6 Best Restaurants in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Everything is local, fresh and made from scratch at this coffee shop in downtown Pincher Creek. Soups are made fresh daily and sandwiches are prepared to order. There are a variety of fresh baked goods made daily and the coffee is fresh ground and locally sourced.

Grab a window seat or a spot on the patio to enjoy the spectacular view from Waterton's only lakefront restaurant. This is the place in the park for a steak dinner—locally produced Alberta beef plays a starring role on the globally inspired menu. The petite filet mignon with garlic butter, the bison rib eye with chimichurri sauce, and the peppercorn New York strip are all good bets, but so are the Mumbai butter chicken, teriyaki-glazed salmon, and Asian-style stir-fried vegetables. There are also several vegetarian options, and pasta dishes can be made gluten free for an extra charge. The wild Saskatoon berry pie is a great local choice for dessert.

At the edge of Castle Provincial Park, this place has a funky deli and bakery with hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and an impressive coffee and tea menu. The store also sells ice cream and fresh baked goods and you can pick up food, liquor, camping, and fishing supplies in the mercantile. Gas and diesel is also available.

Enjoy continental-Canadian cuisine before a dazzling view of Waterton Lake in the dining room of this century-old, hilltop chalet high above the Waterton Valley, where there's a fine selection of wines to pair with your meal. To sample locally cured meets and artisanal cheeses, start with the charcuterie board, then select from main courses that include grilled bangers and mash, pan-seared trout, and Alberta Angus beef. For something lighter, head to the lobby for British high tea featuring finger sandwiches, chocolate-dipped fruit, scones, and other pastries—all accompanied by live piano music.

Next door to Weiners, this spot specializes in Belgium Liège waffles, made with yeast dough and pearl sugar that caramelizes on the surface; it also has some of the best coffee in town. These indulgent treats are served with whipped cream and juicy berries or smothered in Nutella and sliced bananas. There are also some savory buttermilk waffles on the menu like ham and Swiss cheese, caprese, and even grilled cheese. Waffles are made from scratch daily and they're great with coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa. The restaurant also serves soft ice cream and frozen yogurt. There are no tables inside, but there are picnic tables right outside the front door.

This little coffee shop is attached to the Waterton Lakes Opera House and is a great spot to grab a nibble and re-caffeinate. Excellent breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and hearty lunch sandwiches can be picked up before heading out on a hike. A wide variety of coffees---from your basic cup of joe to fancy options like caramel macchiato and Vietnamese---are on offer. There are also a variety of teas, cold drinks, baked goods, and snacks on the menu.