Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to get into the park?

2. When are the Going-To-The-Sun Highway and the Chief Mountain Border Crossing open?

3. What is there to do in Waterton?

4. Can you tell me about the hiking trails in Waterton?

5. What is the Waterton Golf Course like?

6. What are the local attractions near Waterton Park?

7. What about camping in Waterton Park?

8. What do you offer for honeymoon couples?

9. Do you sell gift certificates?

10. How do I apply for a job in Waterton?

11. Are dogs allowed in the park?

12. Can you snowmobile in the park?

13. Greyhound Bus lines Pincher Creek to Waterton Park?

14. What facilities do you have for a wedding?

15. Do all the rooms at the Aspen Village Inn and the Kilmorey Lodge have private baths?
    
    

1. How much does it cost to get into the park?

They gate is only manned form May 4 to October 8. Otherwise it is free. Take advantage of the off peak time.

FISHING PERMIT FEE:  Seven Day $9.00 ...... Annual $30.00 

2. When are the Going-To-The-Sun Highway and the Chief Mountain Border Crossing open?

The Going-To-The-Sun Highway generally opens around the middle of June. This opening is highly weather dependent so depending on the snow cover the opening date may change.
Further information contact:
Glacier Park Information,
P.O. Box 128,
West Glacier, MT, 59936
Phone: 406-888-7800

Chief Mountain Border Crossing open May 15 9am to 6pm. Starting June 1 summer hours will be 7am to 10pm. Ph (403)653-3535 (Canadian side), (406)732-5572 (USA side) Carway Alberta Port of Entry Headquarters, crossing the border information Ph (403)653-3009 

3. What is there to do in Waterton?

Between WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK and GLACIER PARK to the south, there are over 1400 km (850 miles) of maintained World Class hiking trails. This is some of the most spectacular hiking in the Rockies!

CANADIAN WILDERNESS TOURS are the local Interpretive & Guiding experts. They offer programs including Interpretive Village strolls, guided fishing experiences, Step- Aboard narrating services (in your private vehicle) as well as guided hiking programs on the above mentioned trails, plus much more! CWT offers top-quality services at very affordable prices. Included in all CWT programs is information on bird-watching, flower identification, incredible edibles, local culture & history, fascinating geology, tales of resident ghosts, etc.  Canadian Wilderness Tours also specializes in Kid's Programs. (Usually a couple of hours in length...perfect time to allow the parents to break away for a Romantic Dinner!) CWT programs may be arranged through the Kilmorey Lodge or the Aspen Village Inn.

Waterton Park also has 3 main trails specially designated for mountain biking. All trails are over 10 km each way in length, and can be combined with spectacular hiking for an incredible experience. Mountain bike rentals are available at "Pat's" located in the Village of Waterton.

The boat cruise runs from mid-May to late September.  The cruising time is approximately 2 1/2 hours and this historic trip passes through a series of deep scenic bays past sheer vertical mountains and beautiful wilderness surroundings and across the border to Goat Haunt Ranger Station in the United States.  The boat does make photographic stops and it is not unusual to catch a glimpse of wildlife along the shore.  Special rates for the Crypt Trail Hike may apply.  If you wish, you may contact the marina ticket office for schedules at (403)859-2362. Waterton Lakes Golf Course is an 18 hole facility with a spectacular setting with panoramic views of Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountain peaks.

There are several short scenic drives within the park. The Red Rock Canyon Road is a winding mountain trail which passes by grizzly and black bear habitat and leads to a mountain canyon where you often see big horn sheep.

The Akamina Parkway leads to Cameron Lake, a glacier formed alpine lake where there are paddle boats and canoes available for rental.

There are several small shops in town and it is very easy to spend an afternoon browsing. There is also a small movie theatre in town and a couple of lounges, a bar and stables in the park.

