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

 

Day use area facilities

Areas in and around the Townsite
Area Picnic tables Fire pit / Fire box / Stove Picnic shelter Toilet
Cameron Falls 4 No No Flush
Cameron Bay 4 2 stoves (in shelters) 2 (partially enclosed) Flush
Community Kitchen 3 2 fireplaces / 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Flush
Lakeshore 2 (in shelter) 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Flush
Emerald Bay 16 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Flush
Areas along the Entrance Road
Area Picnic tables Fire pit / Fire box / Stove Picnic shelter Toilets
Linnet Lake 2 No No Flush
Driftwood Beach 2 No No No
Pass Creek 8 (6 sites) 6 fire pits, 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Dry
Hay Barn  9 2 fire pits None Dry
Knight's Lake 13 (4 in shelter) 3 fire pits, 1 fire box (in shelter) 1 (open) Dry
Areas along Akamina Parkway
Area Picnic tables Fire pit / Fire box / Stove Picnic shelter Toilets
Cameron Lake 6 No 1 (partially enclosed) Dry
Little Prairie 12 (2 in shelter) 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Dry
McNeely's 6 (4 in shelter) 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (open) Dry
Areas along Red Rock Parkway
Area Picnic tables Fire pit / Fire box / Stove Picnic shelter Toilets
Red Rock Canyon 11 (3 in shelter) 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (enclosed) Dry
Lost Horse 4 1 stove (in shelter) 1 (open) Dry
Coppermine 11 (4 in shelter) 1 fire box (in shelter) 1 (open) Dry
Areas along Highway 6
Area Picnic tables Fire pit / Fire box / Stove Picnic shelter Toilets
Maskinonge 13 2 fire boxes / 2 stoves 1 (enclosed) Dry

Things to keep in mind

  • Day use areas are open from 7:00 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • 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

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