COVID-19 and your visit to Waterton Lakes National Park

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

Important information about your visit to Waterton Lakes National Park

As Canadians do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19, it has been important to have access to national parks and national historic sites where people can get fresh air and exercise while also following the guidance of public health experts. Parks Canada is working hard to ensure a safe, clean, healthy and enjoyable experience and is making every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Information on what is open in Waterton Lakes National Park, what services, activities and facilities are available, what visitors can expect, and how to prepare for a visit is listed in the sections below. This is an evolving situation and information will be updated regularly.

For more information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada Coronavirus disease page and the Alberta Health Services Coronavirus disease page .

What’s open (updated July 1, 2021)
Park gate
  • Staffed hours of service may vary. Entrance fees are in effect
Parks Canada visitor centre
  • Our visitor centre is currently operating as an information kiosk
  • Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, for enquiries by telephone and email, and limited in-person services
  • Located on Fountain Avenue in Waterton townsite

Telephone: 403-859-5133
Email: pc.watertoninfo.pc@canada.ca

Public washroom facilities
  • In Waterton townsite, the Fire Hall, Marina, Community Kitchen, Cameron Bay and Cameron Falls washrooms are open.
  • Primitive toilets are available at most Day use areas
Roads
  • Entrance Road
  • Red Rock Parkway
  • Akamina Parkway
  • Chief Mountain Highway to the gate at Belly River bridge
  • Bison Paddock Overlook to Bellevue / Horseshoe trailhead
  • Bison Paddock Loop Road

Check 511 Alberta for the latest road conditions and closures.

Day use/picnic areas
Hiking and trails
  • Most trails in the park are open
  • For a list of trails and trail descriptions, visit our Hiking section
  • For current trail conditions, visit our Trail Conditions page
  • For closures unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Important Bulletins page
  • Backcountry travel always comes with inherent risks. Backcountry travellers are responsible for their own decisions and safety

Map: Map of hiking trails

Commercial activities
What’s closed (updated July 31, 2021)
Roads
  • Chief Mountain Highway at the Belly River bridge

Check 511 Alberta for the latest road conditions and closures.

Day use/picnic areas
  • Little Prairie (parking available, facilities closed)
  • McNeely's (closed due to wildfire damage)
  • Coppermine Creek (closed for construction)
  • Hay Barn (parking available, facilities closed)
  • Knight's Lake (closed for construction)
Hiking and trails
  • The Lakeshore and Boundary Creek trails are closed at the United States border
  • The bridge at Lower Bertha Falls is not in service
Fishing
  • All waters at Waterton Lakes National Park are closed for fishing from November 1, 2020 to May 15, 2021
Camping during COVID-19

Open campgrounds

  • A backcountry permit is required for winter camping in the backcountry in Waterton Lakes National Park. Call the visitor centre for more information: 403-859-5133
  • Sites are available for the Townsite Campground by first come, first serve self-registration.
  • Washroom and shower facilities are available in loops E, G and H. Washrooms and showers in loops A and B are currently closed.
Your safety when visiting

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Parks Canada is putting appropriate measures in place to help Canadians stay safe, and visitors are expected to follow the recommendations of public health officials.

  • All visitors must wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at Waterton Lakes National Park. An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public, e.g. public washrooms and picnic shelters.
  • Please be aware that mandatory public health measures remain in place across the province of Alberta. See COVID-19 info for Albertans for more information on how this may impact your visit.
  • Bring your own hand sanitizer. A reusable mask is recommended for areas where physical distance cannot be maintained. Outdoor surfaces like picnic tables and hand railings are not being regularly cleaned. Practice good hygiene like regular handwashing.
  • Items like disposable gloves and disinfectant wipes can be helpful, but please ensure these are being disposed of properly. More than ever, Parks Canada requires your help to keep trails and facilities free of garbage.
  • Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
  • Stick to all travel advisories and area closures.

Stay informed

For more information about Parks Canada, visit: