Waterton Accommodation
A trip to Waterton Lakes National Park can be many things. Some may be looking for an upscale retreat at a classy hotel in the heart of the village and a chance to partake in fine dining at cultured restaurants, to relax with an aromatic coffee at an intimate cafe and to browse leisurely through elegant boutiques and quaint shops. For others, the trip may be made to delve into the park's 505 sq km (203 sq mi) of wilderness, cut through by 225 km (191 mi) of trails leading past Waterton’s lakes, canyons, waterfalls and mountains. Several campsites are located throughout Waterton, some with few amenities, immersing adventurers in the surrounds, while others located both in and out of the park have spots for RVers to pull their rigs in for a night or two, serviced with water and electricity.
There's something for everyone at Waterton, and the trip need not break the bank, as several lodges, bed and breakfasts, hotels and hostels located in and out of the park offer a range of accommodations to suit the needs of everyone. During winter, guests may often take advantage of reduced rates.
THE VILLAGE
The Village of Waterton is easily walkable, and is reached by bus or by private vehicle via Highway 5 from Lethbridge, Highway 6 from Pincher Creek and Highway 2 to Highway 5 from Calgary. Located in the heart of the park on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Rockies, the village has every convenience those on outdoor excursions may need, whether it be an arduous journey lasting several days or a pleasant stroll of a few hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS INSIDE THE PARK
Hotels and Conference Facilities
Hotels are usually thoughtfully located and are equipped with a number of amenities, including parking, spa and fitness facilities, fine restaurants, atmospheric pubs, room service and conference rooms for meetings, seminars and social gatherings. As with most accommodation choices in the park, room rates vary according to the season.
The Prince of Wales Hotel sits high atop its own hill at the north of the village and is one of the area's most venerated choices of stays. Built in 1927 by wealthy industrialist Louis Hill of the Great Northern Railway, the hotel is one of Waterton's most photographed attractions. The hotel overlooks attractive Emerald Bay, popular with scuba divers who submerge in search of the remains of an old paddle wheeler named “Gertrude.” Steeply pitched roofs and gabled windows denote an Alpine feel, wrap-around balconies offer 360-degree views, and all 88 rooms are decorated with wainscoting of rich woods, over-stuffed chairs and down duvets. A favourite feature for guests and a respectful nod toward the Commonwealth, bathrooms are equipped with European-style footed tubs and high tea is served every day from 2 to 5 pm.
Located right in the village, Kilmorey Lodge is one of Waterton's premiere buildings, and began receiving guests from around the world as soon as construction completed in the 1920s. The proprietors have carefully amassed a collection of antiques and memorabilia from the past 80 years of business, on display throughout the hotel. Rooms have sloped and beamed ceilings and are individually decorated in the light, refreshing style of a country cottage. Cushy couches in the library demand to be snuggled in and several books are available to borrow and peruse.
South down Mountainview Road is Crandell Mountain Lodge, where paneled windows with wooden frames accent the building's facade, and comfortable quilts cover the beds in the rooms, most of which have their own cosy fireplace. A street-level patio is perfect for people-watching, and evokes a truly European feel. Waterton Glacier Suites and Waterton Lakes Lodge share full-service conference facilities, able to cater to 250 people for conventions, seminars or, their specialty, weddings.
As a special treat for those planning a first, or even second, honeymoon, the Bayshore Inn has suites with huge, heart-shaped jet baths.
Hostels
Hostels offer low-cost accommodations suitable for backpackers and those who are satisfied with just the necessities. Rooms range from dormitories sleeping any number of bodies to private singles. For those who are on their own, hostels are generally a great way to meet other travellers, and the social atmosphere convinces many to become fast friends.
