and cycled around town. My 4 year old and 7 year old fit in the front seat while my husband and I did all the work in the back, it was definitely a leg workout! We really enjoyed it. The staff member we talked to was friendly and we received great service.
9. Waterton Heritage Centre
10. Bison Paddock Loop Road
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By Pikespeek
We were fortunate to visit Waterton Lakes NP at the height of the spring flowers and the rolling green hills of the Bison Paddock were awash with flowers, which made up for having to search a bit to see the bison. It was a lovely morning drive.
