Waterton Lakes
Waterton Lakes is an International Peace Park shared with Glacier National Park across the US border. The landscape is unusual — the Rockies here drop dramatically into open prairie rather than gradually stepping down, creating a distinct visual character unlike anything in Banff. The hikes are excellent, the wildlife is genuine, and the visitor numbers are a fraction of Banff's. It is extremely windy, which partly explains why it is not more popular.
Why visit
Dramatic mountain-to-prairie terrain unlike anything in Banff, the international peace park connection to Glacier NP (USA), excellent hiking, and a genuine sense of wilderness.
Crowd level
Dramatically quieter than Banff or Jasper. Small-scale park town. Most trails have minimal congestion.
Best time
July-September
Getting there
3hrs from Calgary, 4hrs from Banff town. No public transport into the park. Car required.
Tradeoffs
Very windy — it's one of the windiest places in Canada. Remote location. Fewer amenities than Banff town.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Alberta
- Fresh Air Score
- 82/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Banff
- 275 km