The Ultimate Guide to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park



Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton

Glacier National Park in the United States is connected to Waterton Lakes National Park in a profound way.

As the first International Peace Park in the world, these two parks symbolize a connection between Canada and the United States and serve as a way to conserve this valuable area.

Not to mention, the two parks combined create an unforgettable outdoor experience complete with world-class hiking trails, high tea and unlimited opportunities for wildlife spotting. Here’s how you can plan your trip to “The Crown of the Continent” with confidence.

Why you Should Go

Waterton Lakes National Park

On top of the title of the world’s first International Peace Park and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park has everything an outdoor lover could possibly want: a variety of hikes, clear lakes and historic lodges to rest in after a day of exploration.

How to Get There

Where you will fly into to start your Waterton-Glacier adventure depends on where you wish to start. If you plan on exploring the Canadian side first, then Calgary International Airport (YYC) is only a two-hour-and-forty-minute drive from Waterton. If starting at Glacier, then the Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) is your best bet.

When to Go

Waterton at sunset

Summer seems like the obvious time to head to the two parks, but it is also the time that both are the most crowded. Likewise, if you would like to rest your head at one of the lodges, these book up months in advance and they are usually completely full in July and August. Snowpack can impact which hikes and activities you choose in June. Early to mid-September offers a sweet spot—snow is all melted, lodging is more likely to be available and the cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking.

What to Pack

Weather can vary wildly from one hour to the next, so having a series of layers can help to protect from hot, sunny weather one moment to chilly and rainy the next. Quick-dry items made from Merino wool are always a good idea, as are hiking boots designed to handle rougher terrain. You should also carry bear spray on hiking trails and know how to use it.

Where to Stay

While it can be difficult to get a reservation at one of the lodging options in Waterton-Glacier, they provide a quaint stay with restaurant options that make finding a place to eat and rest convenient.

Glacier: Many Glacier Lodge

Many Glacier Lodge, Glacier National Park: Ultimate Guide to Waterton
Alex Schnee

Located on Swiftcurrent Lake and providing access to arguably the best hiking trails in the park, the Many Glacier Lodge maintains its historic charm and serves as a good place to base yourself on the east side of Glacier. Though you will have to look into rooms in February in order to book them for the summer months, the grand lobby and delightful Ptarmigan Dining Room make it worth planning in advance.

Waterton: Prince of Wales Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel, Waterton

Many Glacier’s sister accommodations were built in 1927 and serve as the hub of Waterton Lakes National Park. Rooms have views overlooking Waterton Lake, and even if you can’t manage to secure a booking, you can’t miss out on the traditional high tea served in the Royal Stewart Dining Room. You might also want to consider hopping on a tour of the hotel for an epic ghost story, as well.

How Long to Spend

While you can spend a lifetime exploring the combined parks and still find new things to experience, five days should allow you to see the highlights of both Waterton and Glacier. Two days in Waterton should give you the chance to check out some of the hiking trails and take a relaxing boat tour, while three days in Glacier gives you a chance to explore the major areas and drive the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road.

Reservation Information

Over the past few years, Glacier has required an additional ticket for vehicle entry in certain areas of the park. If Going-to-the-Sun Road, the North Fork area or the Many Glacier area is on your list of things to see, then you will need to procure these reservations in advance of your trip. This reservation system changes yearly, so it is important to visit the Glacier National Park website for updated information for when you plan to visit.

Best Hikes and Adventures

Since Waterton-Glacier is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, narrowing down what to see and which trails to take on is not an easy task. However, if this is your introduction to the area, there are certain activities that should not be missed when you go.

In Glacier: Grinnell Glacier Hike

Grinnell Glacier Hike - Ultimate Guide to Waterton
Alex Schnee

Arguably the best-known trail in Glacier, the Grinnell Glacier hike could be Vahalla on earth with its impressive mountain views, turquoise Grinnell Lake and the chance to see icebergs up close, depending on the time of year.

At 16 kilometres, and 623 metres of elevation gain, it’s not an easy stroll, but you can shave off a significant portion of the trail by taking the boat from the Many Glacier Hotel across Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine.

In Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Going to the Sun Road, Glacier and Waterton National Park
Alex Schnee

Going-to-the-Sun Road frequently makes the list as one of the most scenic drives in the United States, so it would be a shame to miss it when you are in the park. Since it’s the main thoroughfare, it can be hard to skip if you want to get from one side to the other.

If you are coming from Canada, you will want to enter at the St. Mary Entrance and drive the road east to west. Known as an engineering marvel, there isn’t a bad view the entire way. You might also want to consider a hike located at Logan Pass—the highest point along the road and the starting point for a number of trails.

In Glacier: Boat Ride on Lake McDonald

Boat ride on Lake McDonald - Ultimate Guide to Waterton
Alex Schnee

For a more relaxed activity, consider heading out on one of the park’s interpretive boat rides. There are a number of different options available throughout Glacier, but the tour of Lake McDonald is the easiest to access. Leaving from the Lake McDonald Lodge, the ride takes around one hour and includes ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting along the lakeshore.

In Waterton: Crypt Lake Hike

Cyrpt Lake hike in Waterton

Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s most thrilling hikes in both 2014 and 2017, this trail is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. The trailhead is only accessible by boat, and the trail becomes more and more exciting as you walk. You’ll find tunnels, scrambles and cables, all culminating at a photogenic alpine lake.

You will want to come prepared: with 884 metres of elevation gain and 18 kilometres, this is a full-day activity that requires a well-deserved rest when you make it back to Waterton town. You’ll want to bring your sense of adventure and wear a solid pair of hiking boots.

In Waterton: Red Rock Canyon Parkway

Serving as the start for many of Waterton’s most iconic day hikes and a few of its multi-day backpacking trips, you don’t need to hit the trail to enjoy this scenic drive. It is open to motorized traffic, but the best way to experience it would be by bicycle or ebike—both of which can be rented from Pat’s Waterton.

If you do plan on getting off the parkway and onto the trail, the Red Rock Canyon loop takes about 30 minutes and is the ideal opportunity to stretch your legs. Under a kilometre, it’s a doable path for kids and features iron-red colours from which the parkway is named after.

Bison in Waterton

Keep a lookout for bison along the Bison Paddock Loop road, where a herd has been maintained since 1952. Remember to give them plenty of space and remain in your car.

In Waterton: Enjoy the Lakes

At the heart of Waterton National Park is its namesake lake where you can find almost any water-based activity you can think of. Technically shared both by the state of Montana and the province of Alberta, from the Canadian side you have access to Upper Waterton Lake.

Waterton Lakes

Planning on being on the water? Kayak, canoe, rowboats and paddle boats are all available for rent on Cameron Lake from a number of companies. If you plan on taking a dip, be warned that the water is chilly all year, so have a quick way to warm up after!

While Waterton-Glacier’s claim to fame as the world’s first International Peace Park makes it worth the visit alone, the sheer number of hiking trails, scenic drives and unique lodging provides the ideal trip for outdoor enthusiasts. No matter what type of adventurer you are, a visit to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park confirms why this area of Canada and Montana is called “The Crown of the Continent.”

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