KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
3 miles west of Glacier National Park West Entrance on Highway 2. Then, 1 mile east on paved road.
GPS Coordinates: 48 degrees 27'51.74"N, 113 degrees 58'51.30"W
Get Google Directions
Nestled on a windswept bluff overlooking Upper Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada, is a breathtaking blend of history, architecture, and natural splendor. Built in 1927 by the Great Northern Railway, this iconic lodge is not just a place to stay—it’s a destination that captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies and the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a photographer chasing the perfect shot, the Prince of Wales Hotel offers an unforgettable experience.
The Prince of Wales Hotel, named after Edward VIII, was designed by architect Thomas D. McMahon and influenced by Louis W. Hill, president of the Great Northern Railway. Constructed during one of Waterton’s windiest and snowiest winters, the hotel faced incredible challenges, including hurricane-force winds that shifted its wings off their foundation—twice! Today, it stands slightly off-plumb, a quirky testament to its resilience, with cables anchoring the structure against the relentless winds that define this bluff. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992, the hotel is one of the country’s grand railway hotels, uniquely built by an American company.
The hotel’s rustic architectural style, primarily crafted from wood sourced from a Montana sawmill, features soaring roofs, gables, and balconies. The lobby is a showstopper, with two-story windows framing panoramic views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding peaks, including Mount Cleveland in Glacier National Park. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a massive chandelier, Douglas fir pillars, and a timber-framed space that exudes old-world charm. The hotel’s plaid accents and Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu in the Windsor Lounge add a touch of nostalgia, while the Royal Stewart Dining Room serves authentic Canadian cuisine with a side of stunning lake views.
The Prince of Wales is more than just a hotel—it’s a gateway to adventure. With 86 rooms, including standard rooms with mountain or lake views and luxurious lakeside suites with private balconies, it caters to a range of travelers. The lack of air conditioning and TVs reflects the park’s ethos of disconnecting to reconnect with nature, though complimentary WiFi keeps you connected if needed. Guests rave about the views, often describing the hotel as a “view with a room,” but some note the rooms are small and the premium pricing may not match modern amenities.
Afternoon tea in the Royal Stewart Dining Room, served daily from 12 PM to 4 PM, is a beloved tradition, featuring quality teas, sandwich squares, and delectable pastries against the backdrop of Waterton Lake. The Princess Gift Shop offers unique Canadian treasures, from fine china to gourmet treats, perfect for souvenirs. Parking comes with a fee—$12/day for overnight guests and $10/day for day visitors—but the hotel’s prime location makes it worth it.
Perched just north of Waterton Townsite, the hotel is steps from Upper Waterton Lake, where you can hop on a boat cruise with the historic M.V. International, hike trails like the one to Emerald Bay, or fish with a park license. The nearby Waterton Marina, a 20-minute walk, offers boating and water-skiing, while trails to Bertha Falls or Cameron Falls are a short drive away. For a broader adventure, the hotel’s proximity to Glacier National Park in Montana makes it easy to explore both sides of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
Getting There from West Glacier KOA Resort: From the West Glacier KOA Resort (355 Halfmoon Flats Rd, West Glacier, MT), the drive to the Prince of Wales Hotel is approximately 48 miles and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and border crossing times. Take US-2 East from West Glacier for about 33 miles to the junction with MT-17 (Chief Mountain International Hwy). Turn left onto MT-17 and continue for 14 miles, crossing the U.S.-Canada border at Chief Mountain (open mid-May to mid-September, 7 AM–10 PM). You will need a valid passport to cross the border. After crossing, MT-17 becomes Alberta Provincial Route 6; continue for 3.2 miles, then turn left onto Provincial Route 5 and follow it southwest for 7.3 km to the hotel’s turnoff (GPS: Latitude 49.0589° N, Longitude 113.9036° W).
Booking: The hotel operates from mid-May to mid-September (2025: May 12–September 18). Book early through the Glacier Park Collection for the best rates, and check for spring discounts (e.g., 20% off for stays through June 21, 2025).
What to Know: Expect windy conditions—hangers may rattle, and the chandelier might sway! The elevator only reaches the fourth floor, but bell service assists with luggage. Bring a passport for border crossings, as the hotel is in Canada, and ensure your vehicle is prepared for the scenic but sometimes narrow roads.
The Prince of Wales Hotel is a photographer’s dream and a historian’s delight, blending rustic elegance with unparalleled views. Whether you’re savoring afternoon tea or gazing at the Canadian Rockies from your balcony, this iconic lodge promises a stay steeped in history and natural beauty.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
