Top things to see and do at Waterton Lakes National Park

At this multifaceted camping destination, you really can have it all

by Danielle Cameron — April 28, 2013

people camping at Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta — Waterton Lakes National Park has all the makings of a great family vacation. — Photo courtesy Kimberly Shellborn

A place where varied ecological landscapes meet, Waterton Lakes National Park shows off the best of Alberta’s outdoors. You can bring your family for a weekend or a longer RV camping trip; you won’t run out of things to see and do. Here are some of the main attractions you will want to add to your itinerary, but this is only a short list of the many enticing options.

1. Come here to celebrate

There are special events held here throughout the year, and even families with young children can find fun ways to participate in the festivities. This is a wonderful chance to embrace the diverse culture and history of the area and to learn about the First Nations heritage and environmental features of the park.

“Canada Day, Parks Day and Ride the Red Rock are all pretty popular, and the Blackfoot Arts and Heritage festival is definitely one to check out as well,” said Cate Reynold, a staff member at Waterton Lakes National Park.

2. Hike to your heart’s content

Given Waterton’s epic natural landscapes, it won’t surprise you to know that hiking is a popular activity here. Some trails are suited to advanced hikers, but plenty of the routes are milder in difficulty, perfect for a relaxing family stroll.

“One of the most popular hikes starts right in the parking lot of the visitor centre,” said Reynolds. “The Bear's Hump hike is steep and short (1.4 kilometres to the top) but offers a spectacular view of the townsite and lakes.”

Other gentler hikes include Belly River Trail, Red Rock Canyon, Linnet Lake and Blakiston Falls. Check the park website for a complete list and detailed information on local hiking trails.

3. Hunt for treasure

Geocaching is like a scavenger hunt for all ages, and you can test your adventuring skills while you’re camping at Waterton. Parks Canada and GeoFreakZ GeoTrails have hidden some caches in the park, so bring along your Waterton Geocaching Passport (which you can download from the park website) and you might even win a prize.

If you do not have your own GPS unit or geocaching smart phone app, you can borrow a GPS unit from Waterton Lakes National Park’s reception area, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

4. Take the guided tour

There are interpretive programs available to cover nearly any aspect of the park you might want to learn more about. Choose between a number of family activities, evening theatre programs, guided hikes and more. The knowledgeable staff at Waterton park can give you the grand tour, walk with you on the trails, take you paddling on the lake and tell you about some of the park’s hidden secrets and rich heritage. They can even show you the best place to watch a vibrant sunset.

All of the interpretive programs are offered for free as part of your park entrance fee.

5. Find tranquil waters

Bring your kayak, canoe, row boat or paddle boat and take in the peaceful majesty of Cameron Lake. This is a preferred spot for paddling, as the water is calmer here than on the main Waterton lakes and the winds are not as strong. If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can rent one on site. Please be aware that fuel- or electric-powered boats are not permitted on Cameron Lake.

Lend a helping hand

Once you’ve seen the bounty of flora and fauna at Waterton Lakes National Park, you will want to be a part of preserving its beauty for generations to come. Kids and adults alike can help out, and have a blast at the same time, by taking part in park preservation events and activities. Head out in a group with experienced staff members to help plant whitebark pine trees, or take part in some of the other fun and educational programs to assist with environmental protection.