Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Waterton Lakes National Park

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Are you headed to Waterton Lakes National Park and curious how to put together the best 3-day itinerary with all the must-dos? Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Canada’s best national parks. Located in Southern Alberta, this beautiful park spans over 505 square kilometers and is home to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in North America.

Waterton Lakes is worth more than a quick drive through or stopover, and we recommend spending three days in the area to enjoy the best of the national park. 

Whether you are looking to soak in the mountain views, take a boat out on the crystal-clean lakes, take a scenic drive, or enjoy the numerous heritage sites and outdoor activities, Waterton Lakes National Park has something for everyone.

Fill your time exploring the stunning landscapes of this park with guided tours, enjoy afternoon tea, hike to alpine meadows and waterfalls, or take in the night sky from one of the many campgrounds. 

But knowing how to put all the things to do in the park together into a cohesive itinerary can be a little challenging. That is why we’ve curated the best itinerary for Waterton Lakes National Park, with the perfect combination of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Our guide will allow you to spend a full day seeing the highlights, and up to three days to really get acquainted with the park. Our 1- to 3-day Waterton itinerary is one for your Canadian road trip adventures. 

This guide complements our things to do in Waterton Lakes, which covers each activity in detail, along with practical guides, tips, and resources for visiting. 

Quick Look: 1- to 3-day Waterton Lakes National Park Itinerary.

Waterton Lakes National Park offers an array of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. We have highlighted both soft adventure and hiking/biking opportunities in our itinerary below. Here is a quick snapshot. 

• Day 1 in Waterton Lakes: Waterton town, Prince of Wales Hotel, afternoon tea, walk/hike around downtown, Cameron Falls, and eat out.
• Day 2 in Waterton Lakes: Bear’s hump hike, walk the Lakeside, UNESCO site, lake cruise or water activity.
• Day 3 in Waterton Lakes: Red Rock Canyon Park, biking, and scenic drives. 
• (Optional) Day 3 in Waterton: Full-day hike to Crypt Lake.

Now, let’s go over the day-by-day itinerary.

Day 1 in Waterton Lakes National Park

The first day in Waterton Lakes will focus on highlights around Waterton Town, so you can get your bearings and settle into the scenic hub of the national park.  

• Waterton Town 
• Prince of Wales Hotel
• Afternoon tea
• Walk/hike around hotel site
• Cameron Falls
• Eat out

Set aside time for a drive to Waterton Town on day one of this itinerary. When starting from Calgary, you will arrive at the national park in 3+ hours. 

Plan to get to the townsite by 10:00 am, so that you have plenty of time to explore and make the most of your first day.

Waterton Townsite

Waterton Townsite is the charming center of Waterton Lakes National Park and features a variety of shops, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions. 

Begin your visit with a tour around the main streets – filled with dozens of colorful flower baskets – to get a feel for this small mountain town.

When it comes to shopping, you’ll find a selection of gift shops, outdoor stores, and clothing boutiques. There’s also a grocery store here if you need to stock up on food and supplies. 

When it is time for lunch, head over to Wieners of Waterton to order hot dogs, fries, and a drink to cool off. We LOVE this cute restaurant, and they’re vegetarian-friendly!

There are lots of great alternative dining options in the area as well, offering everything from sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza to steaks and seafood.

Prince of Wales Hotel and Afternoon Tea

The Prince of Wales Hotel is an iconic hotel that was built in 1927 and offers spectacular views of the park. While the exterior may look grand, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere inside. 

For a unique experience, be sure to reserve a table for afternoon tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. The afternoon tea here is offered in the stunning Royal Stewart Dining Room overlooking the gorgeous Waterton Lakes.

Afternoon Tea is offered during the operating season from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and it starts at $36 CAD per adult. 

The lawn outside the hotel offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains and, of course, the lakes. Around the hotel, there are also many hiking and walking trails to take in the majestic views.

See the Cameron Falls

A must-see attraction in Waterton is the breathtaking Cameron Falls. Positioned on the corner of downtown, and with plenty of parking spaces close by, you have convenient access to this natural wonder, and you don’t have to hike to see the falls. 

