10 winter experiences

Winter is a great time to explore Waterton. Snowshoes and skis can be rented in the community, and snowshoes are also available to rent at the visitor centre. Proceed to Little Prairie Day Use Area and get geared up for your adventure. Head towards Cameron Lake for beautiful mountain views. On your trek, take special care to avoid walking in the groomed ski tracks. Cross-country ski trails are groomed as conditions allow, make sure to check our trail condition reports for the latest updates. Dipper Trail, Wishbone Trail, Chief Mountain Highway and the trail to Crandell Lake are other popular places to explore.

Waterton’s dark skies make it easy to see constellations like Orion and the Big Dipper, planets, and the Milky Way Galaxy. Cameron Bay, the Bison Paddock Overlook, and Red Rock Parkway are great places to be on a clear night. If you’re interested in guided night sky experiences, check out astronomy programs offered in the community. Bundle up, bring binoculars or a telescope, and grab your star chart to experience the night sky at its very best.

The Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre is a great place to begin your visit – any time of year. Check out interactive exhibits that highlight local wildlife, Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) culture, and the park’s stunning night skies. Our friendly staff can help you plan safe winter adventures with the most up to date trail information, closures, and avalanche forecasts. Warm up, browse maps and displays, and get a sense of what the park offers before heading into the great outdoors.

Capture Waterton’s winter beauty in all its glory. Explore the Townsite waterfront near the Peace Park Plaza. Visit our four sets of red chairs for a classic shot! On a calm day, look for mirror-like reflections at Emerald Bay or Lower Waterton Lake. Winter also brings snowy peaks, stormy lakes and frozen shorelines, but don’t forget your telephoto lens to capture local wildlife without getting too close!

Bighorn sheep and deer are a common sight in the community of Waterton over the winter months. The Blakiston fan is a great place to park your vehicle and watch for elk. Discover animal tracks and who they belong to by exploring Red Rock Parkway. Remember - these are wild animals, so make sure to give them lots of space.

Stroll the shore of Upper Waterton Lake, follow the Townsite Loop, walk along Red Rock Parkway or head up the Prince of Wales hill for panoramic views of Upper Waterton Lake. With the townsite much quieter in winter, you can experience familiar places in a completely different way. Services are limited this time of year, but there are a couple locations in the community still open if you want to warm up with a hot drink after your walk.

Warm up your winter day with a cozy campfire at one of Waterton’s day use areas. Pass Creek Day Use Area has fire pits and stocked firewood, making it an easy spot to enjoy a hot drink or cook a simple meal over the flames. Little Prairie Day Use Area also has a shelter and stove, so grab some firewood at Pass Creek up Akamina Parkway. It’s the perfect place to relax after your winter adventure. Remember to leave no trace and leave with everything you brought along.

Sign up for the Christmas Bird Count. Count the many species that call Waterton Lakes National Park home, and the ones just passing through.

Calling all fat bike enthusiasts! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike) and pedal along the Townsite Loop or Wishbone Trail. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, spend the day on Red Rock Parkway and head to Crandell Lake or Snowshoe Trail.

Don't let winter dampen your enthusiasm for camping. Set up camp at Pass Creek Day Use Area and make some s'mores around the campfire. Bring your friends and spend the night to get an early start on the day’s adventures.