Waterton National Park is one of the most beautiful sights in Canada and well worth a trip. However, after deciding you’re going to spend time there and doing a quick search, you’ve likely seen that there aren’t a crazy number of hotels to choose from. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a few gems.
The Best Hotels in Waterton
Prince of Wales Hotel
- Book on Booking.com: Prince Of Wales Hotel
- Book on Expedia: Prince of Wales Hotel
- Review: Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton
If you are wondering where to stay in Waterton, then look at the rates here first. The Prince of Wales Hotel is easily the most famous place to stay in Waterton, if not all of the Canadian Rockies. It’s at the top of this list of hotels in the park, as it’s truly a special place to stay. If you can get score a room here without booking months in advance, consider yourself lucky!
This National Historic Site of Canada has 86 rooms and is a great place to base yourself as you explore Waterton National Park. It’s where we try to stay every time we visit. With a great location right above Upper Waterton Lakes looking over the town of Waterton and a two-minute walk away from the start of the Bears Hump hike, this property is gold.
Bonus: By staying here, you are actually staying in a piece of history. Rooms and interiors take you back to the early 1900s but still provide modern amenities and comforts like fast WiFi and comfortable beds. They have a great restaurant and bar attached, and every night, spooky ghost stories from the hotel’s early days are shared.
Rocky Ridge Country Lodge
- Book on Booking.com: Rocky Ridge Country Lodge
Rocky Ridge is a charming B&B a 15-minute drive from Waterton. If you don’t need to be directly in the park and prefer a quiet setting where you can watch the stars at night, this country-style lodge may be for you.
The cabins here are immaculate and have all the amenities you could need, including free Wi-Fi in every unit. There’s also an outdoor hot tub and a sitting area in most rooms and cottages. Guests remark on how friendly the owners are and that they are absolutely fantastic hosts. If you really want an authentic experience at one of the few still family-run places, don’t hesitate to book this B&B.
Waterton Glacier Suites
- Book on Booking.com: Waterton Glacier Suites
- Book on Expedia: Waterton Glacier Suites
Located right in the heart of Downtown Waterton is one of the best hotels in the park. Waterton Glacier Suites is right next to the Waterton Lakes Golf Course and next to the Shoreline Cruise departure center, making it one of the best Waterton hotels if you hope to tackle the Crypt Lake Trail.
All the suites here have a fireplace and balcony, which is perfect if you spend some winter time in Waterton. There are three different room types here, perfect for couples, up to larger groups and families. Since this hotel is so centrally located, you are just minutes away from some of the best things to do in Waterton. Cameron Falls, for instance, is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Bayshore Inn & Spa
- Book on Booking.com: Bayshore Inn
- Book on Expedia: Bayshore Inn
The Bayshore Inn is the sister property to Glacier Suites; however, what sets this hotel apart from the others is that it is beachfront and provides direct access to Upper Waterton Lake.
Attached to the property is a Starbucks, Serenity spa, and one of the best restaurants in Waterton – The Lakeside Chophouse. The Bayshore Inn is one of the only pet-friendly hotels in Waterton, which is great so you can explore hikes like Bear’s Hump with your furry friend.
Northland Lodge
- Book on Booking.com: Northland Lodge
- Book on Hotels.com: Northland Lodge
Located a bit outside of downtown Waterton is this lovely lodge. This quaint B&B is locally run and has several different rooms to suit everyone. Set back in the forest, guests are treated to amazing views of the natural setting.
Local berries and jam are served up in the morning before guests head out to tackle trails like the Crypt Lake Trail. There is also a common lodge to chat with others and recant the day exploring the park. Waterton Lakefront is just 15 minutes away, just step outside and take a romantic stroll into town whenever you feel like it!
Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
- Book on Booking.com: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
- Book on Hotels.com: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
If you want to see one of the Waterton Park National Park hotels that gives you access to a kitchen so you can cook your own meals, consider looking at Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort. Though you may not want to cook as this small property is right next to some of the best dining in Waterton—including Weiners of Waterton, which, despite its name, is a must-visit!
Vimy’s Lounge & Grill is a lively bar nearby with flat-screen TVs if you want to watch a sporting event after a day out. When done for the day, there is also an indoor heated pool and hot tub to enjoy. Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort is well-suited for groups and is pet-friendly and wheelchair accessible. During the winter in Waterton, you can rent snowshoes and cross-country skis directly from the property.
Things to do in Waterton National Park
There are so many things to do in Waterton, especially in the summer. So before you lay your head down at one of these hotels, make sure to get up to something amazing! Some of our favorite things to do are:
- Have High Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel: If you are looking for a refined experience, you have to try afternoon tea at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel.
- Bike the Red Rock Canyon Parkway: For the active adventurer, the Red Rock Canyon Parkway is 9 km of rolling hills, mountains, and grassland prairie with plenty of pull-off points.
- Have a Picnic on Waterton Lakes: No matter what, you have to enjoy Waterton Lakes to some extent.
Our Favorite Things to do in Waterton National Park in Alberta
Where to Eat in Waterton National Park
- Wieners of Waterton: Small shop that dishes up amazing sweet potato fries and gourmet hot dogs with homemade sauces.
- The Taco Bar: Inexpensive and basic taco shop. Great for a quick bite!
- The Thirsty Bear:Â A hip bar that has live music and happy hour specials.
- Lakeside Chophouse: Fancy restaurant with lakeside seating. Perhaps the most expensive in Waterton, but great for a special occasion.
- Royal Stewart Dining Room at the Prince of Wales Hotel: Step back into history at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This is another place to have a memorable dinner on a special occasion.
Truth be told, the Town of Waterton is rather small and there aren’t a ton of hotels, but out of all them, these are the best. Enjoy your stay in Waterton!
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Tours (New in 2024): The Banff Blog is partnering with one of the leading tour companies in Western Canada so readers can experience the magic of the Rockies with other travelers – without having to think about a thing. See all our 2024 tour offerings here!
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. Or embark on an epic campervan trip. We like to compare prices on Motorhome Republic and Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals!
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!
↓ Join the community ↓
The Banff Blog Facebook Group is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.
