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Region known for:
  • Rugged mountains
  • Endless skies
  • Wildflower fields

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.

  • Key City: Waterton
  • Don't miss: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Claim to fame: Waterton Lakes National Park, an International Dark Sky Park

Southern Rockies highlights

An ice climber standing on a snowy cliff while ice climbing at the top of Eisenhower Tower on Castle Mountain

Picturesque viewpoints

Scenery in the Southern Rockies is unlike anywhere else. Capture mountain-filled photos without strangers competing for the best angle, picnic lakeside among the peaks, hop the iron-rich boulders of Red Rock Canyon or simply relax and take in 360-degrees of tranquility.

Friends sitting in the trunk of their car with their dog in Pincher Creek

Road of wonders

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

Buffalo in Waterton Lakes National Park in Southern Alberta

Wildlife and stargazing

Bison, bears, swans and many other animals meander or fly across the plains and ridges of the region. Waterton Lakes National Park is a Dark Sky Park, protecting nocturnal animals and providing phenomenal stargazing.

A trail ride with Alpine Stables with a view of the Prince Of Wales hotel in the background
Ice-walk with children exploring nature with Uplift Adventures at Star Creek Falls
Women over looking Waterton Lakes National Park
Couple having a picnic in front of a lake in the Southern Rockies
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Group of snowboarders playing in the snow, cat ski machine in the background, on Castle Mountain near Crowsnest Pass in Southern Alberta
Visitor exploring plant species during the Waterton Wildflower Festival

Highlighted attractions

Mother holding child's hand wearing helmet lights at the Bellevue Underground Mine.

Bellevue Mines

Venture 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 lamp upon your head.

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Two golfers teeing off at the Waterton Lakes Golf Course against a mountain view

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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Two women looking up and pointing at the night sky

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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Suggested Itineraries - Southern Rockies

A woman clinking a glass of beer with a friend at The Beer Pass Company in Blairemore Alberta
3 days
Journey Along the Highway 3 Ale Trail

Craft beer meets stunning prairie landscapes along the Highway 3 Ale Trail. Discover innovative breweries in this charming pocket of Southern Alberta.

A couple walks along the rocks at Lundbreck Falls, located near the Crowsnest Pass.
7 days
Experience Southern Alberta

Discover what southern Alberta has to offer, like the landscape of the Canadian Badlands, towering mountains and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Nearby cities to explore

Waterton

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Calgary

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Medicine Hat

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