Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre

The Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre is now open and ready to welcome visitors.

Waterton Lakes National Park is where steep mountains abruptly meet wind-swept prairie, distinct ecosystems intersect, diverse animals and plants mix, and people come together.

The new visitor centre has been designed to meet the present and future needs of Waterton Lakes National Park. It features an outdoor walking garden with interpretive displays and a large, open public plaza to serve as a gathering place that can be enjoyed by visitors and local residents. There is public parking on site, and inclusive, accessible washrooms. The visitor centre is easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the Waterton village, and is also close by the Townsite Campground. Parks Canada’s administrative office has also moved to new facilities adjacent to the centre.

Interpretive Design

Exhibits highlight the area’s biodiversity, unique landscapes and the climate that shapes them, including wind and wildfire. Featured exhibits include:

·  Night life theatre – This short, looping animation highlights Waterton Lakes stunning nocturnal wildlife and starry skies;

·  Forces of nature – A short looping animation and soundscape depicting natural forces in Waterton Lakes, including wildfire and recovery;

·  Biodiversity walls – These two walls show off the distinct ecosystems found in Waterton Lakes, including the alpine, subalpine, montane forest, grassland and aquatic ecosystems.

Waterton Lakes National Park lies within traditional Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) territory. Parks Canada Agency worked closely with Indigenous partners to ensure the materials developed reflect local Indigenous history, traditions, culture and connection to Paahtómahksikimi (inner sacred lake in the mountains), also known as Waterton Lakes National Park.

Sustainable infrastructure

Climate change impacts to Parks Canada-administered places are complex, and the Agency is committed to integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation actions into its work. Sustainable infrastructure is one of the many ways in which the Agency is doing so.

The visitor centre’s sustainability features include electric vehicle charging, a walkable location in the heart of the Waterton townsite, ample natural daylight, efficient plumbing fixtures, sustainable rainwater management, responsibly sourced construction materials, and more.

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