Waterton National Park, Alberta – Canada More Than Just Canada's Glacier National Park

Waterton National Park

At first glance, it would be easy to assume that Waterton National Park is simply the Canadian side of Glacier National Park. After all, the two parks share the same mountain range, and several hiking trails actually cross the international border. Those trails are long, steep, and involve a lot of elevation—not exactly in my wheelhouse!

But once you arrive, you quickly realize that Waterton is completely different.

The first thing you notice is how close the mountains feel. Unlike the St. Mary side of Glacier, where you drive through broad valleys before reaching the peaks, Waterton's mountains rise almost immediately from the townsite. They dominate the landscape and seem to tower right over you. Yellowstone, with its vast valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and geothermal features, offers yet another completely different experience. It's amazing how three neighboring parks can each have such unique personalities.

A Forest Reborn

One thing you can't help but notice throughout Waterton is the evidence of the devastating 2017 Kenow Fire. Nearly every drive through the park passes thousands of burned trees still standing like silent sentinels across the mountainsides.

Nine years later, however, the landscape tells another story. The forest floor is bursting with lush green undergrowth, wildflowers, and thousands of young trees. Nature is slowly reclaiming the mountains, creating a beautiful contrast between the scars of the fire and the promise of new life.

The Perfect Mountain Town

Waterton Townsite Campground (see our separate campground review) sits right at the base of the mountains and within easy walking distance of everything.

The charming little town offers restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, unique gift shops, and a tiny general store. One of the things we love most about Waterton is how walkable it is.

The deer, however, are the true residents. They wander freely through town as if they own the place—which, in many ways, they do. They stroll across the streets, stop traffic without concern, calmly graze beside people walking their dogs, and barely acknowledge the visitors around them. After a while, you begin to feel like you're the guest in theirneighborhood.

The campground is also home to the Waterton Planetarium, offering several astronomy experiences throughout the summer.

Just a short walk away is Cameron Falls, one of the easiest and most rewarding waterfalls you'll ever visit. A paved pathway and numerous viewing areas make it accessible for almost everyone. Those looking for more adventure can continue up the steep trail toward Bertha Lake.

The Iconic Prince of Wales Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel

No visit to Waterton is complete without stopping at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

Perched high on a bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, the hotel has welcomed guests since 1927. Built by the Great Northern Railway to encourage tourism to the Canadian Rockies, this magnificent chateau-style hotel has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Canada.

Even if you're not staying overnight, the drive up to the hotel is well worth it. The panoramic views overlooking Waterton Lake, the surrounding mountains, and the international border are simply breathtaking.

Inside, visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner, or the hotel's famous afternoon tea while taking in one of the most spectacular dining views in the Canadian Rockies.

Golf With a View

Golfers shouldn't miss the Waterton Golf Course, located right inside the national park.

This mountain course is carved into a plateau surrounded by spectacular peaks in every direction. It offers incredible scenery from nearly every hole and is unlike any course we've ever played.

(Be sure to check out our separate Waterton Golf Course review for our complete experience.)

Scenic Drives and Beautiful Hikes

There are two primary scenic drives within the park, both beginning just minutes from the campground.

One of the biggest differences compared to Yellowstone or Glacier is how quickly you're immersed in the scenery. Instead of spending an hour driving into the park, you're climbing into the mountains almost immediately.

One of our favorite drives follows a deep river gorge with dramatic overlooks, waterfalls fed by snowmelt, and numerous hiking trailheads leading into the surrounding mountains.

Last year we were fortunate enough to see several playful fox kits near a well-known den. This year, arriving nearly three weeks earlier, we weren't lucky enough to spot them—but that's wildlife!

The road eventually ends at Cameron Lake, nestled beneath snow-covered peaks in what feels like its own alpine world. A pleasant trail circles much of the shoreline, making it an enjoyable walk for most visitors.

Last year we hiked the trail with patches of snow still covering sections of the path. This year, despite arriving earlier, an unusual heat wave had temperatures climbing into the upper 70s, melting much of the snow while still leaving enough high-country snowpack to keep the waterfalls flowing beautifully. Check out our favorite hike.

An Unforgettable Grizzly Encounter

https://youtu.be/3QkjVCNTyhI

On our drive back toward the campground, we experienced one of those unforgettable wildlife moments that make every trip worthwhile.

A large grizzly bear appeared on the mountainside above the road. We stopped and watched through our binoculars as he dug for food, stood upright to scratch his back against a tree, and slowly worked his way downhill.

Just when we thought he had disappeared into the brush, he suddenly emerged again and crossed directly in front of our vehicle.

He paused to scratch against another tree before continuing toward the river below.

Watching such a magnificent animal completely undisturbed in its natural habitat was a privilege we'll never forget. Encounters like that can't be planned—they simply happen when you're fortunate enough to be in the right place at exactly the right time.

Our Takeaway

Waterton may share its mountains with Glacier National Park, but it has a personality all its own.

Its intimate setting, charming townsite, fascinating history, abundant wildlife, incredible mountain scenery, and relaxed pace make it one of our favorite national parks in North America.

If you're planning a trip through the Canadian Rockies, don't think of Waterton as simply an extension of Glacier National Park. Think of it as a destination worthy of several days all by itself.