To maximize your experience and understand how it was formed, be sure to check out the informative display located by the Cameron Falls. 

If interested, you can hike to take a view of the falls from above by climbing a marked pathway. 

There is also a park located near the falls viewing area where you can enjoy an evening walk before dinner.

Dinner at the Townsite

For dinner tonight, head to the Lakeside Chophouse at the Bayshore Inn. When the weather is nice, be sure to sit by their lakeside patio (which is amazing).  You can order from a variety of options like burgers, pastas, and more. There are plenty of vegetarian options for this romantic lakeside dining choice. 

After dinner, enjoy the ambience of downtown at night! If you are staying at the Prince of Wales Hotel, it is worth visiting the hotel’s lounge for an after-dinner cocktail. The day-to-night transition here is incredible.

Day 2 in Waterton Lakes National Park

The second day of our 3-day Waterton Lakes Itinerary will get you out exploring. Day 2 is all about discovering some incredible nature and heritage sites. 

• Bear’s Hump hike
• Walk the Lakeside
• UNESCO World Heritage site park
• Cruise or scuba diving

Wake up to an amazing breakfast at the Windflower Corner Coffee located at Waterton townsite.

Bear’s Hump Hike

Next, gear up to hike Bear’s Hump to capture the gorgeous views of Waterton, its lakes, and mountains from above. You should have good hiking shoes and water.

Bear’s Hump trail is a steep yet manageable climb that’s a must-do when in Waterton. The hike is about 2.8 km out and back, and it takes approximately one hour to complete. AllTrails rates Bear’s Hump as moderately challenging – so pack your hiking boots and be ready for some incline as well as switchbacks along the way!

Once you see the views from above, the grind will be worth it. As you climb to the top, you will get postcard views of the gorgeous town of Waterton on the Emerald Bay, as well as Linnet Lake, Upper and Lower Waterton Lakes with the background of the Vimy Ridge and Peak. 

The trail is very well marked and maintained. Along the way, you will find informative displays narrating the history of the Bear’s Hump and its name. You might spot wildlife, particularly mule deer, at various elevation levels. Be sure to stay on the marked pathway and don’t go near or feed the wildlife. 

This trail is highly frequented from May to October. During the winter months, however, it can become hazardous due to snow and howling winds at higher elevations. 

To access the trailhead, you can head to the Prince of Wales Hotel and then walk from there. It’s located right across the street from the hotel. Parking is limited at the trailhead, so you have to either start early or park at the hotel. 

Join a guided hike of Bear’s Hump to hike with new friends and get out early in the morning before crowds!

Ice Cream or Beaver Tails at the Waterton Lake shore

After that strenuous hike, you will want to treat yourself! Relax in the afternoon by walking on the lake shore, then get an ice cream from Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour or Beaver Tails to celebrate the successful hike :) 

You will find lots of picnic tables and walking paths where you can enjoy the views and the serenity of this beautiful place.

Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Located at the town-site is the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. This site celebrates the creation of Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Park as a collaborative peace park. The international peace park was created in 1932 to commemorate the peace partnership between Canada and the U.S.A. 

Both Glacier National Park in the United States and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada are recognized as Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO. Both countries manage each park as a continuous nature reserve. 

Head toward the national monument site as you stroll along the shoreline and towards the view of the Prince of Wales Hotel. When you arrive at the site, you will find information about this recognition, along with flags from both countries.

Sightseeing Cruise or Lake Activities

Looking to experience something incredible? Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. offers sightseeing cruises, perfect for a relaxed experience. 

They have different tours. Choose from a scenic cruise for breathtaking panoramic views, or a photography and wildlife cruise. Most of the cruises are 1.5 hours long. 

If you do not wish to go on a cruise, you can opt for sailing and paddleboarding here too. There are rentals for canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), paddle boats, drift boats, and sailboats. In fact, you can take both motorized and non-motorized watercraft out in the Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes. 

Or you can go scuba diving here! Waterton Lakes National Park is an ideal spot for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced scuba divers. 

