Waterton Lake National Park of Canada
Waterton Lakes National Park is where mountains, forests, and lakes come together in a way that feels both wild and peaceful. From strolling along the lakeshore to hiking quiet trails or exploring the charming Waterton townsite, there’s a mix of adventure and relaxation around every corner. This park is often paired with Glacier National Park or Banff for a two-country or cross-border Rockies adventure, letting travelers experience a full range of landscapes in one trip. With thoughtful planning and local insight, we help you explore Waterton beyond the main viewpoints—finding hidden spots, scenic trails, and moments that feel personal and unforgettable. It’s a park we love designing trips for at Highline Horizons, and it’s easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with it.
Park History
Waterton Lakes National Park has a long and meaningful history shaped by water, wind, and the people who have lived in and traveled through this corner of the Rockies for thousands of years. Long before the park was established in 1895, the land was home to Indigenous peoples, including the Blackfoot Confederacy, who relied on these lakes, grasslands, and mountain passes for hunting, travel, and trade. The landscape here has always been a meeting place between mountains and plains, making it culturally and geographically unique.
In the early 1900s, Waterton became known as a peaceful mountain retreat, with the construction of the Prince of Wales Hotel helping define the park’s character. In 1932, Waterton Lakes and Glacier National Park were officially linked as the world’s first International Peace Park, symbolizing cooperation and conservation across borders. Today, Waterton’s history feels closely tied to its quiet scale and sense of place—where the past blends naturally into the trails, shoreline, and open skies that make the park so special.
While every Highline Horizons trip is fully customized to your travel style, the sample itinerary below offers a glimpse of what this experience could look like.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Waterton & First Impressions
Arrive in Waterton Lakes National Park and take a moment to breathe in the mountain air. Spend the afternoon walking along Cameron Lake or through the charming streets of Waterton Village. Stop for a coffee or snack at a local café and watch for deer or bighorn sheep wandering near the trails—it’s the perfect way to settle into the park’s calm and beauty.
Day 2: Upper Waterton Lake Boat Tour & Red Rock Canyon Hike
Start the day on the water with a guided boat tour on Upper Waterton Lake, cruising past forested shores and dramatic cliffs while keeping an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, and maybe even a moose along the shoreline. In the afternoon, explore Red Rock Canyon with a guided hike, taking in colorful rock formations, flowing streams, and the park’s unique geology. This combination of water and land highlights Waterton’s variety and gives a great sense of scale to the landscape.
Day 3: Cameron Lake & Horseback Riding
Take a morning horseback ride along trails around Cameron Lake, moving through meadows and forested slopes with sweeping mountain views. Spend the afternoon kayaking along the calm lake or walking the shoreline, stopping to enjoy quiet moments and watch for wildlife. It’s a peaceful day that balances adventure with the serene beauty of Waterton.
Day 4: Glacier National Park Day Trip
Cross the border into Glacier National Park for a full day of exploration. Begin at Many Glacier, taking a guided boat tour across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes before stepping onto the trail for a hike into the valley. Towering peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and chances to see moose, bears, and mountain goats make this a truly memorable day. Wrap up with a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road, stopping at iconic viewpoints like Wild Goose Island for photos and reflection.
Day 5: Crypt Lake Adventure
Spend the day hiking the Crypt Lake Trail, one of Waterton’s most iconic hikes. The trail is adventurous, with ladders, tunnels, and waterfalls along the way, leading to the stunning lake tucked into the cliffs. It’s challenging but rewarding, giving a sense of accomplishment and unmatched views of the park’s rugged beauty.
Day 6: Scenic Drives & Wildlife Watching
Take a scenic drive along the Red Rock Parkway and surrounding roads, stopping frequently to watch for wildlife like bears, deer, and elk. Join a guided wildlife tour to learn about the park’s animals and habitats, or simply enjoy a hike along one of the quieter trails. End the day with a stop at a hidden viewpoint over Cameron Lake for sunset—it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the park’s tranquility.
Day 7: Last Morning & Departure
Spend your final morning soaking in the lake views with a quiet paddle, short hike, or stroll along the village streets. Stop at a local café for breakfast and savor the calm before heading home. After a week of lakes, mountains, hiking, horseback riding, and a day in Glacier, you’ll leave with a full appreciation for this unique corner of the Crown of the Continent.