Winter Wonderland

In the winter, the park and especially the village, are filled with a deep, peaceful quiet that is impossible to replicate anywhere else. Snow and ice transform Waterton into a frozen haven.

The roads are plowed but there’s only a handful of people using them. When you walk down the street, the only sound you hear is snow crunching under your boots, breaking the golden silence. Your companions are the local herds of elk, deer, and mountain sheep as they trek to another stand of willow to chew. At night, the stars add magic in the way they reflect brightly off the snow and light up the town. The best part is most times, you get to enjoy this all to yourself.

This is the time to visit, unplug, relax and rejuvenate. This is the perfect place for some ME or US time. Fireplaces are blazing and there’s plenty of warmth to share among those who make Waterton their home. Grab a book, sit by the fire and relax or cuddle. Most of the tourism operators shut down for the season but a few lodges stay open just for you and they offer fantastic winter specials. Accommodations range from standard hotel rooms, to romantic deluxe suites with fireplaces and jetted tubs, to full kitchen suites. Many rooms have excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

Dining choices are limited but provide you with an excellent culinary experience. Red Rock Trattoria is Waterton’s newest restaurant. It is located in the Waterton Glacier Suites, with a beautiful décor and delightful menu, it is a must, when visiting. Historically, the Vimy’s Lounge and Grill offered up plentiful portions of delicious food. However, expect to see the Crandell Mountain Lodge and newly rebuild Kilmorey Lodge open during the winter months!

Things to do in the winter

Cross-country skiing: This is a good place to get off the beaten path. Terrain is mostly ungroomed as fewer visitors frequent this area in the winter. It really is the best hidden secret. And what better way to uncover them than to glide along an ungroomed trail, weaving through the trees, and inhaling that crisp alpine air while creating your own path.

Winter Wonderland

Snow-shoeing: Bertha Point promises jaw-dropping views of the Waterton Valley and Prince of Wales Hotel. The best way to experience this is snow-shoeing this short trail and is a great workout and will leave you exhausted but rejuvenated at the same time. If you are needing extra adventure, carry on the trail to Bertha Falls, you won’t be disappointed.

Wildlife Viewing: If this is on your bucket list be sure to check out the Blakiston Fan, which is south of the Entrance Parkway between Lower and Middle Waterton Lakes. This area typically hosts hundreds of elk and if you linger you might just see them crossing the Waterton River. Snow, mud and sand are great for discovering signs of wildlife. For fun, search for wildlife tracks and try to determine the animals that made them.

Walk the Townsite: When you are ready to stretch your legs and inhale the remarkably crisp and fresh mountain air, take a hike through town to the partially frozen Cameron Falls. Or walk along the Townsite Trail to Emerald Bay and explore the Prince of Wales lookout and the Linnet Lake Loop.

Some other fun things to do in Waterton in the winter include tobogganing the Prince of Wales hill, camping at the Pass Creek picnic site, ice skating, bird watching, fat biking, stargazing and taking amazing photographs. It simply does not matter if you prefer solitude or adventure, experience Waterton this winter!

Note: water and barrier free washrooms are available at the Fire Hall and at Cameron Falls.

Identifying Wildlife Tracks: snow, mud and sand are great for discovering signs of wildlife. You may not be able to see the animal, but you will know it has passed by. Try to determine what animals made the tracks. Finding these wildlife tracks can be an adventure for the whole family. Parks Canada’s wildlife safety tips at parkscanada.gc.ca/wild-in-waterton