Waterton Lakes National Park is one of Alberta’s five national parks, located in the southwest corner of the province. It offers pristine lakes, sweeping mountain vistas, waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds, the famous Red Rock Canyon, the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, and the quaint Waterton Village. The park’s land area is relatively small compared to other Alberta national parks, but it packs a big and beautiful natural punch!
Winter and the shoulder seasons in Waterton Lakes National Park are quiet. Most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are closed for the season, and several of the parkways that give access to other areas of the park are gated until spring. However, there is something special about the serenity and quiet this usually busy village and National Park has to offer this time of year.
Waterton Lakes National Park is part of the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), K’tunaxa and other Indigenous peoples. There is evidence of people inhabiting these lands as far back as 10,000 years go, hunting bison and collecting plants for medicine and food.
The Blackfoot name for Waterton Lakes is Paahtómahksikimi (BUCK-toe-MOCK-sick-ih-mee) – which means the inner sacred lake within the mountains
Winter in Waterton Lakes National Park
We spent time here in early March, which is still very much winter in Alberta, Canada. Here are things to do in winter at Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterfalls
Waterton National Park has several waterfalls, which can be accessed on half-, full-, and multi-day hikes. However, access is limited in the winter due to challenging and dangerous avalanche terrain and seasonally closed roadways.
Here are two waterfalls you can easily and safely enjoy in the winter.
Cameron Falls
- Distance: In-town
- Elevation: None
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: As long as you want to enjoy the waterfall!
Cameron Falls is the most accessible waterfall and perhaps the most photographed spot in town! It’s located on the corner of the townsite, and there is parking nearby. Fresh water flows over the rock wall into a pretty little pool. Precambrian rock can be found here, dating back billions of years and showing off the area’s geological distinctiveness. There is a viewing bridge to get a close look and interpretive signage sharing information about the area.
Lower Bertha Falls
- Distance: 5.2 km return
- Elevation: 175 metres
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Time: 1.5-2 hours
Lower Bertha Falls is a “bridal viel”-style waterfall accessible via a scenic half-day hike. The Bertha Falls and Bertha Lake trail starts in town and leads up the hillside along Upper Waterton Lake. The Kenow Wildfire tore through the park in 2017 and took out most of the forest, but the silver lining of this disaster is the open views of the valley, lake, and snow-encrusted peaks around it.
The moderate climb leads to Bertha Point, which gives incredible views of the entire Waterton Valley. Warning: Bertha Point can be extremely windy, so hold your camera tight while taking a photo!
The trail takes you around the bend and into a small valley towards the waterfalls. You’ll walk along the bubbling creek, cascading over boulders, before reaching the bridge in front of the waterfalls.
From here, you can hike back the way you came or travel to Bertha Lake. The trail to the falls is moderate and has a gentle incline. Deep snow can make it more challenging, but it is a popular trail and foot traffic has packed down the snow enough not to require snowshoes. If you plan on continuing your hike to Bertha Lake, we suggest you pack snowshoes just in case!
Winter hiking and snowshoeing in Waterton Lakes National Park
Several trails in Waterton Lakes National Park are open for hiking and snowshoeing during the winter. However, much of the park is in avalanche zones with dangers ranging from low to extreme depending on the location, weather and conditions. Please check Parks Canada Trail Condition Reports and Avalanche Terrain Ratings before heading out.
Here are some easy winter hikes:
Linnet Lake Trail (1 km return): Starting at the Prince of Wales Hotel, this short walk leads around a forested lake and features interpretive displays along the way.
Prince of Wales Hill (2 km return): From the day-use area on Waterton Lake across from the Akamina Parkway, hike up this iconic hill to enjoy views of snowy peaks and the Waterton Valley. You’ll also get to see the historic hotel from its lofty perch.
Lower Bertha Falls (5.2 km return): This half-day hike gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Sweeping valley and mountain views, windy viewpoints and bridal veil waterfalls.
Kootenai Brown Trail (16 km return): This trail is longer but has minimal elevation gain and is considered an easy walk. It follows the length of the entrance road and gives access to Driftwood Beach.
Crandell Lake and Loop (15.6 km return): Hike up the closed Akamina Parkway, and you’ll find the Crandell Lake Trailhead, about 6km in. From there, it’s a 3.6 km trip to the beautiful alpine lake, and you can loop back via the Red Rock Parkway (also closed to vehicles in the winter) to the townsite.
The Piikani name for Crandell Mountain is Great Bear or Grizzly Medicine Mountain.
The name Akamina is a Kootenai word that means valley or bench land.
These trails can also be explored on snow shoes. Snowshoes are available for rent at the Visitor Centre.
Cross-country skiing
As mentioned, the Akamina Parkway is closed to vehicles in the winter. Parks Canada sets skiing tracks between the Little Prairie Day Use Area and Cameron Lake. The Red Rock Parkway and its trail systems are also open to cross-country skiers, as the road is closed from November to May. Other ski locations include Chief Mountain Highway and Wishbone Trail.
If you’re new to the sport or want to ski with a group, you can take a guided cross-country ski tour. These tours explore different locations in the park, depending on the weather, snow conditions and skier abilities.
If you’re going cross-country skiing, please check Trail Condition Reports and Avalanche Terrain Ratings first.
If you’re staying in Waterton for a few days and want to explore the area, Castle Provincial Park and Beauvais Lake Provincial Park are nearby and offer groomed cross-country skiing trails.
Tobogganing and ice skating
Depending on the weather and snow and ice conditions, there are places to toboggan and skate in Waterton Lakes National Park. When Northern Explorers was there in March, much of the snow around town had already melted. There are slopes and drifts around town, but always check conditions and stay off of avalanche paths!
The Prince of Wales Hill is a popular spot for sledding when the snow is deep! For skating, check out Linnet Lake, which is located next to the entrance road beside the Prince of Wales Hill. Please note that the ice conditions are not monitored or maintained by Parks Canada. Please check the ice conditions before you go.
Do not attempt to skate on the larger lakes in the park. Because of their size and depth, the ice conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Wildlife and Bird Watching
If you get lucky, you might spot elk, deer, bighorn sheep and snowshoe hares while hiking and exploring Waterton Lakes National Park. Remember, you are in bear country. Though bear activity is quiet in the winter, they could come out for a stroll on a warmer winter day. Be sure to carry bear spray on your adventures.
Though many birds have flown south for the winter, bird watchers will catch a glimpse of chickadees, Steller’s jay, grouse and woodpeckers in the woods. Check the skies for soaring eagles and ravens.
View more winter activities in Waterton Lakes National Park.
Warning: Many summer trails in Waterton National Park are in avalanche terrain. Always check for avalanche warnings and weather. You can also ask for more information at the Visitor Centre.
Eat at the Wieners of Waterton
Very few places are open in the Waterton townsite between November and May. However, the iconic Wieners of Waterton stays open year-round and is a great spot to fuel up between winter adventures.
Line up for lunch and enjoy a ¼ pounder Nathan’s hotdog, a locally produced smokie or an Anti-Dog, a delicious housemade falafel with all the fixings. They also have Lil’ Wieners for the kids, fries and poutine, and a long list of toppings and sauces to dress up your dog. Check out the Wieners of Waterton menu.
If you’re looking for a sit-down restaurant, the Lamp Post Dining Room and Ram’s Head Pub at the Kimory Lodge are open year-round. Check their website for seasonal hours of operation.
Getting to Waterton Lakes National Park
From Calgary: Travel south on Highway 2 to Fort Macleod and turn west on Highway 3 to Pincher Creek. From there, head south on Highway 6 into the park.
From Lethbridge: Head south on Highway 5 towards Cardston. Then, turn west on Highway 5 and into the park.
From Banff: If you want a scenic drive, head east on Highway 1 passed Canmore and turn south at Highway 40. This will take you over the Highwood Pass to Highway 22. Highway 22 connects to Highway 3 to Pincher Creek. Then head south on Highway 6 into the park. Note: this route can be difficult in the winter, please check weather and road conditions.
From BC: If you’re coming in from the west, take Highway 3 (Crossnest Pass) towards Pincher Creek and turn south on Highway 6.
From Montana, USA: Head north on Montana Highway 89 towards Cardston, Alberta. It turns to Highway 2, and then you can head west on Highway 5 towards the park.
