Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Nature Reserve

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.

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Waterton Glacier International Peace Park essentials

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About Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Summer
June-August · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Warm days and full road access; peak visitation and best time for lake activities.
Late spring/early autumn
May & September · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Fewer crowds and good wildlife viewing; some facilities may have reduced hours.

Weather & Climate near Waterton Glacier International Peace Park

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-37°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -14° - -3° -15° 67 mm overcast 95% 4.5 m/s 0.1 low 8.6h
February Poor -11° - 0° -12° 57 mm partly cloudy 95% 4.1 m/s 0.3 low 10.0h
March Poor -8° - 3° -7° 70 mm overcast 91% 4.3 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.7h
April Poor -4° - 8° -2° 74 mm overcast 84% 4.2 m/s 1.0 high 13.5h
May Acceptable 1° - 13° 4° 100 mm partly cloudy 76% 4.1 m/s 1.4 high 15.0h
June Good 4° - 18° 11° 103 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.8 m/s 1.8 very high 15.8h
July Excellent 7° - 23° 15° 62 mm some cloud 67% 3.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 15.5h
August Excellent 7° - 23° 15° 56 mm some cloud 63% 3.3 m/s 1.6 very high 14.1h
September Very Good 3° - 18° 10° 69 mm partly cloudy 67% 3.5 m/s 1.0 moderate 12.4h
October Acceptable -1° - 11° 2° 87 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.1 m/s 0.5 low 10.7h
November Poor -6° - 2° -7° 91 mm overcast 89% 4.4 m/s 0.2 low 9.1h
December Poor -11° - -1° -12° 62 mm overcast 95% 4.5 m/s 0.1 low 8.2h
Getting There & Around

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.