Wrap up the day with dinner and drinks in the town of Waterton, or book a nice dinner at the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Day 3 in Waterton Lakes

Your third day in Waterton gets you out a little further from the main town hub and lake area to see what is beyond the shores. You’ll want a car so you can head out to the Red Rock Parkway. The parkway is the perfect spot for outdoor activities. 

• Red Rock Canyon Park
• Biking
• Scenic Drives
• National Historic Sites

Red Rock Canyon Park – Hiking and sightseeing

Head to the Red Rock Canyon Park after breakfast. This park is located about 25 minutes from Waterton Lakes town center.

Red Rock Canyon Park is an incredible destination with breathtaking red sandstone formations and a unique ecosystem home to diverse wildlife. From the main parking lot, it is a short walk to red argillite rock formations. 

It is also a great place for camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

When visiting Red Rock Canyon, it’s important to remember that it is part of a protected area and you should take precautions to ensure the park remains pristine for generations to come. 

We recommend three hiking trails in the area:

1. The Red Rock Canyon Loop Trail is an easy 1 km (.62 mile) hike. The route is partially paved and showcases the red rock-surfaced path along the way. Here, you will also find informative boards and viewing areas of the canyon itself, as well as the greenery surrounding you.

2. A lovely waterfall hike to Blakiston Falls. This is also an easy hike of 2.4 km, and you can complete it in 45 minutes to an hour. Blakiston Falls is a mix of bridges, steps, some inclined patches, and viewing platforms. It is the perfect trail to experience the brilliant view of Blakiston Falls with picturesque mountains in the backdrop. 

As your journey takes you through this serene forest trail, take a moment to appreciate Lone Creek from an idyllic overlook point; you can even catch sight of those mysterious Blakiston Mountains hiding among lush trees!

3. Finally, the Lower Bertha Falls is another waterfall hike. This is a 5.3-kilometer (3.2 miles) moderately rated out-and-back trail that takes you through a forested area and then ends at the Lower Bertha Falls. The trailhead is accessible from the Waterton village campground.

Don’t get lost! Find a hike suitable to your taste and fitness level on AllTrails, one of my most-used apps. 

Or you can join a guided hike with a local hiking expert to navigate unique trails and learn about ecology as you go!

Biking or Driving Scenic Roadways

For an unforgettable experience, cycle or drive the picturesque 9 km section of the Red Rock Parkway! 

From the northern park area, you can take in breathtaking mountain views while admiring meadows awash with wildflowers and lush foliage as far as your eye can see. You can rent bikes at Pat’s in Waterton town. 

Another option is the Akamina Parkway (16 km or 9.9-mile route) that starts in the town of Waterton and takes you through the Cameron Valley. 

You will see signs of a forest fire that blazed through this area recently.

You can stop at interesting points, including historical sites such as First Oil Well – Western Canada’s National Historic Site, and others like Lineham Falls, Akamina Pass, Cameron Lakeshore, and end at Cameron Lake. 

Other than biking, you can also opt for long-haul backpacking and horseback riding routes. Some well-maintained trails and routes allow you to do so. For horseback riding tours, you can choose hourly and daily excursions conducted by Alpine Stables.

If you don’t have a car, then there are even a few tours that will take you along these scenic routes, including highlighted stops along the way.

(Optional) Day 3 Waterton Itinerary: Full-day hike

If you prefer a day of adventure and hiking, then embark on an unforgettable full-day Crypt Lake Hike in Waterton Lakes National Park! 

From breathtaking views to its illustrious inclusion in National Geographic’s “World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails” list (in 2014 and 2017), this hike is sure to provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. Be prepared for a spectacular journey!

This is a 20.4 km heavily trafficked loop trail and is rated at a difficult level. 

To reach the Crypt Landing trailhead, take a 15-minute vessel journey across Upper Waterton Lake. It takes about 3+ hours to hike to the summit, but the stunning views of Crypt Lake and the mountain cliffs surrounding it make it worth it!

Another longer hiking option is the Snowshoe Cabin Trail. This is an easy hike, but a long one, taking about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The trail length is 16.4 km (10.4 miles), and it takes you on the avalanche slopes and dried creek beds, passing through greenery and open meadows, with Bauerman Creek flowing alongside. 

