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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.

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.

A bison stands in tall gold grass 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.

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Trailriders stop with their horses in Waterton Lakes National Park with mountains surrounding them.
Visitor exploring plant species during the Waterton Wildflower Festival
Ice-walk with children exploring nature with Uplift Adventures at Star Creek Falls
A women stands on an outcropping looking down at Waterton Lakes National Park, surrounded by mountains.
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Group of snowboarders playing in the snow on Castle Mountain in Southern Alberta.
Aerial view of Twin Butte Silos with mountains in the distance.

Highlighted attractions

A group of skiers and snowboarders cut through deep powder at Castle Mountain Resort.

Castle Mountain Resort

In winter, it's a snowy haven for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, it's a camping and hiking hot spot. The entire family can join in on events, good food and great company all year round at Castle Mountain Resort.

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Two women looking at the night sky with one of the pointing up.

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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Guest with wearing headlamps on a mine tour.

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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Suggested Itineraries

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.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

Family on a guided cross-country ski tour, brilliant sunshine, and mountains in the background in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Waterton

Waterton
Winter sunrise/sunset scene of Peace Bridge in Calgary

Calgary

Calgary
A woman sits on a bench in front of the Medicine Hat mural in winter.

Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat