Waterton Lakes National Park – 3-Day Hidden Gem Itinerary

🏞️ Waterton Lakes National Park – 3-Day Hidden Gem Itinerary 📍 Location: Southern Alberta (4hrs from Calgary) 🌟 Why Visit? A quieter, wilder alternative to Banff—with glacier lakes, bison herds, and red-rock canyons. --- 🚗 Day 1: Edmonton → Pincher Creek ✔ Stop 1: Calgary pitstop – Lunch at Silver City (Cantonese comfort food). ✔ Stop 2: Lundbreck Falls – Thunderous mini-waterfall (free photo op!). ✔ Stay: Pincher Creek hotels (e.g., Travelodge). --- 🌅 Day 2: Waterton’s Iconic Sights Morning: ✔ Bison Paddock – Drive-through wildlife viewing (🦬 herds guaranteed). ✔ Waterton Lake – Mirror-like waters + Prince of Wales Hotel backdrop. Afternoon: 🌭 Lunch: Wieners of Waterton – Legendary hot dogs with mountain views. 🚴 Bike Rental: Surrey bikes from Pat’s Gas & Cycle ($30/hr). 🚢 Boat Cruise: Shoreline Cruise (2pm slot) – Spot the US border! 🥾 Optional Hike: Bear’s Hump (2.8km roundtrip) – Sunset panorama. Evening: 🍽️ Dinner: Lakeside Chophouse (reserve ahead!) – Alberta steaks + lake views. 🛏️ Stay: Waterton village lakefront cabins (e.g., Waterton Glacier Suites). --- 🏜️ Day 3: Canyons & Waterfalls Morning: ✔ Prince of Wales Hotel – Gothic castle vibes (free to explore lobby). ✔ Cameron Falls – Easy walk from town, striped rock formations. Afternoon: 🍔 Lunch: Zum’s Eatery – Hearty burgers + poutine. ✔ Red Rock Canyon – Drive + short walk to rust-hued cliffs (wade in the creek!). --- ⚠️ Pro Tips 🚙 Gas Up: Last station is in Pincher Creek. 🐻 Bear Safety: Carry spray (rentals in town). 🎫 Park Pass: $10.50/day or free with Discovery Pass. --- 🏆 Why Waterton? "Banff’s beauty, none of the crowds. Where bison outnumber tourists, and every trail feels undiscovered." #HiddenAlberta #GlacierViews #RoadTripCanada