Bertha Lake hike is another easier half-day hike. The 10km (6.2 miles) round trip takes you through Waterton’s gorgeous, stunning scenery.

FAQ Waterton Lakes National Park 3-Day Itinerary

Is it Worth Spending 3 Days in Waterton Lakes?

Yes! Waterton National Park is a special place with unique cultural and natural history. Designated as Canada’s 4th national park, it was formed in collaboration with the United States, which created Glacier National Park at the same time. The National Park has since been certified as a biosphere reserve and an International Dark Sky Park. 

The Blackfoot people have used the land as traditional hunting grounds since time immemorial. As the Blackfoot people were displaced, the first colonial settler was John George ‘Kootenai’ Brown. In 1927, the landmark Prince of Wales Hotel was opened, bringing tourism and recreation to the region. 

In the following decades, modern amenities, including buses and other transportation services, commenced between the US and Canada. 

Today, the park has about 100 residents. It has two National Historic Sites located within its boundaries: the First Oil Well in Western Canada NHS (designated in 1968) and the Prince of Wales Hotel NHS (designated in 1995).

It is known for outdoor recreation, national historic sites, wildlife viewing, Indigenous culture, and incredible ecology. There is plenty to do to keep you entertained for three days.

Add on more time in the Waterton region and plan an epic 10-day trip in Canada.

What else is there to do in Waterton?

While we provided a lot of great things to fill three full days in Waterton Lakes National Park, this is just scratching the surface.

Read: Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park for dozens more ideas to customize your itinerary. 

Or check out some of these guided activities!

How to get to Waterton Lakes National Park?

Situated in Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park shares territory with Glacier National Park in Montana, USA.  

The nearest international airport to Waterton is located in Calgary, the largest city in Alberta.

By Car

Rent your car in Calgary. From there, it is a 3-hour drive to the town of Waterton. Along the way, there are smaller towns and heritage sites that you will cross, which are perfect for stops and sightseeing as well. 

Stops include places like Nanton, which is one hour from Calgary, followed by Clareholm (in 1.5 hours) and finally Pincher Creek (in 2.25 hours). 

The roads are well maintained, and the views are amazing as you near Pincher Creek and Twin Butte, with lush greenery and windmills. 

The landscape here is very different from what you see in the Canadian Rockies – like in Banff and Jasper National Parks – plus the weather is warmer too.

Tours to Waterton

There are plenty of great tours departing from Calgary, where you can ride in a comfortable private transfer. A local guide will take you to all the highlights and main sites in a full-day trip from Calgary. 

This Calgary to Waterton tour is a one-day guided excursion to the town and natural sites in the national park. 

This tour to Waterton includes a cruise.

This tour takes you to Waterton and includes National Historic Sites.

By Bus

Without a car, you can get to Waterton by bus or shuttle, called the Waterton Shuttle Service, and they operate from Calgary and Lethbridge to Waterton. 

Is there an entrance fee to Waterton Lakes National Park?

Being a Canadian national park, there are entry fees to access the site. Both daily and annual passes are available to visit and explore Waterton Lakes. 

Family/group (up to 7 people) charges are $24.50 CAD for a day pass. Day passes expire at 4:00 pm the following day. 

If you are a frequent National Parks visitor in Canada, consider getting the Parks Canada Discovery Pass that allows unlimited entry to over 80 sites managed by the organization.

Where is the best place to stay in Waterton?

Waterton is a full-service mountain town. You will find heritage hotels, lodges, and motels for your stay here. 

We do recommend making reservations ahead of time when planning a trip to Waterton Lakes National Park, especially in the summer months. There were times when hotel prices inside the park were either super high or all booked out. 

If you are unable to find an affordable place to stay in Waterton town, we recommend booking a place in Pincher Creek (40-minute drive). 

Anyway, these are our top recommendations for Waterton town:

1. Prince of Wales Hotel

This is the heritage hotel in the heart of Waterton. The Prince of Wales Hotel is gorgeous, and everything inside looks royal and vintage. The property dates back to the 1930s, so you can expect historic charm.

