Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre

A trip to Waterton Lakes National Park isn’t complete without a stop at the new Parks Canada Visitor Centre.

Connect with our staff to help plan your visit and have the best possible experience while here.

The visitor centre is open year-round and offers maps, brochures, permits, backcountry reservations, up-to-date park information, weather, trail, avalanche and road reports, interpretive exhibits and events.

There is ample parking on site, including RV parking and multiple electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces.

Don’t miss the centre’s many interpretive areas experiences, either! These can be found both inside the centre and on the centre’s grounds.

On-site experiences

Outside

Explore the area

Take a stroll around the visitor centre. The centre’s landscaping features plant species native to the area. View statues of local wildlife and learn animal names in English, French and Blackfoot. Visit the Crown of the Continent interactive area and discover where waters flow from the Continental Divide. Brush up on your history and plan your day with interesting and informative maps and displays. You can even explore a miniature version of Red Rock Canyon before visiting the real thing. The plaza is designed as a shelter from Waterton’s (in)famous wind, and is a great place to explore before hitting the trails.

More day use areas

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Inside

 

Visitor information

The visitor centre is your one stop shop for information and education. Stop by and say hello to our knowledgeable staff. They specialize in planning safe and enjoyable experiences with up to date information and recommendations for every age and ability.

Plan your visit 

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Interpretation

Interpretive experiences

Interactive exhibits inside the centre invite you to learn about all the species and places that define Waterton Lakes. Step inside the thirteen moons exhibit to discover their significance to the Blackfoot people. Visit the Night Life Theatre for a glimpse of the nocturnal wildlife and starry skies that await you during Waterton Lakes’ magical evenings. Connect with Parks Canada interpreters at their next theatre show, or join the team for outdoor chats around the fire pit.

Interpretive programs 

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Indigenous interpretive experiences

Designed as a place of meeting, the centre highlights Blackfoot culture, with songs, stories and translations woven throughout the exhibits.

You’re also invited to visit the Blackfoot Cultural Centre, located one block south of the Parks Canada Visitor Centre. You’ll find even more Blackfoot culture to explore here.

Waterton Lakes National Park lies within traditional and sacred Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) territory. Parks Canada Agency and Indigenous partners work closely together to ensure the centre reflects Blackfoot history, traditions, culture and connection to Paahtomahksikimi (the Sacred Lake within the Mountains).

Accessibility services

The Parks Canada Visitor Centre is designed to be inclusive and accessible.

• The centre’s grounds are accessible to all ages and abilities
• Wheelchair-friendly, single-stall washrooms with braille signage
• Information services available in English and French

Design and Construction

This project is one of the most significant investments in visitor facilities in Waterton Lakes National Park in the past 50 years. The visitor centre also has Dark-Sky friendly lighting, supporting the park’s recently attained International Dark Sky Association designation. Visit the design and construction page to learn more about how this centre came to be.

LEED® Silver certification

The Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre is LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified. The LEED® rating system recognizes building designs prioritizing the environment and wellbeing of future occupants.

Constructed with sustainability in mind, the visitor centre is designed with responsibly sourced materials. One-third of the site area is restored with native and adaptive vegetation. Restoring natural areas encourages biodiversity and provides suitable habitat for wildlife and plants.

The visitor centre uses high efficiency, low flow plumbing features, collects rainwater for use in the building and benefits from natural daylight to reduce the need for electric lighting and connects visitors with the outdoors.