Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Nature Reserve Transboundary Canada–US park protecting glaciers and wildlife
A cross-border park linking Alberta’s Waterton Lakes and Montana’s Glacier National Park; visitors come for alpine hikes, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife viewing and scenic drives along the Continental Divide.
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park is a transboundary protected area linking parks on the Alberta, Canada and Montana, USA border. It was created in 1932 when the two national parks were joined as an international peace park.
The landscape comprises rugged mountains, alpine meadows, freshwater lakes and remnants of glaciers. There are extensive hiking routes, scenic drives and opportunities to see large mammals and montane birdlife.
The Peace Park was established by arrangement between the governments of Canada and the United States in 1932 to promote cross-border conservation and friendship. The site brought together existing national parks on each side of the international boundary.
The park straddles the international border between southwestern Alberta and northwestern Montana, adjoining Waterton Lakes National Park on the Canadian side and Glacier National Park on the U.S. side.
- Border crossing: The Peace Park spans the Canada-United States border; crossing between the two national parks requires compliance with international border controls.
What to See #
- Waterton Lakes National Park: The Canadian side national park that forms the north part of the Peace Park, centred on lakes, montane forests and a small park townsite.
- Glacier National Park (Montana): The U.S. national park forming the south part of the Peace Park, noted for alpine valleys, glaciers and the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road.
How to Get to Waterton Glacier International Peace Park #
Waterton Lakes is about a 3.5-4 hour drive south of Calgary, Alberta (follow Highway 2 and then Highway 3/22). Glacier National Park (Montana) can be reached from Kalispell or by driving US‑2 or US‑89 depending on the crossing. Border crossings and some backcountry gates are seasonal-check Parks Canada and the US National Park Service for current access and trail conditions.
Tips for Visiting Waterton Glacier International Peace Park #
- If crossing from Waterton Lakes (Alberta) into Glacier (Montana), carry passports and check seasonal road closures-Some entrances are closed in winter.
- Take the Red Rock Canyon hike for a short but dramatic view into the international boundary and the two parks' different geologies.
- Book campsites or lodging well in advance for summer; Waterton's small tourist infrastructure fills quickly.
Best Time to Visit Waterton Glacier International Peace Park #
Summer months are best for full access and activities; late spring and early autumn are quieter with good wildlife and hiking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Waterton Glacier International Peace Park #
Waterton Glacier International Peace Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (898 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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