Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Interpretive Building

Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, Alberta

Also known as Waterton Lakes National Park Interpretive Building, Bâtiment d’interprétation du parc national des Lacs-Waterton

Built
1926–1928
Recognized
1991
By
Government of Canada

The register’s text, word for word

Description

Overlooking Waterton Lake, the Interpretative Building is located within the large public campground and picnic area of the Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada. It is a simple, T-shaped, one-storey timber structure in a rustic style with a gable-hipped roof. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage value

The Interpretative Building is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

Historical Value

The Interpretative Building is strongly associated with the theme of automobile-accessible campground development in Canada. Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada was one of the first national parks to develop a series of specific facilities for park visitors. The Interpretative Building was the first community building and the only building to combine residential, administrative and social functions under one roof.

Architectural Value

The Interpretative Building is a good example of a structure in a Rustic style and reflects the aesthetics favoured by the designers of national parks during the 1920s. The use of natural materials and uniform design resulted in structures that are sympathetic to their picturesque environment. It is also a good functional structure.

Environmental Value

The Interpretative Building is an integral part of Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada campground, and is linked to the other buildings by the use of similar materials and also by the uniform colour scheme. The Interpretative Building has retained an unchanged relationship to its site and is familiar to wardens and campers within the park.

SourceInterpretive Building, Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton Lakes, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 90-235; Edward Mills, 16 buildings, Townsite Campground and Playground Area, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Heritage Character Statement 90-235.

Character‑defining elements

The character-defining elements of the Interpretative Building should be respected.

Its Rustic style, utilitarian design and craftsmanship, for example:

  • the simple, low massing of the one-storey structure;
  • the gable hipped roof and the use of horizontal tapered wood siding for the walls;
  • the uniform colour scheme with white trim;
  • the multi-pane casement wood windows.

The manner in which the Interpretative Building is compatible with the campground and picnic area setting within Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada as evidenced by:

  • its compatible scale, materials and paint colours in relation to the adjacent buildings.

End of the register’s text

Location

Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, Alberta, Canada

49.04846° N, 113.90792° W

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Being on the register doesn’t make a place open to visitors. Many are private homes or businesses; please view them from the street.

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Nearby

All 3 places in Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada

Similar places

Places whose register descriptions are closest to this one.

From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.