Fuel Up
Where to Eat in Waterton
Our Favourite Spots to Recharge and Refuel
Eat your way through Waterton! You spent the day bagging peaks, dodging wind gusts, or just woke up, and now? You need food. Waterton might be small, but the local food scene punches way above its weight. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee, or challenge yourself to a massive burger, inhale serious carbs, or treat yourself to a proper steak with a view, we’ve got you covered.
Here are our top, Uplift-approved spots to refuel for whatever tomorrow brings.
Whether you’re fueling up for a sunrise hike or winding down after a long day in the park, the Kilmorey has you covered, it’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all year round. You can keep it casual in the pub or treat yourself to a proper mountain meal in the dining room with a view.
Go for the bison steak, the elk meatballs, or the sambuca mussels if you're feeling adventurous. But whatever you do, do not leave without a slice of their famous Homemade Saskatoon Berry Pie. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day in the wilderness.
Since 1982, Zum’s has been the go-to family spot for one thing: legendary fried chicken. They use a top-secret family recipe, and whether you’re sitting down for a meal or grabbing a bucket to-go for a lakeside picnic, it hits the spot every time. This place is almost always packed, so get in early!
While you wait for your food, check out the walls, they’re covered in a massive collection of license plates from across the globe. It’s the perfect backdrop for a post-hike feast, and a great spot to bring the dog along since their patio is pet-friendly.
Who doesn't love pizza? After a day out exploring, Pizza of Waterton is the kind of place that just makes sense. Loaded pizzas, melty cheese, and that perfect carby crust, exactly what your body needs after a hike.
They’ve been serving visitors for over 30 years, and it shows. It’s one of THE go-to spot in town, especially in the evenings when things pick up with trivia nights and open mic.
Come hungry… and don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned.
You can’t get much closer to the water without getting your feet wet. The Lakeside Chophouse is the spot for West Coast flavors and, if you’re feeling particularly heroic, Chef Brian’s signature 54-ounce Tomahawk Rib Eye. (Yes, 54 ounces! Bring a friend or a very big appetite.)
Afterward, hit the attached Fireside Lounge for a craft beer and some live music to wind down the day.
BeaverTails Pastry
It’s practically a Canadian requirement. Hand-stretched, fried, and coated in cinnamon sugar, a BeaverTail is the ultimate reward for any hike. Go classic, or get messy with the "Avalanche" (cheesecake and Skor bits).
Owner Bob’s pro-tip? Grab the Beaverbites. They’re like Timbits, but much better, mostly because they’re made to order and served warm. Happy 45th anniversary to the best sugar rush in the park!
Hand-rolled pasta and exposed brick—it’s the cozy Italian hideaway you’ve been looking for. Red Rock Trattoria makes everything from scratch, and their homemade gnocchi is the stuff of local legend.
Best part? They’re open year-round, so you can get your carb fix even in the dead of winter.
Still wondering if Waterton is worth the trip?
Located inside Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort, Vimy’s Lounge & Grill (where our office is!) is an easy go-to when everyone wants something a little different. Burgers, pasta, shareables, there’s enough variety to keep the whole table happy.
With a bar, a laid-back patio, and options from breakfast through dinner (plus take-out if you’re on the move), it’s the kind of spot you can count on, whether you’re fueling up or winding down after a day out.
Right on main street, Glacier Bistro at the Bayshore Inn is your go-to if you’re craving a familiar Starbucks fix with a Waterton view.
Grab your favourite coffee or espresso drink, then decide your next move, stay and relax on the patio, settle in inside, or take it to-go and wander the shops. If you’re hungry, they’ve got plenty to go with it too, from hiker-friendly lunches and sandwiches to snacks, desserts, and a full menu throughout the day.
Wieners of Waterton is a must-stop. This isn’t your average hot dog stand. Think locally made sausages, fresh-baked buns, and a whole lineup of mouthwatering toppings that take things to the next level. 
It’s the kind of place where you grab your food, load it up exactly how you like it, and head off for a picnic with a view (or just eat it right there because you can’t wait). Add a side of their famous sweet potato fries, and you’re set. 
It’s one of those classic Waterton stops you’ll probably end up visiting more than once.
Start your day right with a stop at Windflower Corner Coffee, the Waterton coffee shop! It’s a go-to for a quick pre-hike breakfast, good coffee, and something tasty to grab on the way out.
From yogurt smoothies and fresh pastries to baked treats, it’s the kind of spot that will become part of your morning routine while you’re here.
If you're looking for a proper pour and a place to swap stories, "The Bear" is where you need to be. It’s the only spot in Waterton where you can find 12 different Alberta craft beers on tap, plus pool tables, foosball, and enough big screens to catch the game.
Whether you want to enjoy live music or just grab a burger and pint on the patio, the energy here is hard to beat. It’s Southern Alberta’s oldest and most famous watering hole for a reason, just remember, it's a 18+ sanctuary, so leave the kids with a milkshake and come enjoy a night out.
If tacos, beer, and margaritas are even slightly on your mind… go here!
The Taco Bar is one of those small-but-mighty spots, colourful, a little quirky, and big on flavour. Everything’s made fresh daily, from the slow-cooked meats to the guacamole and salsas, using quality ingredients (so yes… it actually tastes like real food). Grab a taco (or a burrito if you’re really hungry), find a sunny spot, and enjoy.
Fair warning: they only make so much each day… so when it’s gone, it’s gone.
If you’re going to do dinner with a view… you might as well go all in. Prince of Wales Hotel Dining should be part of your Waterton experience. From the Royal Stewart Dining Room to the Windsor Lounge and Afternoon Tea, everything leans into that old-world charm (in the best way).
The food blends local flavours with a bit of international flair, but let’s be honest, you’ll be a little distracted by what’s outside the window. Those views over Waterton Lakes are hard to compete with.
Take your time, and if you’re feeling brave, ask about the ghost stories!
Trappers Mountain Grill is Waterton’s go-to smokehouse—slow-smoked, full of flavour, and the kind of food you can smell before you even walk in. Ribs, smoked bison meatloaf, burgers, walleye… it’s all here, and it doesn’t mess around.
Not in a BBQ mood? You’re still covered. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so there’s something for everyone (even those who “just wants something lighter”).
Grab a seat on the patio and soak up some sun!
The Subway Waterton location is a familiar go-to. Build-your-own sandwiches, wraps, and salads with fresh toppings and warm bread, made right in front of you. 
It’s perfect for a grab-and-go lunch, a no-fuss dinner, or when everyone in your group wants something different (and no one wants to overthink it).
Simple, reliable… and hits the spot any time between 8AM and 8PM.
Stanley's BBQ Grill House
Patio? Check. Views? Check! Stanley’s BBQ Grill House, the golf course clubhouse, is all about good food and even better views (ninth and eighteenth fairways). Think BBQ favourites, sandwiches, steaks, ribs, the kind of menu that works whether you’re starving after a hike or just in the mood for something easy.
Got an early start? Their Early Birdie Breakfast runs from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m.
And while they’re closed on Tuesdays, you can still grab hot dogs, sandwiches, and drinks. No need to play golf to enjoy!
Have fun exploring Waterton’s food scene
Eating your way through Waterton is almost as fun as exploring the mountains themselves. From lakeside views and casual comfort food to gourmet bites and quick stops in between, there’s something here for every kind of appetite.
More into exploring than eating? Fair enough. Join one of our sightseeing tours, like the Waterton Wildflower Walk, and we’ll take you to some of the most beautiful spots in the park (with a few “wait… what is that?” moments along the way).
And if we missed one of your favourites… tell us. We’re always up for a good recommendation.
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