Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park

Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a transboundary protected area that links Glacier National Park in Montana (U.S.) with Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta (Canada). The parks were combined as an international peace park in 1932 and protect contiguous ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

The landscape includes high mountain peaks, glaciers, alpine valleys, and freshwater lakes. Key visitor assets include extensive hiking trails, abundant wildlife such as bears and mountain goats, and major scenic routes including the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park on the U.S. side was established in 1910 and Waterton Lakes National Park on the Canadian side was established in 1895; the two parks were formally linked as the Peace Park in 1932. Management is coordinated between Parks Canada and the U.S. National Park Service.

The Peace Park straddles the international boundary between northwestern Montana and southern Alberta in the Rocky Mountains. The closest visitor communities are the Waterton townsite on the Canadian side and the gateway towns on the U.S. side that provide trailheads and access into Glacier.

• International peace park: The park is an international transboundary protected area established by Canada and the United States in 1932 to link their adjacent national parks.
• Border crossing: Border formalities apply when crossing between the Canadian and U.S. sections by road or trail, so carry proper travel documents.

What to See #

• Glacier National Park (U.S.): The U.S. portion designated as Glacier National Park protects high Rocky Mountain landscapes, alpine peaks, glaciers and the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road that crosses the park.
• Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada): The Canadian portion designated as Waterton Lakes National Park protects foothills and lake landscapes around the Waterton townsite and adjacent mountain valleys.
• Going-to-the-Sun Road: A major scenic mountain road that traverses Glacier National Park; it is a primary visitor route and is typically open seasonally in summer.
• Waterton townsite: Small lakeside settlement that serves as the main visitor hub on the Canadian side, with boat tours and trailheads into the park.