This internationally recognized Alberta park with mountain vistas is more serene in the winter
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta is known for its bustling townsite, rushing waterfalls, and for having hiking trails lined with lush greenery—but it offers an entirely different experience in the winter.
Located in Wild Rose Country’s deep south, this beautiful destination is a slice of paradise… no matter the season!
Waterton, Alberta—a unique winter getaway
Once the snow has fallen, the town grows quiet and those who visit can enjoy a more relaxed adventure, surrounded by white-capped mountains and fresh air.
“Waterton is a great place to visit in the wintertime. There’s much less crowding,” Matthew Nodge, Communications Officer at Parks Canada, told Curiocity.
“The summertime and the spring seasons are the more busy times of the year at the National Park, but there is still lots to see and do.”
From cross-country skiing to snowshoeing and even winter hiking, Nodge says that it’s still worth exploring in the colder months, as long as you plan ahead!
“Of course, you want to be very careful whenever you’re in any of these backcountry areas during the wintertime,” he said.
“Check the avalanche forecast, make sure you are aware of avalanche danger, and that you’re up to date on just how much snow there is.”
This is especially important because, unlike other townsites, many Waterton businesses take the season off.
What is open in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta?
While it’s true that many services will be unavailable, visitors won’t be left out in the cold.
“There are several hotels that stay open year-round. There’s no gas and there’s no grocery — so it’s really important that people prepare ahead,” he explained.
“If people are staying in Waterton, they’ll need to stop in Cardston or Pincher Creek or a surrounding community for gas and supplies.”
Other things that remain open? Restaurants like the Red Rock Trattoria, Kilmorey Lodge Restaurant and Pub, Wieners of Waterton, and the Visitor Centre, which operates every day except Christmas.
“It’s definitely a slower, more quiet park experience,” Nodge continued.
“In the summertime, crowds come down to the park, but it’s still a really, really beautiful place to visit and it kind of takes on a different feel in the wintertime just because it is more desolate.”
For this reason, the chilly seasons are an incredible time to see wildlife.
“You might be less likely to see bears or big carnivores, but you’re very likely to see sheep and elk a lot of the time. A lot of people like to look at birds—there’s some really great bird-watching spots.”
Like what you’re hearing? There’s truly nothing quite like Waterton, so book ahead, stay alert, make a list—then check it twice.
Visitors should be mindful, but it’s quite a sight to behold.
“Serene is the way a lot of people would describe it.”
Happy travelling and enjoy!
You’re in for a treat.
Waterton National Park, Alberta
Where: Directions here
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