On all but one of my visits to Waterton Lakes National Park I have stayed overnight. The park is a three-hour drive from Calgary and while it’s possible to visit and do one of the great hikes in Waterton on a day trip, it’s a whole lot more fun and relaxing to spend a night or two.
I’ve stayed at four of the properties described below and I’ve eaten and enjoyed high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. I’ve also returned to Waterton many times over the years, most recently in 2026, so I’ve been able to see how some of the accommodation options have changed in town.
In this blog I’ve focused on the hotels, lodges, and motels that I’d consider for my own visit, rather than listing every option that there is in Waterton. I’ve included relevant firsthand experience where I have it, along with what I think are important things to know before you book – with price, dog-friendly options, and whether the properties are open in winter as examples.
If you are planning a trip to Waterton, check out my guide to the best things to do in Waterton for ideas on hikes, scenic drives, and other activities like stargazing to add to your stay.
This post includes affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website.
View of the Prince of Wales Hotel (left of middle), Kilmorey Lodge (grey roof near bottom right), and Bayshore Inn (red roof, middle on water) from top of Bear’s Hump
Location Map of Places to Stay in Waterton
Most accommodation in Waterton is clustered in the small townsite, so you can walk to restaurants, the lake and many of the local attractions from many of the hotels shown on the map.
Places to Stay in Waterton At a Glance
ACCOMMODATIONTYPEWINTER?MY TAKEPrince of Wales HotelHistoric hotelNoBest for history and iconic Waterton viewsBayshore Inn & SpaHotelNoGreat central lakeside locationKilmorey LodgeHotelYesLake views and modern roomsWaterton Glacier SuitesSuitesYesModern rooms with spaceWaterton Lakes Lodge ResortLodge-resortYesGood for families and groupsBear Mountain MotelMotelNoSimple and comfortableNorthland Lodge B&BNoQuieter, smaller, friendlyTownsite CampgroundCampgroundWeather dependentBest budget option
Where to Stay in Waterton Village
Bayshore Inn & Spa
Location: On the waterfront in Waterton Village
Price range: Higher – $500+ per night
Dogs: Yes, in five designated pet-friendly rooms
Open in winter: No. Closed from just after Thanksgiving weekend to the first full week of May every year.
I’ve stayed here: Yes
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here again if: I wanted a comfortable hotel in a great central location with easy access to the lake, restaurants, and shops.
In 2026 I stayed at the Bayshore Inn & Spa with my daughter and granddaughters. We all loved the location because we could walk out a screen door and be on the lakeshore in less than a minute. I also liked the fact the kids could spread out on the grass colouring while I read a book on the porch.
The hotel is a short and easy walk to restaurants and shops – with an onsite restaurant overlooking the lake. You’re within walking distance of everything including the marina, the Visitor’s Centre and ice cream shops.
I found that the bed was comfortable, though there was nothing fancy about the room, especially considering it was over $500 a night in high season. It was quiet – and for what we needed for just two days – it was a good choice.
My granddaughters outside our room at Bayshore Inn & Spa
Our room was very clean at the Bayshore Inn & Spa
Waterton Glacier Suites Hotel
Location: In the heart of the Waterton Townsite, within east walking distance of the lake, restaurants, and shops
Price range: Very affordable in low season starting at around $149 a night. Come high season, rates climb to $500-$639 a night plus tax.
Dogs: No
Open in winter: Yes
I’ve stayed here: Yes
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here if: I wanted more space and liked having a suite rather than a standard hotel room.
If you prefer more space than what a typical hotel room offers, then you’ll enjoy the roominess of one of their suites. All come with a fireplace and balcony or patio. Kitchens are kitted out with a microwave, mini-fridge and Nespresso machine.
For those of you traveling with a family, the two-level loft suite would be ideal. That’s what John and I stayed in when we came for a weekend of hiking in Waterton. Also offered are romantic suites with a soaker tub and vaulted ceilings, and one-bedroom suites where the living room and bedroom are separate.
Next door is Red Rock Trattoria – a top-rated Italian restaurant. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of other restaurants and the lake. If you don’t need to be on the lake, it’s an excellent choice.
Waterton Glacier Suites offers spacious rooms with either a patio or deck
Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort
Location: Close to the Visitor Centre
Price range: Higher – $500+ in high season plus taxes
Dogs: Yes, in certain rooms only.
Open in winter: Yes
I’ve stayed here: Yes
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here if: I wanted a spacious, self-contained option with more room than a standard hotel and didn’t need to be right on the lake.
Even though the hotel looks a little worn on the outside, inside was comfortable and the staff were friendly when I spent a night here many years ago in winter. Going forward, I’d choose a more modern hotel, but I do appreciate its central location.
Northland Lodge
Location: In a residential area a half block from Cameron Falls and a 5-minute walk to downtown
Price range: Low to mid-range, with rates as low as $180–$200 in off-peak times and up to $420 per night in high season
Dogs: No
Open in winter: No
I’ve stayed here: Yes
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates knowing there is a 2-night minimum – though breakfast is included.
I’d stay here again if: I wanted a quieter, more intimate place to stay with character and didn’t need all the amenities of a larger hotel.
Northland Lodge is a unique, historic place to stay. Rooms are smaller than what you might be used to, and they aren’t fancy but you can count on them being clean. Enjoy great views from the upstairs rooms. What I really like about the place is the common area in the living and dining rooms. Not only do you enjoy fresh-baked muffins every morning, but you get a chance to mingle and chat with other travelers.
Pretty deck with a view at Northland Lodge
Bear Mountain Motel
Location: Across the street from the lake and a block from stores and restaurants
Price range: $195-$290 + tax in peak season
Dogs: Yes, in all 33 rooms except for the Deluxe Suite B
Open in winter: No. Open mid-May through early-October
I’ve stayed here: No but would with our dog
Check current rates and availability: Check directly with the motel for rates and availability
I’d stay here if: I wanted one of the more affordable places to stay right in the Waterton townsite and planned to spend most of my time hiking and exploring rather than hanging out at the hotel.
While I haven’t stayed here, I did chat at length with one of the longtime staff members. He told me that more than 50% of guests are returning guests, with many from Europe. He said the rooms aren’t large, but they are clean and comfortable. The motel has a friendly, laid-back vibe.
There is always free coffee available and free loaner bear spray. Hugh also told me he is very good at sizing his guests up and making the perfect hiking recommendation for them. If you don’t need fancy, and especially if you have a dog, this motel would be a great choice.
The Bear Mountain Motel – a classic 1950’s style property
The outside of the Bear Mountain Motel
Kilmorey Lodge
Location: On the shore of Emerald Bay located at the three-way stop at the bottom of the hill as you enter the Waterton townsite
Price range: Higher – $600 and up in the summer with taxes
Dogs: No
Open in winter: Yes, and the Ram’s Head Pub usually stays open too.
I’ve stayed here: No, but I would love to.
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here if: I wanted somewhere with fresh rooms, character, a central location, and a good dining option right at the property.
Kilmorey Lodge was fully booked when we visited Waterton in August 2026, but it’s a hotel I’d happily stay in. I love its location close to the water, the fact it has an onsite restaurant, and the look of the rooms. The lodge was rebuilt after a fire in 2009, so the rooms are more upscale and modern compared to many in town. The lake-facing decks and balconies also offer very good views.
The rooms at Kilmorey Lodge facing the lake
Prince of Wales Hotel
Location: On a bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake with incredible views
Price range: Variable. In low season rooms range from $195-$270 per night (+ taxes) and up to $530 per night (+ taxes) in high season.
Dogs: No
Open in winter: No. Opens around May 10 until late September.
I’ve stayed here: No, but I’ve eaten here many times and enjoyed afternoon tea
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here if: I wanted the quintessential historic Waterton experience with simple, rustic rooms.
Book a stay here if you love history and want to stay in one of Canada’s most iconic railway hotels with superlative lake and mountain views. The hotel, one of Canada’s National Historic Sites, opened in 1927. Almost 100 years later, guests continue to be wowed by the views from the lakefront rooms and massive windows seen from the lobby.
While I haven’t stayed overnight, I’ve always enjoyed the ambiance when visiting for meals and afternoon tea – which the public can book. The rooms themselves are older and smaller, but from online reviews, guests especially love the level of service provided.
What a view from the Prince of Wales Hotel
The Prince of Wales Hotel is one of the iconic sites in Waterton Lakes National Park
Where to Camp in Waterton Lakes National Park
Townsite Campground
Location: In town near Cameron Falls.
Operating dates: May 1 – October 12, 2026 (weather permitting)
Reservations available: May 8 through September 21, 2026
Number of sites: 246 with a mix of accessible, unserviced walk-in for tents, unserviced tent with onsite parking, electric only, and full service with sewer hook-ups
Check-in: After 2 PM and check-out before 11 AM
Offseason and winter camping: Use of the Townsite Campground during offseason is strictly weather-dependent. The campground is not accessible if there is a lot of snow. Electrical only and unserviced sites are available. There are no washrooms, showers or kiosk services in the campground during offseason.