Hostelling International (HI) is an international travel company that endorses thousands of hostels worldwide. The Waterton HI is modern and handsomely designed, with a wooden facade and an attractive setting that makes these digs hardly seem “budget” at all—until it's time to pay the bill. Guests have use of a large indoor pool, fitness facilities and the welcoming pub. Reservations are recommended.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds can vary drastically from one another in terms of convenience, amenities and location. Some are located on picturesque plots of land and require a short hike to be accessed, while others are seconds from major access routes. Some offer water and electricity for those with camper trailers and RVs, while others only accommodate tents. Research is recommended, and reservations are often required during peak travel seasons.
In the village, the Waterton Townsite Campground has a huge number of spots for campers to temporarily make their home. Two hundred and thirty-six lots are open seasonally, and amenities include tap water, flush toilets, showers, sewage disposal and electricity. Open fires are absolutely prohibited in the parched park, which has seen constant periods of drought throughout its 10,000 years of existence. Campgrounds outside the park are more likely to allow fires, but also demand due care and diligence.
ACCOMMODATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE PARK
Bed and Breakfasts
For personal surroundings and a more intimate experience, bed and breakfasts are always a popular choice. Generally, B&Bs are family-run and located in a private home, allowing for the personal tastes and personalities of the owners to shine through. Bed and breakfasts always include, of course, a hearty breakfast.
Shintangle Spring Bed and Breakfast is located on Highway 6, just a short drive from Waterton Village. Four rooms house two, three or four guests, with the Cottonwood Room having disabled access. Rocky Ridge Country Resort is found on Highway 5, and is a large and modern home with huge windows offering breathtaking views of the mountains.
Lodges
Lodges are conducive for group activities and retreats. They are usually located in fairly remote areas.
The Northland Lodge dates to 1929, when Louis Hill, already known for designing the Prince of Wales hotel, built the house as his personal abode. Located away from the village, the lodge is family-owned and features a wide veranda offering unparalleled views of the mountains. Eight rooms are individually decorated with a lean towards the fashion and function of the early 20th century.
Campgrounds
Waterton Springs Campground is located on the edge of Waterton Lakes on Highway 6, and is well-equipped with more than 60 full-service sites and 73 tenting sites all set on 31 hectares (77 acres) of Alberta's most beautiful protected lands. The campground has a bountiful number of services, including several high-powered showers, a laundry, a convenience store, Internet access, playgrounds and a common room for trading stories about adventures in the park.
There's something for everyone at Waterton, and the trip need not break the bank, as several lodges, bed and breakfasts, hotels and hostels located in and out of the park offer a range of accommodations to suit the needs of everyone. During winter, guests may often take advantage of reduced rates.
THE VILLAGE
The Village of Waterton is easily walkable, and is reached by bus or by private vehicle via Highway 5 from Lethbridge, Highway 6 from Pincher Creek and Highway 2 to Highway 5 from Calgary. Located in the heart of the park on the shores of Upper Waterton Lake, the deepest lake in the Rockies, the village has every convenience those on outdoor excursions may need, whether it be an arduous journey lasting several days or a pleasant stroll of a few hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS INSIDE THE PARK
Hotels and Conference Facilities
Hotels are usually thoughtfully located and are equipped with a number of amenities, including parking, spa and fitness facilities, fine restaurants, atmospheric pubs, room service and conference rooms for meetings, seminars and social gatherings. As with most accommodation choices in the park, room rates vary according to the season.
The Prince of Wales Hotel sits high atop its own hill at the north of the village and is one of the area's most venerated choices of stays. Built in 1927 by wealthy industrialist Louis Hill of the Great Northern Railway, the hotel is one of Waterton's most photographed attractions. The hotel overlooks attractive Emerald Bay, popular with scuba divers who submerge in search of the remains of an old paddle wheeler named “Gertrude.” Steeply pitched roofs and gabled windows denote an Alpine feel, wrap-around balconies offer 360-degree views, and all 88 rooms are decorated with wainscoting of rich woods, over-stuffed chairs and down duvets. A favourite feature for guests and a respectful nod toward the Commonwealth, bathrooms are equipped with European-style footed tubs and high tea is served every day from 2 to 5 pm.
