Getting to Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park sits in AB, Canada, with Cardston the nearest town of any size — about 48 km (29.8 mi) out, or roughly 1 hr 3 min of driving.
Drive times from Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park sits close enough to Glacier National Park, Kootenay National Park, Banff National Park, and Yoho National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Glacier National Park | 33.6 km (20.9 mi) | 48 min |
| Kootenay National Park | 254 km (158 mi) | 4 hr 11 min |
| Banff National Park | 310 km (193 mi) | 5 hr |
| Yoho National Park | 318 km (198 mi) | 5 hr 8 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cardston | 48 km (29.8 mi) | 1 hr 3 min |
| Pincher Creek | 48.2 km (30 mi) | 1 hr 4 min |
| Blairmore | 71.7 km (44.5 mi) | 1 hr 29 min |
| Coleman | 77.4 km (48.1 mi) | 1 hr 35 min |
| Fort Macleod | 82.5 km (51.3 mi) | 1 hr 40 min |
| Magrath | 86.5 km (53.8 mi) | 1 hr 43 min |
| Raymond | 102 km (63.6 mi) | 1 hr 57 min |
| Lethbridge | 108 km (66.9 mi) | 2 hr 2 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Waterton Lakes National Park?
Cardston, about 48 km (29.8 mi) away — roughly 1 hr 3 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Waterton Lakes National Park?
The practical bases are Cardston, Pincher Creek, and Blairmore — all within a reasonable drive of the park.