Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Alberta Parks

William Watson Lodge

☰MENU
Information: 1-403-591-7227
Directions
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

William Watson Lodge provides year-round, barrier-free, wilderness lodging and seasonal camping for persons with disabilities, Alberta seniors and their families. It's situated in beautiful Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, overlooking Lower Kananaskis Lake. This facility includes the Main Lodge, 22 accessible cabin units, a small campground, 1 comfort cabin, over 20 km of accessible trails, accessible picnic sites, a gazebo, and a playground. The goal of this facility is to connect people of all abilities, all ages and all cultures to recreational opportunities in nature through providing needs-based accommodation and inspiring more accessible experiences. 

After being closed for two years to accommodate renovations and accessibility upgrades, William Watson Lodge reopened in June 2022. We are pleased to share renovations are now complete and William Watson Lodge is fully open. The new lodge enhances the overall visitor experience and safety and brings the facility up to today’s international accessibility standards. The Government of Alberta invested $6 million into the project.

Looking for an adventure while visiting? Rocky Mountain Adaptive is a registered charity providing individuals guided experiences and adaptable equipment to participate, learn and excel at mountain sport and recreation. To learn more, please visit their website.

There is no cell service or Wi-Fi available at our facility.
Albertans with disabilities
currently booking to
Apr 5, 2025
Albertan seniors (65 and over) and out-of-province persons with disabilities currently booking to
Feb 4, 2025
1-877-537-2757
Christmas Closure
We will be closed after checkout on Tuesday, December 24 and re-opening on Friday, December 27 at 3:30PM.

Eligibility Verification

All guests who make a booking at William Watson Lodge must provide verification of eligibility in person at the time of check-in.

William Watson Lodge defines a disability as:

  • chronic
  • a developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological condition or impairment
  • a condition that impacts daily living activities such as eating, grooming, walking, interacting with others, playing and problem solving

To inquire about documentation that does not appear on this list, please call
1-403-591-7227.

Alberta seniors are required to present photo identification that verifies they are a resident aged 65 years or older.

Failure to provide documentation will result in loss of stay
without a refund.

Verification of Eligibility from a medical professional or association confirming the guest meets the above criteria is required prior to booking. Examples of documentation include but are not limited to:

  • Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
  • Alberta Aids to Daily Living
  • Family Support for Children with Disabilities
  • Persons with Developmental Disabilities
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
  • CPP Disability Benefit
  • Disability Tax Credit
  • Child Disability Benefit
  • Veterans Disability Pension Program
  • Canadian National Institute for the Blind
  • Access2 by Easter Seals Canada
  • 5 year or 10 year parking placard
  • Other documentation of disability from a medical professional

 

Main Lodge

  • Library with books, games, and puzzles to borrow during your stay
  • Winter sports equipment to borrow during your stay
  • Shuffleboard and piano
  • Large outdoor deck with views of Lower Kananaskis Lake
  • Laundry facilities (please bring laundry soap and loonies)
  • Medical lifts, commodes, shower chairs and wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited supply available
  • Kitchen and barbeque for eligible day lodge group bookings (at least 50% of the group must be Albertans with disabilities and/or Albertan seniors)
  • Self-serve coffee and tea available by donation
  • Firewood available for purchase

Cabins  

Cabin Guidelines 

  • The eligible guest must be present upon check in and check out - if the eligible guest is not present, the reservation will be cancelled without refund.
  • The eligible guest may bring additional family, friends, and caregivers up to the maximum cabin capacity.
  • Minimum of a 2 night reservation. Maximum of a 7 night reservation.
  • Summer Season (June 1 - September 30) guests may have 1 reservation for a maximum of 7 nights stay.
  • Winter Season (October 1 - May 31) guests may have 2 reservations for a combined 7 nights stay.
  • Check in after 3:30 p.m. and before 9:00 p.m. Check out before 11:00 a.m.
  • Guests are required to clean the cabin prior to departure, details provided at check in.
  • To receive a full refund of your cabin fees and reservable nights, cancellations must be made more than 72 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally scheduled arrival date.
    • 1 night penalty if notice is less than 72 hours but more than 48 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
    • 2 nights penalty if notice is less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
    • 3 nights penalty if notice is less than 24 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
  • A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles parking at William Watson Lodge. Passes will be available for purchase at the main lodge. 

