Waterton Lakes National Park things to do are often asked about by my friends, so I decided to share our own trip. At the end of August, my husband and I spent a weekend there as part of our southeastern BC road trip. Tucked in the very south of Alberta, right on the U.S. border, it joins Glacier National Park to form the International Peace Park. With its lakes, snow-capped peaks, and prairie landscapes all blending together, Waterton feels both dramatic and peaceful. Compared to Banff and Jasper, it’s far less crowded – the perfect place to spend two or three days.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what we found to be the best Waterton Lakes National Park things to do: scenic drives, hiking trails, a boat cruise, and where we camped. Hopefully this will give you some inspiration for planning your own trip.
First Stop: Visitor Centre
We started at the Visitor Centre. The staff gave us a paper map and updated us on trail conditions and weather. Cell service in the park is patchy, so having that map was really helpful. Based on their advice, we adjusted our hike choices and where we’d camp.
Scenic Drives – Waterton Lakes National Park Things to Do #1
Waterton is a compact park, but the two main scenic drives are absolutely worth it. Both were recommended to us at the Visitor Centre, and they turned out to be highlights.
1. Cameron Lake Drive
The road ends at Cameron Lake, a quiet alpine lake surrounded by mountains. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or simply enjoy a picnic. We visited on a Saturday afternoon, and it was pretty busy. Picnic tables were scarce, so people sat wherever they could – I even saw a family happily eating fresh peaches against a wall.
We just walked along the shoreline for a while and then turned back. Because it was midday, the light was harsh and the water wasn’t as stunning in color as I expected.
Along the way, there are several trailheads, but keep in mind: after the 2017 wildfire, much of the forest canopy is gone. There’s little shade on most trails, so I recommend hiking early morning or late afternoon.
2. Red Rock Parkway
This 15 km drive gradually shifts from open prairie into mountains, with ever-changing scenery. If you come in June, the wildflowers are in full bloom and the whole drive looks like a painting.
The beauty of this route is stopping along the way:
- Blakiston Valley Viewpoint – a lookout to Mt. Blakiston, the highest peak in Waterton.
- Prairie–Mountain Transition Zone – a dramatic landscape where prairie meets the mountains.
- Wildflower Pullouts (seasonal) – fields of flowers in early summer.
- Interpretive Stops – signs explaining geology and ecology.
- Red Rock Canyon – striking red rock walls, with a short loop trail and picnic area.
- Blackstone area – quieter, more remote, and great for soaking up solitude.
We loved this drive because it’s all about “stop and wander.” Every pullout has a different view.
Hiking – Waterton Lakes National Park Things to Do #2
Hiking is really the heart of Waterton. We tried a few trails, and I can see why people fall in love with this park.
- Bears Hump – The most popular hike in Waterton Lakes NP. It’s short but steep, right next to Waterton town. From the top, you get sweeping views of Upper Waterton Lake and the townsite. Best done early morning or around sunset – fewer people, softer light, and breathtaking scenery.
- Bertha Lake Trail – A moderate hike with waterfalls and, at the top, a beautiful alpine lake ringed by peaks. You can turn back earlier at Lower Bertha Falls if you want something shorter.
- Crypt Lake Trail – Listed top 19 most thrilling trails by National Geographic. This is Waterton’s signature hike and one of the most famous in Canada. It requires a boat ride to the trailhead, then leads past waterfalls, along exposed ledges, up a ladder, through a tunnel and chain section…. We devoted a whole day to it, and it was unforgettable. Because there’s so much to share, I’ll write a separate post for Crypt Lake Hike.
If you don’t have much time, I’d recommend Bears Hump + Bertha Lake as a great combo.
Boat Cruise – Waterton Lakes National Park Things to Do #3
Another answer to “what to do in Waterton Lakes National Park” is a boat cruise on Upper Waterton Lake. Cruises depart from the marina in Waterton town.
- The Canada–USA Border Cruise takes about 1 hr 15 min, sailing to the border and back.
- The longer Interpretive Sightseeing Cruise lasts about 2 hr 15 min, with guided commentary and (in the past) a stop at Goat Haunt in the U.S. side – though that stop is currently suspended, so check ahead.
The scenery is stunning: towering mountains reflected in the lake, waterfalls, and sometimes wildlife like bighorn sheep or eagles. Onboard, there’s indoor seating or the open deck. The guides kept the trip lively with history, ecology, and stories.
We also used the Crypt Lake shuttle boat (different schedule, about 8:30/9:00 am departures and 3:30/5:30 pm returns). In peak season, they sometimes add an 8:15 sailing. Tickets can be purchased the day before or morning of, but I’d recommend booking as early as possible on summer weekends.
Camping in Waterton Lakes National Park
There are three campgrounds in the park, but this year only two were open:
- Townsite Campground – Conveniently right in town, walking distance to the lake and Visitor Centre. But when we were there, the power generator was down, so the entire town (including the campground) had poor cell service.
- Belly River Campground – A first-come, unserviced site in the southeast corner, near the border. It can fill up quickly on weekends. Staff told us Saturday afternoon it only had a few spots left.
- Payne Lake Provincial Park – We ended up staying here, just outside the park (about 28 km drive). It was peaceful, right on the lake, with sunsets over the water – and best of all, good cell signal!
Where to Stay (If You Don’t Camp)
If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of cozy options in Waterton – from hotels and motels to cabins and B&Bs.
The most famous is the Prince of Wales Hotel, perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the lake. It’s the park’s iconic landmark, and even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth visiting for the view.
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Visitor Centre + lakeshore walk
- Bears Hump (short hike)
- Red Rock Parkway scenic drive (with Red Rock Canyon stop)
- Camp or overnight in Waterton
Day 2
- Full-day Crypt Lake Trail (requires boat ticket, highly recommended for fit hikers)
or - Cameron Lake (canoe or stroll) + Bertha Lake Trail for a more relaxed pace
Final Thoughts
So, what are the best things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park?
The answer is simple: scenic drives, hiking, and a boat cruise.
It’s much quieter than Banff or Jasper, yet just as beautiful. With only two or three days, you can easily enjoy Waterton’s highlights. But if you have more time, the park rewards you with deeper trails, diverse wildlife, and the kind of peaceful beauty that stays with you long after you leave.
If this post helped you plan your trip – or gave you some inspiration – feel free to buy me a coffee and help me keep writing more honest, family-friendly trail blogs!
