20 Things To Do In Waterton In Summer

Traci Grossi | July 16, 2020 | Lifestyle, Travel | No Comments

Waterton National Park is a hiker and sightseer’s paradise. Located in the mountains of Southern Alberta is an hour and a half from the US border. This scenic little waterfront town is brimming with tourism during the summer months.

The attractions are endless with endless waterfalls, colorful streams, mountains, abundance of wildlife and unique shops. Looking for Things To Do In Waterton? Here are 20 ideas that top my list and hope you like too.

#1 Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon is a 0.6 loop around the canyon. A well-groomed pathway leading to Blakiston Falls and Blakiston Valley hike. Can get very busy but definitely is a must to see.

#2 Ride A Horse

Alpine Stables which had to be rebuilt due to the Kenow fire in 2018 is located on the South end of the lake. Horseback is a great way to see the sights. Bring your own horse or join a trail ride at the ranch. Stop along the lake or ride the 200 km of trails. Due to the wildfires, horseback areas may be limited due to protecting vegetation.

#3 Walk on the Beach

Waterton Lake is 3.9 miles long, is a glacier-fed lake great for walking. There are beaches although the water is very cold, you may see people swimming in late fall. The South end of the lake is popular for diving enthusiasts.

#4 Check out Cameron Falls

Cameron falls is a spectacular waterfall found right inside the Waterton Town-site.

#5 Rent a Bike or a Cart

Pats Garage across from the boat docks, it has bike and cart rentals to meander around the town-site. Great way to see the town and hit some of the places mentioned.

#6 Hike Bertha Falls

Bertha Falls is a 5.3 km hike up to 3 magnificent falls. The hike is family-friendly and has a very gradual ascend which makes for a really nice comfortable trail up the gorge with endless views and loads of lush vegetation at its peak.

#7 Stop at Coppermine Creek

Coppermine Creek as another little Day Area/Rest Stop along route red Rock Parkway. Not far from Lost horse you will also find this creek on the north-side as well.

#8 Admire all the Wildflowers

Thousands of Brown/Red Eyed Susans grow generously throughout the land as well as numerous other flowers adorn the landscape. Early July is the best time to catch the blooming madness.

#9 Rest at Lost Horse Creek

Lost Horse Creek can be found on the Red Rock Parkway, watch for a sign for the Day Area/Rest Stop on the Northside. Nice place to have lunch or soak your feet in the fresh mountain water.

#10 Take a walk through the burnt forest.

Much of the Waterton area was effected by the 2018 wildfire. It is a shame although mother nature decides what needs to be done. I must say, the trails are a bit eerie although equally beautiful in a different light. The trails are more open where the views go for miles as well as a better chance of seeing wildlife such as bears and deer as we did.

#11 Drive the Red Rock Parkway

Red Rock Parkway is a scenic drive that ends at Red Rock Canyon. View spectacular mountain waterfalls from a distance, stop at the many roadside day areas or hike 1 or all of the 10 hiking trails in the area. The road windy and hilly in which at times you may feel you are on a roller-coaster. The prairie wildflowers are abundant and the burnt timer glistens in the sun looking like the trees are made of silver.

#12 Walk up to Blakiston Falls

Blakiston Falls is a 2.1 km trail leading to a grand waterfall amidst all the forest that was scorched in the 2018 wildfire that effected much of the area.

#13 Visit the Prince of Wales Hotel

Prince of Wales’ is a historic yet glamorous hotel that was built in 1927. Sits high above Waterton Lake with a picturesque view of Waterton townsite and surrounding areas.

#14 A drive through Akamina Parkway

Akamina Parkway (Township Rd 13A) is a 16 km windy drive through the Cameron Valley. Historic sites along the way are Crandell Lake, Lineham Falls, Rowe Lakes, and Akamina Pass