Little Park on the Prairie

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Waterton Lakes National Park
Duration:
3 days / 2 nights
Price:
from £ 239.- per person (excluding flights)

Waterton is the smallest National Park in the Rockies and has its own particular charm which sets it apart from its more famous rivals. Situated on Canada’s southern border with Montana in the US, this is a place where lush grasslands roll into the imposing Rocky peaks, and bison, bears and mountain goats roam freely. A little off the usual tourist trail, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere and wide open expanses of picturesque nature to explore at leisure from your base in the middle of the park.

Day 1 – Arrival in Waterton National Park

It’s around a 3-hour drive to Waterton from Calgary (where you’re most likely to be travelling from) where the journey takes you through the green landscapes of the prairie. Unlike many National Parks, in Waterton you’ll be staying right in the middle – we’ve picked a simple, comfortable motel near the lake in Waterton village. There are a few nice restaurants to choose from, and you can take a walk along the waterfront and watch the fishermen at work.

Day 2 – Explore the park

Today you’re free to explore the park, and since it’s relatively small you can see a lot of the highlights in one day. We’d recommend driving through the Red Rock Canyon and onto the picturesque Cameron Lake. You can also stop off at Cameron Falls which are just outside the village. Keep your eyes peeled along the route, as occasionally you may spot a grizzly bear foraging by the riverside.

There are some great walking trails around Waterton, and if you pick up some snacks from the village then you can leave the car behind and head out into the park on foot in the afternoon. The scenery on a sunny day is like the setting of a film, with flower-filled prairies as far as you can see and a backdrop of the jagged mountain; you can easily spend hours out here. In the evening you’ll return to the cosy confines of the village.

Day 3 – Departure

This morning it’s time to leave sleepy Waterton behind and continue your Canadian journey. However, if you’d prefer to extend your stay in Waterton then you have the chance to drive across the border into the USA for the day and visit the Glacier National Park, Montana. You’ll need to pay a small visa fee, but the waterfalls, scenery and wildlife on the way make it a great way to spend an extra day if you have time.