Waterton Lakes National Park is expected to be busy this long weekend. Photo by Pamela Roth

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Parks Canada is preparing visitors to expect Waterton Lakes National Park to be busy this long weekend.

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The August long weekend is usually the busiest weekend of the year in the southwest Alberta national park, located about 220 kilometres south of Calgary.

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Parks Canada suggests visitors to Waterton Lakes National Park arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. “to beat the crowds,” with parking at popular spots full by 11 a.m.

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“It’s wise to have a backup plan if your original destination’s parking lot is full,” said Parks Canada.

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Parks Canada advises visitors place all garbage in bear-proof bins and “keep a close eye” on their picnic table.

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“Food and garbage attractants put both wildlife and visitors at risk,” it says. 

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As Waterton is a popular place, Parks Canada also advises people to book camping spots and accommodations in advance.

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Last August, Waterton had roughly 141,000 visitors, an increase of 9.9 per cent from August 2024.

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The Canada Strong Pass, which gives visitors free admission to places run by Parks Canada, was offered last summer and is again in place this summer.

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Parks Canada said it saw an increase of 13 per cent in visitation last summer to its sites when the Canada Strong Pass was in place. 

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Waterton Park Chamber of Commerce president Shameer Suleman said Friday Waterton has become popular due it being smaller and less overpopulated than other Alberta national parks.

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“People who want the experience of untouched, natural beauty of the Rockies, Waterton is the natural choice,” he said, adding the town site offers a small-town feel, with local businesses operated by owners who have been there for generations.

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While Waterton will be busy this long weekend, businesses are prepared, and Parks Canada has a plan and controls the gate well, said Suleman.

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The chamber of commerce has emphasized to Parks Canada the importance of ensuring visitors are educated about things such as where to throw garbage away and how to treat trails, he said.

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“Know that if the wind picks up, you have to chase those napkins down. Little things like that make a big difference,” said Suleman.

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The heat could deter some visitors from coming on Saturday, he said, when the temperature is forecast to climb to 34 C, before cooling off on Sunday and Monday. Environment Canada issued an air quality warning Friday for Waterton due to wildfire smoke coming from British Columbia. 

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Gas prices could also deter some visitors, said Suleman.

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