Winter recreation opportunities await visitors to Waterton

While spring and summer can draw large crowds, winter is also a great time to visit Waterton Lakes National Park. Akamina Parkway is now open to vehicles following reconstruction after the 2017 Kenow Wildfire, restoring access to winter activities like wildlife viewing, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing (both cross country and touring), it was noted in a press release from the park.

Planning ahead is critical to ensure the best possible experience and ensure you monitor the avalanche forecast, weather forecast and road reports before your arrival.

The Waterton Lakes National Park website offers the latest information on what’s open, activities to enjoy and tips on how to stay safe this winter.

Visitors should prepare for winter driving conditions and check 511 Alberta for the latest conditions and closures. Visitors are reminded to fuel up en route as there are no gas stations open in the park.

The visitor centre on Fountain Avenue will be open seven days a week for information and park pass sales.

Akamina Parkway is open to vehicles up to Little Prairie Day Use Area, providing access to one of the park’s most popular winter recreation areas, Cameron Lake.

Parks Canada will be setting cross-country skiing tracks between Little Prairie and Cameron Lake as conditions allow.

Snowshoeing and ski touring are also popular activities in the area. This portion of the parkway should be treated as a backcountry terrain. Akamina Parkway will be plowed as necessary and morning closures are expected to give snowplows the space to operate safely. 511 Alberta is the best place to check current parkway status.

Visitor safety is a top priority for Parks Canada and backcountry travel always comes with inherent risks.

Backcountry travellers are responsible for their own decisions and safety and Parks Canada will issue Avalanche Bulletins for Waterton Lakes twice a week throughout the winter.

Visitors travelling in avalanche terrain need essential equipment — such as a transceiver, probe, and shovel — and know how to use it, in addition to the training and skills required to recognize avalanche terrain and conditions and to conduct companion rescue.

Access to national parks and national historic sites allows people to be together, get fresh air and exercise while also following the guidance of public health experts while attempting to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

Visitors are encouraged to wear a non-medical mask or face covering in all Parks Canada facilities.

This includes washrooms.