Best time to visit

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park gets busy in summer.

During the peak summer season - especially in July and August - Parks Canada encourages visitors to plan ahead, be patient and consider visiting on weekdays.

Here are some things you can do to make the most of your visit. We look forward to seeing you!

When is Waterton Lakes National Park busiest?

The park is busiest on weekends in July and August (peak hours are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), and especially long weekends.

If you choose to visit the park during peak hours, be prepared for wait times at the park gate, traffic delays, limited parking, busy trails and limited or no campsite availability.

Parks Canada’s goal is to provide the safest possible experience for visitors, wildlife and staff. When traffic volumes affect the ability of the park to operate safely, Parks Canada will temporarily divert traffic.

What are the best days and times to visit?

Travel during the week to avoid the weekend rush. If you are planning a weekend trip, enjoy popular areas early in the day or in the evening.

Consider visiting the park in the shoulder seasons. Spring and fall are great times to experience Waterton Lakes National Park.

Traffic conditions

Make sure you keep informed!

Check current traffic conditions before you leave home or when you are on your way, using your mobile device. Consult the Alberta 511 road report and our Park gate and day use area parking page.

On weekends during the peak summer months, follow Waterton Lakes National Park on social media for updates.

Consult our list of current construction projects for potential impacts to your trip.

Social media

Check our social media channels for information, or to find out answers to any questions you might have:

Park entrances and parking

In July and August, the park gate is busy and parking lots in the village, Red Rock Canyon, Cameron Lake, Crandell Lake and Bear’s Hump can fill up by 11 a.m.

If there is no parking at your chosen destination, consider visiting Waterton village and then go to your destination at a later time.

There are over 600 parking stalls in the village. Visitors can park anywhere in town and be a short walk away from attractions and services.

Please be patient. Safety is our top priority so be sure to follow all instructions when entering the park.

When a parking lot is full, please remember:

  • No parking outside designated parking stalls
  • No parking illegally along roadway shoulders or off road
  • Do not wait for spots to open - move on and try again later
  • Leave enough room for RVs and buses to manoeuvre
  • Parking for oversized vehicles (RVs, trailers) is limited
  • Do not overcrowd parking lots. Consider visiting another area of the park
  • Follow instructions from Parks Canada and traffic control staff

Red Rock Canyon Day Use Area has been especially popular at peak periods on weekends. Please follow directions of traffic control staff. If the parking lot is full, visit later after exploring other areas of the park.

On the roads

  • Red Rock Parkway is closed for the season. Seasonal closure to motor vehicle use October 31 to May 1 (weather dependent)
  • Akamina Parkway is open to vehicles to Little Prairie day use area.
  • The Bison Paddock Loop Road is closed for the season. Seasonal closure October 31 to May 1 (weather dependent)
  • Chief Mountain Highway is open, but is not maintained from January until springtime.
  • Chief Mountain border crossing: Seasonal. Open May 15 to September 30, weather dependent. Border crossing location hours of operation may vary, please check Canadian Border Services and U.S. Customs and Border Protection websites for current opening/closing times.
  • When driving, please obey all posted speed limits, signage and closures
  • Note: In the winter months, the closest fuel stations are located in Pincher Creek and Mountain View.

On the trails

  • The Bear's Hump trail and parking lot are crowded at peak periods.
  • Bertha Falls/Lake, Crandell Lake, Blakiston Falls and Townsite Loop trails can also be crowded.
  • With over 200 km of trails in Waterton Lakes National Park, consider taking a less popular trail to get away from the crowds.
  • Consider hiking earlier or later in the day for a more tranquil experience.

On the water

  • All non-motorized watercraft from outside of the park are prohibited from entering water bodies in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Pre-arrival checklist

More tips to help you enjoy your visit to Waterton Lakes National Park

Alternative attractions

If visitor levels are too high, consider visiting another attraction nearby, such as:

Trip-planning tools

Master your trip planning with these Parks Canada tools, including: Parks Canada website, Parks Canada newsletter, Parks Canada app, Parks Canada brochure, Regional Vacation Planners (Western Canada), social media.

Maps

Map: Map of Waterton Lakes National Park
Map: Map of Waterton village
Map: Map of Waterton region

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