Bear Mountain Motel

Bear Mountain Motel is a family-run, drive-up motel in Waterton's townsite, across the road from Waterton Lake. You can walk to the marina, shops, restaurants and beach paths, which makes it a useful place to park for an active stay. The rooms are simple and some guests find them small and dated; I'd choose it for the location and easy in-town access, not for a roomy retreat.

Room layouts include one-queen, two-twin and two-queen rooms, two-bedroom deluxe rooms, plus studios and suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens. Standard and deluxe rooms also have mini-fridges. If you'll cook, make sure you book a kitchen-equipped room rather than assuming every room has one. Guests share three grills, picnic tables, an ice machine and microwave; barbecue tools are available at the desk. There's no on-site restaurant, but town dining is close.

Parking is at the rooms and Wi-Fi is available. Complimentary coffee and tea are available at the office. Jimmy and Ashley Riddle have operated the motel since 2016, continuing a family connection to Waterton that spans more than 70 years. It runs seasonally, and most town facilities close from late fall to early spring, so check the open season before planning a shoulder-season stay.