Day use and picnic areas
Waterton Lakes National Park
There are a number of excellent picnicking and day use areas within Waterton Lakes National Park.
In wintertime, access may not be maintained to all locations. Day use areas may be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. Red Rock Parkway is open for winter recreation, but closed to vehicles.
All day use areas are equipped with picnic tables. Most have washroom facilities, a water source nearby (boil before use) and some type of shelter with wood stove.
Fires are only allowed where designated. Metal fire pits or barbeques are available. Firewood is not provided.
Day use area map
Map locations
| Name | Description | Icon | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Bay |
2 shelters w/stoves, 4 picnic tables, flush toilets |
 |
Picnic area |
| Cameron lake |
1 shelter, 6 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Cameron Falls |
4 picnic tables, flush toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Coppermine |
1 shelter w/fire box, 11 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Community Kitchen |
3 picnic tables outside, 1 shelter with 2 fireplaces, 1 stove and picnic tables, flush toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Driftwood |
2 picnic tables |
|
Picnic area |
| Emerald Bay |
1 shelter w/stove, 16 picnic tables (3 wheelchair accessible), flush toilets, 3 water taps |
|
Picnic area |
| Hay Barn |
9 picnic tables, 2 fire pits, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Knight’s Lake |
1 shelter, 13 picnic tables, 3 fire pits, 1 fire box, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Lakeshore |
1 shelter w/stove, 2 picnic tables (in shelter), flush toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Linnet Lake |
2 picnic tables, flush toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Little Prairie |
1 shelter w/stove, 12 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Lost Horse Creek |
1 shelter with stove, 4 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Lower Red Rock |
1 shelter with stove, 3 picnic tables (in shelter) |
|
Picnic area |
| Maskinonge |
1 shelter, 13 picnic tables, 2 stoves, 2 fire boxes, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| McNeely’s |
1 shelter w/stove, 6 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Pass Creek |
1 shelter with wood stove, 8 picnic tables (6 sites), 6 fire pits, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
| Upper Red Rock |
8 picnic tables, dry toilets |
|
Picnic area |
Things to keep in mind
- Day use areas are open from 7 am to 11 pm
- Alcohol is not allowed at day use areas
- Potable water is available at the village fire hall
- Picnic shelters/kitchens cannot be reserved
- Smoking is not permitted in picnic shelters/kitchens
- Fires are only allowed where designated, metal fire pits or fire boxes are available. Firewood is not provided
- Camping is not allowed at day use areas (unless otherwise stated)
- Picnic shelters/kitchens in Townsite Campground are for use by registered campers only
- Day use areas should be kept clean at all times. Pack out what you take in
- To prevent wildlife incidents, store all food, garbage and scented items in a vehicle or a bear proof storage container when not in use. Never feed wild animals
- Check the weather and plan accordingly
- Consider using reusable items instead of plastic cups, cutlery and plates, to cut down on waste
A day use space which can accommodate a moderate group.
- Parking: Paved, accessible parking
- Fire type: 2 stoves
- Shelter: 2 shelters
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A large day use space with interpretive exhibits, and access to trailheads.
- Parking: Paved, accessible parking, bus and RV parking.
- Shelter: 1 shelter
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A scenic view of a waterfall within the Waterton townsite.
- Parking: Paved, accessible parking
- Shelter: 4 picnic tables
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A small day use area looking towards Blakiston Creek.
- Parking: Paved, accessible parking
- Fire type: 1 fire box
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 11 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A large shelter situated in the Waterton townsite near the waterfront.
- Parking: Paved, accessible parking
- Fire type: 2 fireplaces, 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter with picnic tables, 3 picnic tables outside
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A beach area on the North shore of Middle Waterton Lake.
- Parking:Gravel parking
- Shelter:2 picnic tables
A day use area near the Marina on the North shore of Upper Waterton Lake.
- Parking: Paved parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter with 16 picnic tables (3 wheelchair accessible), 3 water taps
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A forested day use area along the Waterton River.
- Parking: Accessible parking
- Fire type: 2 fire pits
- Shelter: 9 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A day use area on the North shore of Lower Waterton Lake.
- Parking: Accessible parking
- Fire type: 3 fire pits, 1 fire box
- Shelter: 13 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A day use area in the Waterton townsite on the shore of Upper Waterton Lake.
- Parking: No designated parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 2 picnic tables (in shelter)
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A lakeshore day use area just outside of Waterton townsite.
- Parking: Accessible parking
- Shelter: 2 picnic tables
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A Day use area along Akamina Parkway, beside Cameron Creek.
- Parking: Accessible parking, bus and RV parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 12 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A Creekside day use area along Red Rock Parkway.
- Parking: Gravel parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 12 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
The day use area at the lower section of Red Rock Canyon.
- Parking: Accessible parking, bus and RV parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 3 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A riverside day use area in a quieter place of the park near the main entrance.
- Parking: Unmarked parking
- Fire type: 2 stoves
- Shelter: 2 shelters, 4 picnic tables
- Toilet: Flush toilets
A Creekside day use area along Akamina parkway.
- Parking: Gravel parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 6 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
A popular day use area at the beginning of Red Rock Parkway.
- Parking: Gravel parking
- Fire type: 1 wood stove, 6 fire pits
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 8 picnic tables (6 sites)
- Toilet: Dry toilets
The day use area at the upper section of Red Rock Canyon.
- Parking: Accessible parking, bus and RV parking
- Fire type: 1 stove
- Shelter: 1 shelter, 11 picnic tables
- Toilet: Dry toilets
- Date modified :