10 fall experiences in Waterton Lakes National Park

Go for a scenic drive along the Akamina Parkway. The parkway is a winding mountain road following the Cameron Valley to Cameron Lake, and includes the First Oil Well in Western Canada National Historic Site and access to some great fall hiking experiences. Lineham Trail is a popular fall hike. It is a moderate out-and-back trail (8.4 km return) through forests and meadows to the 250-metre high Lineham Falls waterfall.

Calling all photography enthusiasts! Fall is an excellent time for wildlife photography in Waterton Lakes National Park. Bring your telephoto lens and capture some prize-winning shots! Fall is the mating season for the hoofed animals of the park which means there are some excellent photo opportunities. Many different migratory birds make a stop here in Waterton Lakes National Park this time in the year. Treat all wildlife with respect, give them the space they deserve. Early and late in the day is usually the best time for photography and nature watching. Give wildlife plenty of space.

Tour the Bison Paddock Loop Road before it closes for the winter. When viewing the bison, remember they are wild animals. The best way to stay safe is to remain in your vehicle and drive slowly. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are not permitted on the Bison Paddock Loop Road.

Waterton Lakes National Park has some great opportunities for a fall bike ride. Cycle the Kootenai Brown Trail, a paved pathway that provides a link from the townsite to facilities in the Waterton Valley. It offers breathtaking views and rest spots along the way. Head up the Red Rock Parkway and enjoy the scenery (the road is closed to motor vehicles October 31 to May 1). If you make it to Red Rock Canyon (14.1 km), carry on to the Snowshoe Trail, once a fire road and suitable for cycling. Chief Mountain Highway is another good fall cycling route. Enjoy the road while it is quiet - and before the snow flies!

Get away from the city lights and spend some time under the stars of the Waterton-Glacier International Dark Sky Park. Cozy up as the sun goes down and watch the night sky appear. See the Milky Way, planets and maybe even a meteor or two! Cameron Bay, the Bison Paddock Overlook and along the Red Rock Parkway are all popular stargazing destinations.

Autumn is mating season for elk. Watch these ungulates congregate on the Blakiston Fan and listen for their bugling to attract cows (females). Males can be aggressive during fall mating season so watch from a safe distance (30 metres, or 3 bus lengths, away). Elk are one of the many animal species that move about freely with in the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, crossing back and forth over the Canada-USA boundary, as well as onto lands outside the park.

What better way to spend a fall day than to get outside and take a hike in Waterton Lakes National Park? Fall brings crisp, refreshing air, changing colours, quieter trails and no mosquitos - perfect for hiking! During autumn, Waterton’s larch and aspen groves turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold. Horseshoe and Wishbone are also popular trails for fall hiking.

Is there any fall feature as fantastic as fall foliage? The western larch (Larix occidentalis) turn their beautiful shade of golden yellow each fall, and the Rowe-Tamarack trail is a great place to spot them. Visit Upper Rowe Lake (moderate difficulty, 12.8 km return) for one of the best larch-viewing locations in Waterton Lakes.

Stroll around the community and enjoy a picnic at one of the camp kitchens or day use areas. Snap a photo at any of the red chairs locations and enjoy fall in the Rocky Mountains. Explore the Peace Park Plaza near the marina, celebrating the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park World Heritage Site. Take a break from the elements and discover the Visitor Centre, and attend an interpretive program!

Canoe, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals are typically available until Thanksgiving weekend (weather dependent). Get out on the water and explore Emerald Bay or Middle Waterton Lake.

New in 2024: Non-motorized watercraft from outside the park are prohibited from entering waterbodies in Waterton Lakes National Park.