6 Best Hotels in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Right in town and on the shores of Waterton Lake, this inn has a lot going for it: lovely views, the only on-site spa in Waterton, multiple dining options, and easy access to many services. Most rooms are standard motel-style units with one or two beds. Lakefront rooms have great water and mountain views, which can be seen from a private deck.

On the shores of Lake McDonald, near Apgar and West Glacier, this historic lodge—where public spaces feature massive timbers, stone fireplaces, and animal trophies—is an ideal base for exploring the park's western side. Scenic cruises depart from docks behind the lodge, or you can rent a boat and tour the lake on your own. Lodge rooms are on the second and third floors (there is no elevator); cabins sleep up to four but don't have kitchens; and there are also motel-style rooms separate from the lodge, four deluxe suites, and eight inexpensive hostel-style rooms with shared bathrooms. Some suites have TVs, but other accommodations do not. Very limited Wi-Fi is available for overnight guests in the front desk and lobby area. Four rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

On Swiftcurrent Lake in the park's northeastern section, this is the most isolated of the grand hotels, and—especially if you are able to book a lake-view balcony room—among the most scenic. The rooms, partially renovated in recent years, are small and sparsely decorated, but the location and views are unbeatable. On chilly mornings, guests gather around the lobby's large fireplace. There are several wonderful hikes in this area, including ranger-guided ones to Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake. You can combine the hikes with a scenic boat tour to substantially decrease the hiking distance.

A high steeple crowns this iconic, 1920s hotel, which is fantastically ornamented with eaves, balconies, and turrets; is perched between two lakes with a high-mountain backdrop; and has a lobby where two-story windows capture the views. Even if you don't choose to stay in the hotel, you should stop by to take a picture on the bluff behind it, visit the well-stocked gift shop, or enjoy afternoon tea, which is served in the lobby daily. Expect creaks and rattles at night—the old hotel is exposed to rough winds. Rooms are small and are priced high for their size, but you'll want to check this place off your bucket list. Guests can also enjoy evening storytelling in the lobby or go on a guided tour of the property.

Listen to waves gently lap the shores of beautiful Lake McDonald at this motel, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was fully renovated in recent years, so all its rooms have Wi-Fi, new beds, and furnishings that fit with the historic style. Some rooms, including one ADA family room, have kitchenettes, and there are family units that sleep up to six people. A restaurant, bar, and coffee shop are nearby.

In the heart of the townsite, this all-suite property is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and the dock on beautiful Waterton Lake. Rooms come in several different configurations and have microwaves, mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with cable, and fireplaces. Some rooms have loft suites, patios or balconies, and jetted tubs. The property is open year-round and rates drop dramatically in the off-season. Look for package specials during the quieter fall, winter, and spring seasons. There is a nice Italian restaurant right on the property that is open for lunch and dinner.