Alpine Stables is located in Waterton Park and their phone number is 403-859-2462. They do not do a "free range" ride but the scenery is very impressive. You may also want to try Mountain Meadow Trail Rides, located just outside the park. They promise a real western wilderness adventure and it is a working ranch. The phone number there is (403)653-2413. 

4. Can you tell me about the hiking trails in Waterton?

Between Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier Park to the south, there are over 1400 km (850 miles) of maintained World Class hiking trails. This is some of the most spectacular hiking in the Rockies! Depending on the weather, most of the trails start opening in early June, although there is usually still snow at the higher elevations.  Most years you can still hike well into the fall (Oct.), again, depending on the weather.

Just to mention a few great trails in Waterton Park:

• Bear's Hump - This short but steep climb leads to a spectacular view of the townsite and Waterton valley. Moderate/difficult. 1 hour round trip.

 

• Bertha Lake - The woodland walk to picturesque Lower Bertha Falls makes a perfect half day hike with a picnic and children. The trail has excellent views of Upper Waterton Lake and a beautiful wildflower show. Along the way, you will pass the long cascade of Upper Bertha Falls. Easy/moderate. 4 hours roundtrip.

 

• Carthew - Alderson - Spectacular trail with superb high mountain views. Highlights included passing through old growth forests, the incredible view from Summit Ridge, (Especially looking south into Glacier Park) the ribbon waterfall from Lower Carthew Lakes, the serene turquoise waters of Alderson Lake. (Pretty good fishing too.) Hike is moderate. 7 hours.

 

• Crypt Lake - This is a very unique and popular trail. Trailhead is accessed by Water taxi only. Trail passes through a natural tunnel, also past several waterfalls. Crypt is a beautiful lake backed by a massive headwall. Lake has large cutthroat trout...Alpine flowers in Crypt Basin, including the rare pygmy poppy. (Canada's only sighting!) The Crypt Lake trail was rated as one of the top-rated hikes in Canada by a national Outdoor magazine. 7 hours. Camping is no longer allowed up at the lake (for the past two years), only down at the trailhead.

Canadian Wilderness Tours (CWT) are the local Interpretive & Guiding experts. They offer programs including Interpretive Village strolls, guided fishing experiences, Ride- Along narrating services (in your private vehicle) as well as guided hiking programs on the above mentioned trails, plus much more!

CWT offers top-quality services at very affordable prices. Included in all CWT programs is information on bird-watching, flower identification, incredible edibles, local culture & history, fascinating geology, tales of resident ghosts, etc.  Canadian Wilderness Tours also specializes in Kid's Programs. (Usually a couple of hours in length...perfect time to allow the parents to break away for a Romantic Dinner!) CWT programs may be arranged through the Kilmorey Lodge or the Aspen Village Inn, once you have arrived in Waterton Park. 

5. What is the Waterton Golf Course like?

The Waterton Lakes Golf Course is an original Stanley Thompson design with the first 9 holes constructed in 1929 and the 2nd 9 holes constructed approximately 10 years later and is presently an 18 hole facility. The Waterton Lakes Golf Course enjoys a spectacular setting with panoramic views of Waterton Lakes and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Improvements over the past few seasons have been impressive. The greens and fairways have rarely been in such good shape. New sand has been placed in most traps. Yardage markers at 100, 150 and 200 yards have speeded play. A new fleet of golf carts and greens keeping equipment has been added. The staff on the course, in the pro shop and restaurant, prompt a friendly and courteous environment. Monthly mixed scrambles are a popular feature in the summers.

The Waterton Lakes Golf Course is a 5-minute drive from the town site. This challenging 18-hole course is open from May - October. Please visit their site for more info!

You can phone directly for tee times: 403-859-2114, Fax: 403-859-2065
Green Fees: 9 holes - $19.00, 18 holes - $33.00
Cart Rental: 9 holes - $16.00, 18 holes - $27.00
Club Rental: partial set - $7.50, full set - $10.00
Pull Carts $5.00 

6. What are the local attractions near Waterton Park?

From the Kilmorey Lodge or the Aspen Village Inn in Waterton Park, you are in a prime area to visit several area attractions, such as the Remington Carriage Centre in Cardston, (North America's largest collection of horsedrawn vehicles) or the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre in the Crowsnest Pass. (Documents the catastrophic landside which buried a Town.)

