Waterton's Wild Beauty: A Hidden Gem in the Rockies

3 Reviews5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Calgary, Canada

Loading Options

12 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

What sets our Waterton Lakes National Park tour apart is its unique blend of adventure, history, and local expertise. We offer a personalized experience that immerses you in the park’s natural beauty while sharing in-depth knowledge of its history, wildlife, and plants. From the pre-historic Okotoks Erratic to the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, we visit carefully selected landmarks and hidden gems that highlight the area's best.

Our small group sizes ensure you get a personalized experience with insights you won’t find on other tours—whether it's about the region’s ranching history or the unique flora and fauna. Plus, we’ll visit the park’s newest attraction: the inflatable Dome Planetarium, an unforgettable journey through the cosmos.

Reach out to us directly, and we'll be happy to discuss how we can customize your tour to fit your preferences. Feel free to contact us by phone or email for more details on how you can enjoy special savings on this tour.

What's Included

  • Educational facts about the natural surroundings, plants, and wildlife in Waterton.
  • Local knowledge: Understand how glaciers shaped the landscape 10,000 years ago
  • Boat Tour: The $50 value of the 1-hour scenic boat cruise is included in the tour price.
    See 6 more

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    Let us know where you are staying in Calgary and anywhere south of the city and we will pick you up.

    Start Time • 07:00 AM

    What To Expect

    Okotoks

    Stop 1: Okotoks Erratic – A Prehistoric Introduction Start your day with a visit to the Okotoks Erratic, one of Canada’s most impressive glacial features. This massive boulder, weighing an estimated 16,000 tons, was transported by glaciers during the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. As you approach the erratic, you’ll be struck by its sheer size and the incredible history that it represents—this rock traveled more than 100 kilometers from its origin in the Rocky Mountains. Standing next to this geological marvel, you’ll feel a deep connection to the land’s ancient past. There’s a small interpretive center nearby where you can learn more about the erratic's significance and the area's glacial history before heading on your way.
    Read more

    45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Cowboy Trail (Pass By)

    Stop 2: Scenic Drive Down the Cowboy Trail After getting your fill of ancient history, hop in the car and head down the Cowboy Trail, a scenic drive that winds through the breathtaking foothills of the Rockies. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of an old Western as towering peaks rise against the sky, while wide-open grasslands stretch out around you. This route is famous for its dramatic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife sightings—keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, and the occasional pronghorn antelope roaming across the fields. The trail also offers plenty of picturesque pullouts where you can stop, stretch your legs, and soak in the views. It’s the perfect way to get your first taste of the wild beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park.
    Read more

    Cowboy Trail

    Stop 3: Bison Viewing and Wildlife Encounters As you continue along the Cowboy Trail, the bison herds of Waterton will begin to make their appearance. These majestic creatures, with their shaggy coats and massive frames, are often spotted grazing peacefully on the park's vast plains. Take time to pull over and observe them—this is one of the best places in Canada to view bison in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might also spot black bears, red foxes, or mule deer. Wildlife sightings are one of the highlights of Waterton, and you’ll likely have the chance to see some of the most iconic species of the
    Read more

    20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stop 4: Prince of Wales Hotel – Historical Charm with a View Next, head to one of the most iconic landmarks in Waterton: the Prince of Wales Hotel. Perched high on a hill overlooking Waterton Lake, this historic hotel, built in 1927, offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Its British-inspired architecture adds to the charm of the park, making it one of the most photographed spots in the area. Take a leisurely stroll around the hotel grounds and enjoy the incredible vistas. You can also head inside for a snack or a drink in the dining room, where you’ll find a cozy atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake below.
    Read more

    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stop 5: Bertha Falls Hike – A Hidden Gem After taking in the wildlife, it’s time to stretch your legs on a hike to Bertha Falls. This 2.8-mile (4.5 km) trail takes you through lush forests and offers stunning views of towering peaks as you make your way to the waterfall. The trail is shaded and relatively moderate, with the sounds of rustling leaves and rushing water providing a peaceful soundtrack. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of water tumbling over rocks into a serene pool below. The sight and sound of the falls, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, is a perfect moment to pause and take it all in.
    Read more

    2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stop 6: The Red Rocks of Waterton – A Natural Wonder After soaking in the historical beauty of the Prince of Wales Hotel, it’s time to visit one of Waterton’s most unique natural features: the Red Rocks Canyon. The canyon, with its vibrant red rock formations, is a geological marvel that dates back millions of years. The red cliffs and the turquoise waters of the creek below create an almost otherworldly scene, making it one of the most scenic spots in the park. A short trail takes you through the canyon and along the creek, offering plenty of opportunities for photos. This stunning location is also a great spot for a brief dip in the cool water, a refreshing way to cool off on a warm day.
    Read more

    1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stop 7: Historic Walking Tour & Lunch in Waterton Townsite After exploring the natural wonders, head into Waterton Townsite, the park's small but charming town center. This area is full of local cafés, restaurants, and shops, all with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Grab a bite at one of the town’s cozy bistros or eateries, where you can enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients. After lunch, take a leisurely self-guided historic walking tour to learn more about the area’s early settlers, the development of the park, and its rich Indigenous history. You’ll pass by historic buildings, some of which date back to the 1920s, and gain a deeper appreciation for the park’s cultural significance.
    Read more

    1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    Stop 8: Waterton Lake Boat Cruise – The Grand Finale To cap off your day, hop aboard a Waterton Lake Boat Cruise. The boat cruise is the perfect way to experience the grandeur of the park’s landscapes from a different perspective. As the boat glides across the crystal-clear waters of Upper Waterton Lake, you’ll be treated to views of towering cliffs, lush forests, and waterfalls. The calm waters are also home to a variety of wildlife, and you may catch a glimpse of otters, birds, or even the occasional beaver. The cruise is a relaxing way to take in the scenery and reflect on the day’s adventures.
    Read more

    1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

    Waterton Lakes National Park

    As part of the tour, we’ll visit the inflatable Dome Planetarium—an unforgettable experience that takes you on a journey through the cosmos! Please note, this attraction is subject to availability, and we will offer a suitable alternative or compensation if it's unavailable.
    Read more

    30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Show 7 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operated by a business

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We’re here to help.
    Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

    Activity code: C-404619P12

    Reviews

    5.00
    3 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    3
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Similar Tours & Activities

    Winter Tour Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Icewalk from Calgary

    Winter Tour Grassi Lake and Grotto Canyon Icewalk from Calgary

    1
     6 to 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    US$127.72

    Waterton Lakes National Park | Private Exclusive Tour

    Waterton Lakes National Park | Private Exclusive Tour

     8 to 11 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    US$265

    Banff and Jasper 2 Days Breathtaking Tour

    Banff and Jasper 2 Days Breathtaking Tour

    1
     2 days  Free Cancellation
    from
    US$403.12

    Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

    Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour from Calgary/Banff/Canmore
    Likely to Sell Out

    Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour from Calgary/Banff/Canmore

     8 to 10 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    US$99.89

    3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary
    Likely to Sell Out

    3-Hour Tips Based Walking Tour of Calgary

     3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    US$5

    Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour

    Explore Banff National Park with Our Premium Day Tour

     10 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
    from
    US$114.16