Much of the restaurants and dining spots in Waterton Lakes National Park are near the lake shores.
Credit: Prince of Wales Hotel
You have a variety of options for direct lakeside dining, or patio dining for the nicer summer days. And as a bonus, the townsite and all of the restaurants are within walking distance of the main Townsite Campground.
Dining in Waterton gives you a wide selection of cuisine for all meals, and even to take to-go for a hike or picnic. And some of these restaurants in Waterton, you will want to save for after your hiking, boating, or any outdoor recreation.
They’ll fill you up after a day outside with tacos, waffles, coffee and lattes, handhelds, or fine cuts of steak. If you are staying at the Prince of Wales Hotel, you have the Royal Stewart Dining room onsite with lake views, and you’re still walking distance to the town.
Royal Stewart Dining Room
The dining views don’t get any better than those from the Royal Stewart Dining Room in Waterton. The restaurant is part of the iconic Prince of Wales hotel and offers a sprawling view of the lake and surrounding mountains from the dining room. Stop in for afternoon tea, order from the Lounge Menu, or enjoy an exquisite three-course dinner. Details
Where: Prince of Wales Hotel — AB-5
Must-try Experience: After-noon tea!
Waffleton
The cozy Waffleton café has numerous ways to warm you up on a rain day, or ways to start a day of outdoor adventure. Warm up with a latte or cup of coffee, or fill up on their signature waffles, a smoothie, or ice cream- in a waffle cone, of course! The waffles come with a variety of sweet or savoury topping options. Details
Where: 301 Wind Flower Ave
Must-try menu item: Matcha Latte
Red Rock Trattoria
Grab dinner and drinks with Red Rock Trattoria to enjoy an evening of classic Italian dishes with fresh ingredients. The dinner can include a wide selection of shareables and larger plates, with savoury meats and cheeses, or fresh seafood. Their drink selection includes wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as a few specialty coffees. Their summer menu is now out! Details
Where: 107 Wind Flower Ave Box # 51
Must-try menu item: Wild Mushroom Arancini
Pearls Café
Also known as the Hikers’ Hub, Pearls Café pride themselves on their healthy menu options for breakfast, lunch, or coffee. You can order from the Breakfast of Waterton Menu between 7am and 11am, or the Pizza of Waterton Menu from 11am to 10pm. There are numerous items to try, and you can enjoy it all from their patio. Details
Where: 305 Wind Flower Ave
Must-try menu item: Nachos
Lakeside Chophouse
Get your fill of any meal from the Lakeside Chophouse, where the menus are west-coast-inspired. Get your breakfasts conveniently in a bowl and follow it with their fresh fruit smoothies. For lunch and dinner, choose between fresh appetizers, handhelds, salads, flatbreads, large entrees, and a selection of premium steak cuts. You can taste and sample each of these items, plus a few drinks, from their lakeside patio! Details
Where: 111 Waterton Ave #102
Must-try menu item: Braised Short Ribs
Waterton Park Café
The name may say café but remember that this establishment is home to some epic burgers, all made with grass-fed local beef. The simple menu includes a variety, including gluten-free and vegetarian, as well as sides, and meals for kids. Details
Where: 110 Waterton Ave
Must-try menu item: Waterton Burger
Trappers Mountain Grill
Trappers are into one thing and one thing only: smoking. The grill is Waterton’s only official smokehouse, where the meat marinates in flavour before being served. The food here is as authentic as the atmosphere and offers plenty of variety in terms of the types of smoked meats you can order. Details
Where: 106 Waterton Ave
Must-try menu item: Smoked Ribs
Switchback Espresso & Hiker’s Pantry
In addition to a full espresso bar, Switchback could be your last stop in town before a big hiking or boating day. They offer customizable artisan sandwiches with a large selection of protein, fresh vegetables, sauces, and cheeses, all on artisanal bread. They can also wrap your sandwiches for hikes: in a way that they can keep longer throughout the day! Details
Where: 214 Mt View Rd
Must-try menu item: Switchback Hiker’s Lunch
Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile
No matter when you are hungry in Waterton, Zum’s can serve you with their breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus for both dine in and take out. The menu is big with options for a variety of tastes and makes a perfect place for a family meal. Details
Where: 116 Waterton Ave
Must-Try Menu Item: Milkshakes
The Taco Bar
As a popular lunch and patio stop in Waterton, The Taco Bar offers a taste of Mexico in Waterton with freshly made items like salsa and churros! Their menu has a burrito option, tacos, burrito bowls, and your choice of meats or vegetables to top them with. You can even double your meat or add on some sides. Only one menu item has gluten, so people with allergies have a lot of options from the Taco Bar’s menu. Details
Where: 398 Wind Flower Ave
Must-Try Menu Item: Burrito Bowl with Garlic Pork