Waterton Lakes National Park had another busy tourism season in 2026, with strong visitor numbers reported through the summer, Waterton Park Chamber of Commerce President Shameer Suleman said. Official visitation data is still being finalized as businesses in the southern Alberta destination head toward the end of summer operations.

“It was a great summer season,” Suleman said. “I think it was the perfect storm of people not going south, international tourism looking for a new destination and Americans still moving around.”

Visitation in 2025 came close to record levels, partly because the federal government’s Canada Strong Pass offered free access to national parks throughout the summer. Suleman said this year’s crowds were manageable compared with last year, when closures took place. “It was good and busy, but it was the right busy. It wasn’t overflowing, there was no closures like we did last year,” he said.

Parks Canada said it used advance measures to help manage visitors more smoothly. The agency said its methods include encouraging trip planning, promoting visits during shoulder seasons and to less-sensitive park areas, and advising visitors on appropriate conduct in natural spaces and how to avoid conflicts with wildlife.

“With continued visitor interest, Parks Canada is committed to protecting and preserving the ecological integrity of Waterton Lakes National Park while providing visitors with exceptional experiences to discover and enjoy the park,” the agency said in a statement.

Suleman said the park continues to draw visitors as fall and winter approach. September began with difficult weather, but activity picked up and remained strong into October. “We had a bit of a rocky start to September weather-wise, but it’s been a very, very busy September right into October,” he said. “To be honest with you, last Saturday was our biggest night in one of our restaurants of the entire summer.”

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.