Waterton National Park Visitor Centre

Location: Waterton Park, AB

This project consisted of a new Visitor Centre, administrative building, and washroom building to replace the previous visitor centre that was destroyed by wildfire. The three buildings connect under one roof line, and mass timber overhangs are featured for visitors to enjoy shelter from the sun, rain, and snow.

The visitor centre is targeting LEED Silver and comprised the design and construction of interior and exterior exhibit space depicting the park’s history, environment, and culture. A large portion of the facility was developed in collaboration with the Blackfoot Confederacy.

The creative and interactive displays include Red Rock Canyon and the Crown of the Continent Map, a 3D Topographic Model, and numerous Audio-Visual elements including Welcome Stone, Orientation Kiosk, Night Sky, Forces of Nature, and a Day at Waterton Lakes National Park. Exterior works included specialty concrete work for the exhibits, gravel / flagstone pathways, various native plantings, play area, and hardscaping with rock outcroppings and concrete plaza.

The new facility will be an architectural landmark for the town for years to come, providing interactive, interpretive exhibits that educate visitors on the ecological diversity and key natural features of the surrounding areas, and the significance of Waterton to the Indigenous nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Contract Value

$18.5M CAD

Prime Consultant

FWBA Architects

Project Owner

Public Works & Government Services Canada

Contract Format

Stipulated Price

Completion Date

September 2021

Contract Duration

29 months