Located right in the village, Kilmorey Lodge is one of Waterton's premiere buildings, and began receiving guests from around the world as soon as construction completed in the 1920s. The proprietors have carefully amassed a collection of antiques and memorabilia from the past 80 years of business, on display throughout the hotel. Rooms have sloped and beamed ceilings and are individually decorated in the light, refreshing style of a country cottage. Cushy couches in the library demand to be snuggled in and several books are available to borrow and peruse.
South down Mountainview Road is Crandell Mountain Lodge, where paneled windows with wooden frames accent the building's facade, and comfortable quilts cover the beds in the rooms, most of which have their own cosy fireplace. A street-level patio is perfect for people-watching, and evokes a truly European feel. Waterton Glacier Suites and Waterton Lakes Lodge share full-service conference facilities, able to cater to 250 people for conventions, seminars or, their specialty, weddings.
As a special treat for those planning a first, or even second, honeymoon, the Bayshore Inn has suites with huge, heart-shaped jet baths.
Hostels
Hostels offer low-cost accommodations suitable for backpackers and those who are satisfied with just the necessities. Rooms range from dormitories sleeping any number of bodies to private singles. For those who are on their own, hostels are generally a great way to meet other travellers, and the social atmosphere convinces many to become fast friends.
Hostelling International (HI) is an international travel company that endorses thousands of hostels worldwide. The Waterton HI is modern and handsomely designed, with a wooden facade and an attractive setting that makes these digs hardly seem “budget” at all—until it's time to pay the bill. Guests have use of a large indoor pool, fitness facilities and the welcoming pub. Reservations are recommended.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds can vary drastically from one another in terms of convenience, amenities and location. Some are located on picturesque plots of land and require a short hike to be accessed, while others are seconds from major access routes. Some offer water and electricity for those with camper trailers and RVs, while others only accommodate tents. Research is recommended, and reservations are often required during peak travel seasons.
In the village, the Waterton Townsite Campground has a huge number of spots for campers to temporarily make their home. Two hundred and thirty-six lots are open seasonally, and amenities include tap water, flush toilets, showers, sewage disposal and electricity. Open fires are absolutely prohibited in the parched park, which has seen constant periods of drought throughout its 10,000 years of existence. Campgrounds outside the park are more likely to allow fires, but also demand due care and diligence.
ACCOMMODATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE PARK
Bed and Breakfasts
For personal surroundings and a more intimate experience, bed and breakfasts are always a popular choice. Generally, B&Bs are family-run and located in a private home, allowing for the personal tastes and personalities of the owners to shine through. Bed and breakfasts always include, of course, a hearty breakfast.
Shintangle Spring Bed and Breakfast is located on Highway 6, just a short drive from Waterton Village. Four rooms house two, three or four guests, with the Cottonwood Room having disabled access. Rocky Ridge Country Resort is found on Highway 5, and is a large and modern home with huge windows offering breathtaking views of the mountains.
Lodges
Lodges are conducive for group activities and retreats. They are usually located in fairly remote areas.
The Northland Lodge dates to 1929, when Louis Hill, already known for designing the Prince of Wales hotel, built the house as his personal abode. Located away from the village, the lodge is family-owned and features a wide veranda offering unparalleled views of the mountains. Eight rooms are individually decorated with a lean towards the fashion and function of the early 20th century.
Campgrounds
Waterton Springs Campground is located on the edge of Waterton Lakes on Highway 6, and is well-equipped with more than 60 full-service sites and 73 tenting sites all set on 31 hectares (77 acres) of Alberta's most beautiful protected lands. The campground has a bountiful number of services, including several high-powered showers, a laundry, a convenience store, Internet access, playgrounds and a common room for trading stories about adventures in the park.
Health Club Access
Waterton Inn
In-room Jacuzzis
B&B Accommodation
Centrally Located
