Head to Waterton this spring for wildflowers, wildlife, and waterfalls!
Waterton is an outdoor lovers’ playground “where mountains meet the prairie,” with adventures for all ages. With mountains all around, you don’t need to go far for stunning views. Hike, bike, book a boat cruise, or watch wildlife (from a distance – safety first!) and look for wildflowers. Wildflowers and waterfalls peak in mid June. Here are some of the top things to do in Waterton in spring, plus where to eat!
Partnership Disclosure: This story was written in partnership with FestivalSeekers and Travel Alberta, but all words and opinions are my own.
Traveler’s Tip: Plan to visit in late May onwards (not many businesses are open before then).
How to Spend a Fun Spring Weekend in Waterton
Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast. For quick eats – bacon and eggs, or eggs benedict – in a comfortable dining room, try Vimy’s Bar and Grill. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Pearl’s Cafe for their signature French Toast, or Waffleton’s for their famous Belgian waffles.
Whether you hike, bike, or boat in Waterton, you are guaranteed great views and wildlife sightings. While deer and bighorn sheep roam the streets around town, you can also see elk by Hay Barn Road (we saw a huge herd there on our drive in), and bison at Bison Paddock Loop.
Some family friendly hiking trails to try include the Bear’s Hump (2.8 km return), Red Rock Canyon (700 m loop), Blakiston Falls (2 km return) and Lower Bertha Falls (Check the trail report – there is avalanche danger on this trail until late spring. 5.6 km return). Short on time? Check out Cameron Falls at the end of Cameron Falls Drive, and walk around Emerald Bay for grand views of the Prince of Wales Hotel.
See our story Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel for details on this awesome only-in-Waterton experience.
The rolling Kootenai-Brown trail (13.8 km round trip) is paved and suitable for biking with bigger kids, but the shoreline trail is flat and good for all ages. If you didn’t bring bikes, rent e-bikes or Surrey bikes from Pat’s Waterton. The Surrey bikes seat four, so the whole family can rider together! We enjoyed riding to The Big Scoop for ice cream.
Favorite lunch spots include Wieners of Waterton (gourmet hot dogs), Trappers Mountain Grill (onsite smoked meat BBQ), Pizza of Waterton, The Taco Bar, and Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile.
Finally, you won’t want to miss a cross border cruise with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company! Sail across the lake to Glacier National Park (no passport required) and scan the shoreline for wildlife. The views are breathtaking and the guides are full of interesting stories.
After working up an appetite, head to The Lakeside Chophouse & Wine Bar at Bayshore Inn & Spa for AAA Alberta beef and wild game. It is kid-friendly too!
Know Before You Go
- A Parks Canada Discovery Pass / daily admission fee is required to stop in Waterton Lakes National Park. Get your park pass at the park gates or online.
- Ticks are prevalent in Waterton due to the abundance of wildlife. You can reduce the risk of a tick bite by covering up, staying out of long grass and bushes, and using bug spray containing at least 20% Picaridin or 30% DEET. Learn more in our story Effective tick repellents and how to use them.
- Most businesses are closed in Waterton until mid to late May, and it can be quite snowy until then. If you plan on visiting before May long weekend, check that the businesses/restaurants you want to visit will be open.
Getting Here
Waterton Lakes National Park is located 271 km / 2 hrs 50 minutes south of Calgary. Stop at Nanton or Claresholm on the way to break up the drive.
Where to Stay
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- Bayshore Inn & Spa is located lakeside and boasts spacious, modern rooms, a fantastic steakhouse, and onsite spa.
- Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort is a family favorite with suites (some with kitchens!), and onsite dining.
- Waterton Glacier Suites has beautifully decorated rooms with air conditioning, and a great chophouse.
What to Bring
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Good hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a heavy pack. You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass, and map of the area, sunscreen (this mineral sunscreen is fragrance free, paraben free, and reef-friendly), bug spray (this Deet-free one contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required!
In snowy/icy conditions, traction devices such as Kahtoola Microspikes (Available from Amazon, MEC, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters), or Hillsound Trail Crampons (Available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Sport Chek) are recommended. See our Fall/Winter Hiking Gear Guide for recommended clothing and gear.
More Southern Alberta Travel Destinations
- Camping in Castle Provincial Park
- Exploring Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Writing on Stone Provincial Park
- Camping at Lundbreck Falls, Alberta
