Prince of Wales Hotel

During the expansion of the Great Northern Railway throughout Canada, company president and railway magnate Louis Hill was said to have spotted a magnificent hilltop site between the Waterton Lakes and Mount Crandell. He envisioned a dramatic scenery with a beautiful hotel that fit the glacial landscape, inspiring him to choose the Swiss chalet style for this new project. Though plans were drawn up in 1913, setbacks pushed the hotel's actual construction, and it wouldn't be until July 25, 1927, that the Prince of Wales Hotel finally opened its doors.

Nearly a century later, the hotel remains an iconic figure set along the Waterton Lakes of southern Alberta, close to the border of the American state of Montana. Despite the years, the hotel has largely maintained its Swiss Alps architecture, periodically refreshed with maintenance and renovations. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1992, acknowledged for its heritage value. It did come close to severe danger during the 2017 Kenow wildfires, but was saved by the efforts of dutiful and heroic Calgary firefighters, and by providence when the weather finally changed.

Though the grandiose natural beauty of Canada's outdoors has inspired hoteliers to establish their properties in the Swiss chalet style, none are arguably as iconic as the Prince of Wales Hotel. As a National Historic Site, it serves as a quintessential example of luxurious Rustic architecture. The structure is made up mostly of wooden construction, including its detailing and cladding. Notable elements of its exterior include the steeply pitched roofs featuring intersecting gables and topped by a lantern cupola. There are also the tiered balconies, held up by large brackets, letting guests admire the views.

Just like its outer features, the interiors of the hotel are filled with historic rustic architecture. The timbers that make up the structure and supports are proud to show their age, darkened and worn by the decades. Complementing the venerable woodwork are modern accouterments, such as vintage furniture, carpets, and flooring, brought in by major refreshes done every several years. The guestrooms follow the same rustic-modern style, providing both comfort and an immersive ambiance.

Royal Stewart Dining Room

The signature restaurant of the Prince of Wales Hotel is the Royal Stewart Dining Room, a seasonally available dining spot offering delectable North American cuisine, enjoyed with dramatic views of the lakes and mountains. The menu focuses on locally available products, such as regional produce and seafood caught from the rivers and lakes. For breakfast, you have options like the full English breakfast or a signature eggs Benedict set. For the dinner service, you'll have a diverse range of appetizers and mains, featuring items like Alberta beef and even cuts of prairie bison. They also provide kid-friendly menus that are more in tune with developing palates.

Also available seasonally is the signature Afternoon Tea service, featuring gourmet tea and desserts, and served in the Royal Stewart Dining Room. Enjoy socializing with friends and family while sipping delightful blends and nibbling on sandwiches and pastries made with seasonal pickings.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am
Dinner: 5 pm – 9 pm
Afternoon Tea: 11 am – 3:30 pm or 12 pm – 4 pm

Windsor Lounge and Lobby Lounge

For a more casual and laid-back dining experience, guests can grab a meal at either the Windsor Lounge or the Lobby Lounge. Windsor offers tasty soups, fresh salads, and classic recipes like beef & bison pie. The Lobby Lounge, on the other hand, has a menu of sharing plates featuring items like Alberta bison, braised pork belly, and charcuterie.

Princess Cafe

Looking for tasty snacks while thinking of what to buy as a souvenir? Head on over to the Princess Cafe, which is open as both the hotel's casual watering hole and gift shop. You can check out the lovely jewelry and china while enjoying your hot or cold beverage of choice.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Situated around a three-hour drive away from Calgary, it's easily apparent that a vacation at Waterton and the Prince of Wales Hotel is more akin to a nature-centric getaway. Many of the activities and attractions in the area are centered around Waterton Lakes National Park, which encompasses the Waterton Lakes, its rivers, and mountains like Mount Crandell. At the hotel, the concierge can assist in signing you up for various activities like whitewater rafting, fishing, and lake cruises. The hotel also has a partnership with Sun Mini Golf, so go ahead and enjoy a laid-back afternoon of mini golf when you have free time.

Be sure to drop by the Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre so you can better plan your itinerary. Aside from visitor info, you can also find cultural exhibits and equipment rentals. While in town, you can admire Cameron Falls, a small but picturesque cascade going down Cameron Creek. The Red Rock Canyon & Red Rock Parkway, known for its beautiful naturally occurring rock patterns, is a bit further inland, but still just a short drive from the hotel.

While the Prince of Wales Hotel doesn't have dedicated event venues, you can likely request a private table for a small, intimate celebration. Be sure to approach the concierge or management to make your request, as they may likely be able to accommodate your need for token gestures for the celebration.