According to an article by Global News, Waterton National Park has received a great number of visitors this summer, with 80 to 90 percent being from the United States. In fact, Waterton National Park has seen the largest number of visitors this summer since 2017!
Following such a successful summer, the businesses of Waterton are now taking their seasonal break. But don’t let that fool you! As Christy Gustavison said, “There is a misconception that Waterton closes but the park gates are open and we’re here to welcome you 365, year-round.”
The beauty of Waterton does not become buried under the snow! Waterton National Park offers just as much to do in the winter as it does during the summer. Discover them now!
What can you do in Waterton National Park during the Winter?
Snowshoeing
Waterton's Hiking trails do not become obsolete once the snow falls. Waterton's hiking trails allow the usage of snowshoes to conquer the now snow-covered trails. Any trails that were open during the summer remain open during the winter.
However, be mindful! Many of these trails also pass through avalanche terrain. Many, but not all! Belleview Trail, Wishbone Trial until to Vimy Junction, Townsite Loop Trail, and the Prince of Wales hill area do not traverse avalanche terrain and so you are free to let go of your worries.
If you are feeling adventurous and are willing to traverse avalanche terrain, please see Parks Canada’s official safety guidelines and regulations. You are responsible for your own decisions and safety. We are not responsible for any mishaps and/or accidents should the unfortunate happen.
Cross-country Skiing
As the snow falls, skiing opportunities arise. Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore and see Waterton National Park. Pack your skis and go cross-country skiing on Waterton National Park’s many skiing tracks and trails!
Parks Canada sets and grooms many trails for skiing. Akamina Parkway becomes available for cross-country skiing and allows you to go on the Cameron Ski Trail which goes from Little Prairie to Cameron Lake, a 5km round trip. Other trails are Red Rock Parkway with all of its trail networks open for cross-country skiing, Chief Mountain Highway, and also Wishbone Trail.
If that is not enough, Waterton National Park’s neighbouring parks also offer groomed cross-country skiing trails! Check out Castle Provincial Park and Beauvais Lake Provincial Park should Waterton not sate your adventurous spirit!
Winter Walking
A leisurely stroll along the winter wonderland of Waterton National Park is a valid way to enjoy the park just as any other. Wear your coats, put on your boots, and get comfy walking through Waterton’s many scenic walking trails!
There are numerous available walking trails in Waterton National Park. The townsite is open during the winter offering a different yet unique viewing experience. There is also the Entrance Road trail where you can enjoy wildlife viewing. Walking to Cameron Falls from the townsite can be a chill and unwinding adventure.
Cycling & Fat Biking
Bring your fat bikes and conquer Waterton National Park’s biking trails! Waterton has many bike-friendly trails. Akamina Parkway, Little Prairie Day Use Area to Cameron Lake, Akamina Pass trail, and Crandell Lake trail.
TMonopolize Red Rock Parkway with your wheels! The trail is closed to motor vehicles during the winter, giving you total freedom to cycle the entire parkway! Other notable trails are the Kootenai Brown trail, Wishbone trail, and Chief Mountain Highway.
Don’t have a fat bike? Don’t fret! Waterton is blessed with the possibility of receiving warming Chinook winds, which can melt the snow and free up some trails for standard cycling. Some of the trails that can be accessible for standard cycling are Red Rock Parkway, Kootenai Brown, Wishbone, and much of the Waterton valley and the east side of the park.
Backcountry Ski Touring
Take your skis for the long haul and traverse the backcountry of Waterton National Park! Ski touring can be done on or off Waterton’s trails systems.
The Alpine Club of Canada’s Cameron Lake Cabin is also available to be your home base for ski touring throughout Waterton. The cabin is located next the Akamina Parkway, near Cameron Lake. It is accessible by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing for about 2 kilometres from Little Prairie Day Use Area.
Wildlife Viewing
View creatures and critters in their natural habitats in Waterton National Park! Wildlife activity in Waterton continues even during the winter. Spot majestic animals such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep and moose, or adorable critters like otters, squirrels, hares, and marten!
Sledding & Tobogganing
Sled and toboggan Waterton National Park’s many slopes and hills! Popular spots for sledding and Tobogganing are the Prince of Wales Hill and the townsite area.
Picnic
Fire up the grill and combat the cold and picnic at Waterton National Park! Waterton keeps its day use areas open throughout the winter and available for use. Kitchen shelters with their own stoves also exist in Waterton Park but be sure to bring your own wood! Don’t forget to pack your own food as well as groceries and stores on the townsite will be closed for the season!
Winter Camping
Camp and enjoy the Great Outdoors in its wintery splendor at Waterton National Park! Waterton offers sheltered winter campgrounds with its own kitchen shelters, wood stoves, and toilets. These can be found at Pass Creek Day Use Area, located on Highway 5.
Overnight accommodation is also available at Cameron Lake Cabin, operated by the Alpine Club of Canada.
Winter birdwatching
Catch the hardy, yet colourful birds of Waterton National Park! Not all birds have gone south, and with no leaves on the trees, spotting these birds are even easier!
Spot birds such as the colourful Stellar’s jay, chickadees, grouse, and woodpeckers in woody areas. Catch ravens and eagles as they soar above the skies, and dippers and goldeneye dip in the open waters!
Photography
Snap Waterton National Park in its majestic winter coating! Photo opportunities do not disappear under the snow in Waterton Park. With streaks of white and blue and blankets of snow, the scenery of Waterton National Park merely offers a different perspective ready for your eye to catch.
Ice Climbing
Strap on your gear and embark to ice climb in Waterton National Park! Popular climbing locations in Waterton are Compound Gullies, Quick and Dirty, Expert’s Choice, Lineham Falls, and Sullivan Falls.
Keep you and yours safe and remember to do thorough research! See Parks Canada’s official rules and guidelines here and training and equipment here.
Ice Skating
Skate amidst the mountains in Waterton National Park! Waterton Park offers lakes available to skate on should the conditions be right. Linnet Lake is the prime skating lake in Waterton, located next to the Prince of Wales hill.
The Upper, Middle, and Lower Waterton Lakes and the Maskinonge are NOT recommended to skate on due to their size. For more ice safety information, please check out the Canadian Red Cross.
