- Waterton is located 45 miles north of Glacier’s east entrance, on the shore of Upper Waterton Lake.
- Stock up on supplies here, or rest in one of several Waterton National Park lodging facilities.
- While in town, visit Cameron Falls, scuba dive in Emerald Bay, or hike, bike, and picnic along the lake.
Overview
Waterton Village, also known as Waterton Townsite, is an excellent place to begin your park adventures. Stay in one of nine hotels or other Waterton Park lodging facilities including inns, resorts, motels, and hostel. Various restaurants and stores provide everything from fine cuisine to packed lunches, camping supplies to souvenirs. Outfitters and rental businesses await, offering a range of services and activities.
Location
Located on the north shore of Upper Waterton Lake, Waterton is 5 miles southwest of the park’s east entrance and 45 miles north of Glacier Park.
Services/Amenities
If you’re not a backcountry camper, your best choices for lodging in Waterton National Park are found in Townsite. For a taste of splendor, stay at the nearby Prince of Wales Hotel. Not feeling your royal blood? Choose from a lakeside resort, hostel, or something in between.
Amenities include:
- Restaurants
- Boutiques/Gift Shops
- Saloon/Wine Bar
- Coffee shops
- Fuel station
- Camping supplies
- Groceries
- Laundry facilities
- Pool/Spa
- ATM
- Tennis court
Activities
Alongside Waterton Park lodging, dining and amenities, a host of activities are located in Townsite.
- In summertime, take a boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake, rent a bicycle, or play a round of golf on the 18-hole course. Visit during late-June and partake in Waterton’s Wildflower Festival or arrive during the sunniest months – July and August – and hike the trails.
- Townsite provides immediate access to Akamina and Red Rock parkways. Try these scenic drives during autumn, when the aspens are in full color and wildlife is easily spotted.
- Though services and facilities are limited, wintertime is an equally beautiful time to experience the park, whether by ski or snowshoe.
Attractions
Park attractions in and around Waterton include:- Cameron Falls
- Townsite Campground
- Upper Waterton Lake (Boating, fishing, waterskiing)
- Emerald Bay (Scuba diving)
- Hiking Trails: Crandell Lake, Bertha Falls, Bertha Lake and more.
Getting Here
From West Glacier, travel Going To The Sun Road, exit the park’s east entrance and then head north, taking US89 for a few miles before heading northwest on the gorgeous Chief Mountain Highway. Cross the Canadian border until you reach the intersection with Provincial Route 5. Turn left and drive 5 miles southwest.
*Note: Chief Mountain Highway is open from mid-May through late-September. For winter travel, continue north on US89 (crossing the Canadian border) until you reach Cardston. Turn left and travel west from there.
** Glacier Park visitors may also travel to Waterton via a boat cruise leaving from Goat Haunt.
