Southern Rockies | Canada's Alberta

Uncover one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. An absence of crowds in the Southern Rockies makes the views, experiences and journeys that much more special. Take your time to connect with nature and enjoy the sights—there’s nobody else in line.

At a glance

Southwest Alberta
Key City: Waterton
279 km (173 mi) drive from Calgary International Airport
Southern Rockies Webcam
Waterton Tourism

Women on the boat of a Shoreline Cruise at Waterton Lake

Picturesque viewpoints

Scenery in the Southern Rockies is unlike anywhere else. Capture photos without strangers competing for the best angle, picnic among the peaks or simply sit in awe of the beauty before you.

Road of wonders

Crowsnest Highway runs through this region, boasting views of rolling green hills and mountain summits. Along the smooth, curvy road, visit waterfalls, historic sites and rubble from Canada’s biggest rockslide.

Two-wheel travels

Whether e-biking or mountain biking, here you can journey down 50 km (31 mi) of single and multi-track trails. The Southern Rockies’ intricate, high-quality network will thrill bikers of every skill level.

Roaming wildlife

Bison, bears and many other animals meander across the plains and ridges of the region. As you hike through the Rockies or paddle down Oldman River, keep an eye out for fauna.

Bordering Montana and British Columbia, the Southern Rockies offer adventure, history and wildlife.

Family walking through a field with windmills at sunset in Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area near Pincher Creek.

At Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area, spirits big and small can feel free beneath skies stretching beyond.

Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park with Canadian Rocky mountains landscape behind it. — Transport yourself to the 1920s in the historic Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton.

Women touching large boulder at Frank Slide. — Frank Slide Interpretive Centre overlooks Canada’s deadliest rockslide.

Person with feet in the water skipping rocks into lake in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Be curious. Rambunctious. Wild. There’s room for bold energies in the Southern Rockies.

Featured attractions

Guest with wearing headlamps on a mine tour.

Bellevue Mines

Venture 32 m (105 ft) below the surface on an authentic coal mine tour and walk in a miner’s footsteps. You’ll feel miles away from modern times with a helmet and headlamp upon your shoulders.

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Waterton Lakes Golf Course

Spend a day golfing on the Waterton Lakes course. With the Canadian Rockies as your backdrop and post-game patio beers at the clubhouse, you’ll be teed up for a great day.

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A guide stands by a telescope and other stargazing equipment in a field with mountains in the background.

Dark Sky Guides Ltd.

Within an official International Dark Sky Park, tour guides lend you quality stargazing equipment and tell stories of the skies. You can see stars, the Milky Way galaxy and, with some luck, the northern lights.

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Castle Mountain Ski Hill and Resort

In winter, it’s a snowy haven for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, it’s a camping and hiking mecca. The entire family can join in on events, good food and great company all year round.

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A group of friends enjoy dinner after a day of skiing at Castle Mountain Resort.

Bistros, breweries, elevated bars. Community markets, lakeside chophouses, corner cafés. The cuisine of this southern region can satisfy any appetite.

Discover places to eat

Couple on a two-seater tandem peddle bike driving down street in Waterton Lakes National Park.

There’s no need to rush here. Take your time through mellow streets and treat yourself to something sweet.

Key towns

Get a deeper understanding of the Southern Rockies by resting, eating and exploring its towns. No matter where you are, the mountains stand guard.

Waterton

The town of Waterton is a perfect basecamp when exploring this region. Wildflowers, winter activities, hikes and more are always nearby.

Pincher Creek

From a pioneer village to the thundering Lundbreck Falls and hiking trails, this little town sparks big curiosity and excitement.

Bellevue

Founded in 1905 and facing fires, mine closures and even a train robbery in the early days, Bellevue has evolved into a bustling village with festivals and events.

Blairmore

Visit the oldest permanent settlement in Crowsnest Pass and stroll through yesterday. The main street holds much of its original architecture from the 1920s.