The Townsite Campground near Upper Waterton Lake lake is a good choice if you’re looking for affordable accommodation in town. It’s a busy campground and there is almost no shade, though the lake with its big trees is close by. You can reserve online beginning Wednesday, January 21, 2026 or call Parks Canada at 1-877-737-3783.
View of the Townsite Campground from the top of Bear’s Hump (large light-coloured open area middle right near the lake)
The Townsite Campground is just a few minutes’ walk from this rocky beach on Upper Waterton Lake
Belly River Campground
Location: On Chief Mountain Highway, 26 km from the Waterton townsite
Open: Mid-May to early-September on a first-come, first-served basis
Number of sites: 24 primitive, unserviced sites with outhouses and no potable water
If you want to visit Waterton, especially at the last minute on a busy summer weekend, this campground may be one of your only options. It’s a ways out of town, but on the plus side, you can explore a quieter part of the national park, and the price is reasonable – just $22 per night.
Places to Stay Outside Waterton Lakes National Park
Twin Butte Silos
Location: Along Highway 6, about a 15-minute drive from the gates of Waterton Lakes National Park
Price range: Range from about $600 – $760 + taxes for two nights, the minimum length of stay
Dogs: No
Open in winter: Yes
I’ve stayed here: No
Check current rates and availability: See availability for your dates
I’d stay here if: I wanted peace and quiet and a unique experience staying in an aesthetically-pleasing space with big Rocky Mountain views and cows wandering by.
Located 15 minutes outside of the park, Twin Butte Silos are a trio of unique repurposed grain bins located on a working cattle ranch with unobstructed Rocky Mountain views.
Inside the bins are a loft bedroom, a kitchen with a full-sized fridge, hot plate, and microwave, a bathroom with a full shower, and a living area than can accommodate up to four guests. While I have never stayed here, I would love to for the sense of space, night skies, and beautiful interiors.
Twin Buttes Silos located 15 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Waterton
Book early for summer. Waterton is a small destination, and the best accommodation can fill well ahead of the summer season. If you want to camp in town, plan to be online 15 minutes before reservations open sometime in January. Parks Canada posts the reservation dates in December.
Consider where you want to stay. A stay in Watertown townsite allows you to easily access restaurants, shops, the lake, and even some trails. But prices are generally much higher in town. If you want to stretch your dollars, look for accommodation outside the park. Check out some of the options on VRBO and Airbnb.
Pay close attention to the location. Before you make a reservation, confirm on a map that you are booking accommodation in an area you want to be in. Some accommodation may be outside of the village or even the park.
Check the fine print of the cancellation policy. There are usually cut-off dates to cancel – and to get a refund. Know what they are before committing.
Parking: Check ahead of time to confirm that your accommodation offers onsite parking.
Do you need a kitchen? A kitchenette or fridge are handy additions, especially if you have a longer stay planned or you are heading off early on a hike. In summer, it’s especially nice to have cold drinks available in your room.
What is open at the Waterton Townsite when you visit? Waterton is seasonal, so it’s very quiet before the May long weekend and after Canadian Thanksgiving. You can only purchase gas during the summer months at Pat’s Waterton and most restaurants are closed in winter.
What kind of accommodation experience suits you best? Do you prefer a campground, a historic lodge, a lakeside hotel, a dog-friendly motel, a suite, or a B&B situation? Your answer will narrow your options considerably.
More Places to Stay in Alberta
Places to Stay in the Canadian Rockies – A curated guide to memorable lodges, cabins, and unique stays that make exploring the Canadian Rockies even more unforgettable.
world-class bear watching in a remote, pristine coastal wilderness.
10 Places You’ll Want to go Glamping in Alberta – Discover Alberta’s best glamping spots where you can enjoy nature in comfort, from luxury tents to cozy domes and wilderness retreats.
10 Backcountry Lodges in the Canadian Rockies -Discover off-grid experiences at helicopter or ski-in lodges in beautiful mountain settings.
The Glamping Experience at Mount Engadine Lodge – An unforgettable stay at Mount Engadine Lodge in Kananaskis Country, combining backcountry-style adventure with glamping cabins, gourmet meals, and mountain views.
A Guide to Banff’s Bow Valley Parkway – A complete guide to exploring Bow Valley Parkway, from where to stay, wildlife sightings and scenic stops to the best hikes, viewpoints, and cycling opportunities.
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
The post Where to Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park: Best Hotels, Lodges & Campgrounds appeared first on Hike Bike Travel.