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is located just north of Fort Macleod on Highway #2. This is a very well preserved site where the Plains Indians ran buffalo over a cliff. The interpretive center is a record of these people.

Glacier Park is only an hour and half drive through the Chief Mountain US/Canada border crossing. (Open mid-May through October end.) Have no doubts that traversing the Going-To-The-Sun Highway in Glacier Park will be a very memorable experience! There are several Hotels in the Glacier Park area, but your dollar will extend a lot further if you stay in Alberta. 

7. What about camping in Waterton Park?

Here in Waterton Park we have three front-country and 13 back-country campgrounds as well as three campgrounds just out side the park.

Town site Campground: mid-April to mid-October, 238 sites, 95 fully serviced. Full service, un-serviced and walk-in tenting sites. Sorry open fires are only permitted in camp kitchens  wood stoves.  Gas stove or barbecue only. Flush toilets and showers. First come first serve.  (rates see table)

Crandell Campground: May Long Weekend to Labour Day,129 sites. All semi-serviced. Approx. 15 minute drive from town site located along the Red Rock Parkway in the scenic Blakiston Valley.  Situated in a pleasant montane forest.  Firepit & picnic table on site. Water taps and kitchen shelters throughout the campground. Chemical flush toilets. Firewood for sale. $5./bundle (and you will need at least 4 bundles to have a fire for a couple of hours). First come first serve. $17 all sites unserviced

Belly River Campground: May Long Weekend to mid-Sept.  24 sites. Primitive camping. Located along the Chief Mountain Highway, 26 km from Waterton Park townsite.  Fire pit on site. Water pump, chemical and pit toilets.  Firewood for sale. $5./bundle.  First come first serve.  $13 all sites unserviced

As you can see, all front country campgrounds in the park are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and usually sites become available if you show up in the morning early.

Back Country Camping

Registration is mandatory for overnight camping.   Most backcountry are primitive campsites and shelters can be reached by maintained trails.  Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis up to 24 hours in advance of your trip and you must book your site in person at the Visitor Reception Center.  Some sites may be reserved up to 3 months in advance for a $10 non-refundable fee.  You must pick up a Wilderness Pass before heading out on a back-country trip.  The Wilderness Pass has a cost of $6/person/night.  A maximum of 6 persons/party/campground is allowed.  A maximum of one tent may be put on a pad.  The are no campfires allowed.  You should bring a cook stove, toilet paper and a 10m rope for slinging food and garbage.

For further information on camping you could give the Parks Canada information center a call (summer: 403-859-5133, winter: 403-859-2224), they may be able to offer more information.

Campgrounds outside the Park

• River Side Campground 403-653-2888 (no reservations)

• Crooked Creek 403-653-1100 Reservations taken between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm only

• Waterton Homestead Campground 403-859-2247 (no reservations)

There are lots of tips for "bear safety". Keep a clean site. Remove garbage regularly throughout the day. Do not keep food in your tent. Put all utensils, pots. dishes etc. into the vehicle. Do not leave food out. Etc. 

8. What do you offer for honeymoon couples?

The old fashioned, cozy atmosphere of the Kilmorey Lodge is perfect for honeymooners. Our popular Romantasy Package, offered all year, is a perfect getaway for the newlyweds as well as anniversaries and other special celebrations. This package includes:

• 2 Nights Accommodation

• 2 Breakfasts (one in bed)

• 1 Dinner for two

• Fresh flowers & Champagne

• All Taxes & Gratuities for $399.00 per couple.

• Weekday Special Oct.15 to May 15 (Sun. to Thurs.)
  $349 Per Couple

Check out our website to see more details on our other theme weekends and packages.  