The location of the property is enviable – overlooking the lakes and surrounded by mountains. This is the iconic accommodation in Waterton townsite. Book your stay here.

2. Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort

The Waterton Lakes Lodge is just a five-minute stroll away from gorgeous Waterton Lake. The property features charming chalet-style guest rooms with modern amenities such as bar fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. 

There are wonderful hiking trails within walking distance to explore during the warmer months. Check availability here.

3. Waterton Glacier Suites Hotel

Enveloped within the picturesque mountains of Waterton Lakes National Park, this awe-inspiring accommodation is ideally situated near the celebrated Waterton Lakes Golf Course, Shoreline Cruises, and Cameron Falls. 

Unwind in luxurious spa baths with a cozy fireplace as you take delight in your private balcony! Book your stay here.

When is the best time to visit Waterton National Park?

Visit Waterton Lakes in spring to fall. Summer is great as you can take advantage of outdoorsy activities, like hiking, boating, and biking. But, as a small town in summer, make sure you book accommodation and activities early. 

The National Park is open all year round, but May through September offers some of the best views with an abundance of wildlife and temperatures that are sure to please.

If you visit in winter, you can expect cold, snowy conditions. The lakes freeze over, and hiking trails may be covered in snow. If you visit in winter, cozy up in the Prince of Wales with a good book and spend time in the small town.

What to pack for Waterton Lakes?

Pack appropriate clothing for all seasons; temperatures can change dramatically during the day. Here are some of the essentials: 

• Jackets and layers. For summer, I highly recommend Arc’teryx waterproof products paired with a nano puff for women or men, and a technical fleece for women or men. These three layers will get you through any outdoor situation. 
• In winter, you’ll need a warmer jacket like the North Face 3-1 Eco Tri-Climate jacket. You can easily layer this with a technical fleece to stay nice and cozy. I also recommend the Patagonia 3-in-1, or a Patagonia 3-in-1 for men.
• Waterproof hiking shoes. For women, I recommend Salomon waterproof trail runners, and for men, waterproof trail runners.
• Your favorite casual clothing and layers you own. I love PrAna basics for their comfort and commitment to sustainability.
• Wool socks are essential for keeping feet warm and dry.
• Reusable coffee cup and water bottle.
• Hiking day backpack for men and a hiking day bag for women.
• Don’t forget the water reservoir.
• Hiking pants, SPF hiking hoodie, and a shirt for men (we love the Sahara line!).
• Hiking pants, SPF hiking hoodie, and a shirt for women (we love the Sahara line!).
• Binoculars.
• Camera.
• Reusable tote for shopping.
• Trekking poles. My REI Co-Op poles have lasted me 9 years and are still going!

When hiking, bring plenty of water and snacks, especially if you’re going on a long hike or exploring a particularly remote area. Make sure to leave no trace of your visit; pack out whatever you bring in.

Wear protective gear like sun hats and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements. Check the weather conditions and be aware of any safety warnings before setting out.

What are other travel tips for Waterton Lakes?

Having access to a vehicle will help you get to various sites in and around Waterton Lakes National Park. As mentioned, the nearest airport is in Calgary, and it is a drive of 3+ hours to get there. 

If you don’t have a car, we recommend you rent one in Calgary.

• Once in Waterton, you can walk or hike to many trailheads and lakes, including cafes and restaurants. 
• Activities like rafting, horseback riding, and cruises are ticketed, and you can book them online or in town. 
• Do plan and book your accommodation and activities as early as possible.
• Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance at all times; never approach an animal! 

Comment and Share

Adventuring to Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada is an unforgettable experience. From historic sites, hiking, and lake activities, Waterton Lakes National Park has something for everyone. With stunning views, plenty of outdoor activities, natural heritage sites, and wildlife, the park is truly an unforgettable destination. 

This 3-day itinerary for Waterton Lakes National Park is the perfect starting point for exploring the best of Waterton. Our 3-day itinerary will ensure you see the highlights of Waterton, as well as some unexpected sights for a well-balanced itinerary.