Waterton Accommodation Guide

The Prince of Wales Hotel Looks Out Over the Glacier-Fed Waterton Lake From Its Expansive Grounds.1

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, all the while taking in the pristine surroundings. A diverse ecology not found anywhere else in Canada, the park encompasses the warmest area of Alberta, and protects a rare chain of clear lakes created by melting glaciers from high atop the Rocky Mountains.

	A View From Inside the Prince of Wales Hotel.2

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 the Waterton lakes, canyons, waterfalls and mountains. Seemingly boundless, it's easy to disappear into the wilderness for days without seeing another person for the duration. Instead, moose, bighorn sheep, several species of deer, elk and bears are commonly sighted, and spring is the optimum time for spotting mothers with their brand-new offspring, who wobble endearingly on unsure legs while introducing themselves to the park. 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. Tenting only lots are also available for the more traditional, and guided tours help everyone get the most possible from their Waterton experience.

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. A year-round vacation destination, during the winter guests may often take advantage of reduced rates. In the information below, WorldWeb.com offers tips and details on places to stay in Waterton, as well as vacancy rates and easy, online booking options.

USEFUL ACCOMMODATION LINKS FOR WATERTON

• Waterton Accommodation Directory
• Waterton Interactive Map
  

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. Once entering the park, visitors are asked to leave behind absolutely no evidence of their excursions, meaning all refuse must be carried out, and to do their best to maintain the park's present condition. Even a wayward tromp off the trails could decimate an entire tiny ecosystem. Part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, Waterton Lakes was designated for a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979 and a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Because Waterton Lakes is a national park, protected by the federal government, there are strict regulations against permanent residences, and absolutely none of the land will ever be sold to a private buyer. Developments lease the land, and are regulated by building codes and firm guidelines set forth by the government. Because of this, some accommodations are located outside of the park, but are within an easy drive or walking distance to the hiking paths.

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 outside the north of the village, and is one of the area's most venerated choice 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 the attractive Emerald Bay, popular with scuba divers who submerge in search of the remains of an old paddle wheeler named “Gertrude”, which dates to the early 1900s and rests at about 20 m (66 ft) deep. 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 respectul nod towards 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.

	The Honeymoon Suite of the Bayshore Inn.3

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. Three smaller meeting rooms serve the needs of more intimate gatherings.

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 and fitness facilities, and the welcoming pub has seen many a spirited discussion and good-humoured argument. 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, and must not have more than 20 rooms.

	Shintangle Spring Bed and Breakfast.4

Shintangle Spring Bed & 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. Also on Highway 6 is the Storey Brook Farm Bed & Breakfast, a working farm with plenty of space to wander and discover the inner-workings of raising crops and livestock. Rocky Ridge Country Resort and Mountain View Inn are both found on Highway 5, and are large and modern homes with huge windows offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Rocky Ridge features a sauna, hot tub and billiards room, and Mountain View's chandeliered entrance is almost as impressive as the surrounding scenery.

Lodges
Lodges are individual buildings constructed for the purpose of housing several people at one time, and are conducive for group activities and retreats. They are usually located in fairly remote areas, and must not reach more than three storeys in height.

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.

	One of Waterton Springs Campground's Many Lots.5

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.