Waterton Lakes National Park

Why go

Few places make the meeting of grassland, lake and steep mountains as visible from one base. The Waterton townsite gives access to the lakes, while trails such as Crypt Lake take the visit into more demanding terrain. The adjoining Glacier National Park adds a cross-border conservation story.

What to look for

• The Waterton Lakes sit below abrupt Rocky Mountain slopes.
• The historic Prince of Wales Hotel overlooks the lakes.
• Prairie grassland, aspen woods and alpine habitats meet within the park.

Useful to know

• Use the townsite for a lakeside visit; set aside a separate outing for a long mountain trail.
• Check the current trail and transport details before committing to Crypt Lake.
• Expect exposed conditions when moving from the lakeshore into higher terrain.