Waterton Lakes National Park Information
For Waterton Lakes National Park information, in the heart of the Waterton townsite is the WATERTON LAKES VISITOR CENTRE (403/859-5133, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily). This is a modern facility (opened in 2022) with Indigenous displays, floor-to-ceiling murals, outdoor art, and a garden of native species. It also provides general information on Waterton Lakes National Park, sells fishing licenses, issues backcountry camping permits, and sells Waterton Lakes National Park maps. The Parks Canada website is here. For general tourist information, the WATERTON LAKES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE website provides plenty of current information and links to accommodations.
Waterton Lakes National Park Books
For books about Waterton Lakes National Park, TAMARACK OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS (214 Mount View Rd., 403/859-2378, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily May to Oct.) has a section devoted to books and maps, with field and recreation guides dominating, including the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, which is the best hiking guidebook for Waterton Lakes National Park, and Gem Trek’s Waterton Lakes National Park Map.
Waterton Lakes National Park Services
The numerous tourist-oriented gift shops along Waterton Avenue are worth browsing through when the weather isn’t cooperating. TAMARACK OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS (Mount View Rd., 403/859-2378, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily May to Oct.) is a five-generation-old family business that stocks a little of everything. Here you’ll find a good range of outdoor clothing and equipment, fishing tackle, books and maps, and picnic supplies.
The post office is beside the fire station on Fountain Avenue. A laundry at 111 Waterton Avenue is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre.
Waterton Lakes National Park Pass
Permits are required for entry into Waterton Lakes National Park. A DAY PASS is adult $10.50, senior $9, to a maximum of $21 per vehicle. It is interchangeable between national parks and is valid until 4 pm the day following its purchase.
An annual DISCOVERY PASS, good for entry into national parks and national historic sites across Canada, is adult $73, senior $62, to a maximum of $146 per vehicle.
Passes can be bought at the park’s main entry point along Entrance Road and online at the Parks Canada website.