9. Do you sell gift certificates?

We do sell gift certificates starting at a minimum of $25.00 and we custom fit them to your needs. If you would like to purchase gift certificates for a gift or for yourself please feel free to e-mail us at info@watertonpark.com or call us at (403)859-2252. 

10. How do I apply for a job in Waterton?

Both our properties, the Kilmorey Lodge and Aspen Village Inn, are accepting resumes for the upcoming season in the departments of Front Desk, Lounge, Dining Room and Housekeeping. Higher consideration will be given to those candidates who can continue their employment through to at least the end of September. Year 'round and seasonal positions also available. Please feel free to forward your resume with cover letter and references by fax at 403-859-2342, Please E-mail us at info@watertonpark.com or snail mail to:
Muza Hotels Ltd.
Box 100
Waterton Park, AB.
T0K 2M0

Also see  Employment Information

11. Are dogs allowed in the park?

Yes Pets are allowed, and must be leashed at all times while in the Park. Dogs and other pets may jeopardize your safety and theirs by provoking and attracting wildlife. Dogs have been seriously injured in the spring by female deer protecting their fawns. Avoid walking your dogs or leaving them unsupervised at this time of year. Please contact Parks Canada at 403-859-2224 for more info. 

12. Can you snowmobile in the park?

Unfortunately, snowmobile is not allowed within the boundaries of a National Park. However, the Castle River Region which borders the park has some great snowmobile and if you are interested in that area please contact the Land and Forest Service at (403)562-3210. 

13. Greyhound Bus lines, Pincher Creek to Waterton Park?

Greyhound Bus lines Pincher Creek Ph (403) 627-2716
Calgary 1-800-661-8747 or (403) 265-9111 
Greyhound bus service will get you to Pincher Creek. If you are staying at the Aspen Village Inn or the Kilmorey Lodge they can arrange to pick you up at the bus stop in Pincher Creek. 

14. What facilities do you have for a wedding?

The Historic Kilmorey Lodge is an ideal place for your wedding.

For the small, intimate wedding ceremony many couples prefer our library lobby with the beautiful wood paneling and a roaring fire. Our small lounge (seats 20), located off the main lobby of the Kilmorey Lodge, is well stocked for your wedding celebration. Visit us after the ceremony to toast the occasion!

A popular location for an outdoor ceremony is our Gazebo Café. Located lakeside, in the front of the Kilmorey Lodge. This location allows seating for 70 wedding guests.

Intimate, friendly fine dining is a pleasure in the Lamp Post Dining Room, recent winner of the Alberta Restaurant Association and Alberta Hotel Association Menu Award. Our uniquely Albertan menu is paired with the most extensive Canadian wine menu in the province. We have a group menu which allows you to budget a specific amount toward meals. The maximum capacity in the Lamp Post Dining Room is 63 people and any groups larger than that will have to be separated into 2 settings in order to accommodate everyone. We can also arrange wedding luncheons.

For large groups we can cater to the Community Hall. The hall contains a full kitchen and a bar setup. There is capacity in the hall for up to 150 people.

Please contact our group coordinator for your personalized wedding package or more wedding information. E-mail to info@watertonpark.com

15. Do all the rooms at the Aspen Village Inn and the Kilmorey Lodge have private baths?

Yes, each room at the Aspen Village Inn and The Kilmorey Lodge have a private bathroom. Some bathrooms have a jetted tubs, others may have full tubs, European size tubs or a shower.

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If you would like to make a reservation, need more information or just to leave a friendly message, please e-mail us at info@watertonpark.com

Waterton Park Information Services
Box 100, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. T0K 2M0
Phone: 403-859-2252  **  Fax: 403-859-2342

This site created by Waterton Park Information Services, in friendly Waterton Park, Alberta, Canada. If you have any problems or advice, Please e-mail us at info@watertonpark.com