Amenities

  • Fully equipped kitchen (pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, cups, utensils, dish towels and dish soap)
  • Fridge & freezer, oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and kettle
  • Our 3 bedroom cabins include a dishwasher and detergent
  • Our 3 bedroom cabins include two hospital beds - remote available at the front desk
  • Our 1 and 2 bedroom cabins include one hospital bed - remote available at the front desk
  • Our 2 and 3 bedroom cabins include one double pull-out couch
  • Basic cleaning supplies are provided
  • Kitchen table and chairs
  • Power recliner chair
  • Gas fireplace
  • Outdoor patio with furniture and barbeque

What to Bring

  • Food, cooking oils and spices, and beverages
  • Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, toiletries, bathroom towels, hair dryer, etc.
  • Lift sling and any other medical equipment you require
  • Flashlight
  • Extension cord for plugging in vehicles during winter

Camping

Campground Guidelines

  • The eligible guest must be present upon check in and check out - if the eligible guest is not present, the reservation will be cancelled without refund.
  • Minimum of 1 night can be reserved.
  • Guests may have 2 reservations for a combined 14 nights stay.
  • The campground season is May Long weekend to October Long weekend.
  • Check in after 2:00 p.m. and before 9:00 p.m. Check out before 12:00 p.m.
  • To receive a full refund of your camping fees and reservable nights, cancellations must be made more than 72 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally scheduled arrival date. 
    • 1 night penalty if notice is less than 72 hours but more than 48 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
    • 2 nights penalty if notice is less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
    • 3 nights penalty if notice is less than 24 hours before 3:30 p.m. of the originally-scheduled arrival date.
  • A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles parking at William Watson Lodge. Passes will be available for purchase at the main lodge. 

Amenities

Campsites
  • Full service: 30-amp power, water, sewer
  • 9 single full serviced sites
  • 1 double full serviced site
  • Paved camping pads
  • Accessible showers and toilets are in the comfort station.
Comfort Cabin - Site 4
  • Can sleep up to four guests.
  • Double-sized pull-out Murphy wall bed on the main floor.
  • Ladder accessed loft with a queen-sized mattress.
  • Small hot water tank, furnace, refrigerator, microwave, hot plate, kettle, coffee pot, dishes, cutlery, cooking utensils, dish soap, dish cloths, dish towels, deck furniture, BBQ, and outdoor fire pit.
  • Small kitchen table and 3 chairs.
  • Basic cleaning supplies are provided.
  • Animal friendly
  • There is no washroom facility inside the cabin. Accessible showers and toilets are in the comfort station, adjacent to the unit.

What to Bring

Comfort Cabin
  • Food, cooking oils and spices, and beverages
  • Bed sheets, blankets, pillows, toiletries, bathroom towels, hair dryer, etc.
  • Flashlight

Reservations

Book Now

Albertans with permanent disabilities can make reservations 120 days in advance of their stay.

Albertan seniors (65 and over) and out-of-province persons with disability can make reservations 60 days in advance of their stay.

Please ensure to book reservations under the eligible guest’s name.

Upon arrival, guests are required to show documentation of eligibility.

This eligibility ensures that those of greatest need are able to access William Watson Lodge. If your needs do not require supportive, accessible accommodation, please use alternative accommodations.

Reservations can be made by using our online system or by calling the Alberta Parks Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757. To inquire about day lodge group bookings or advanced cabin group bookings for organizations who serve Albertans with disabilities, call the main lodge at 1-403-591-7227 or send us an email at wwlinfo@gov.ab.ca. A non-refundable $12.00 reservation fee will be applied to all reservations. The fee is consistent with reservations across the Alberta Parks system. 

FAQs

Where is William Watson Lodge?

Question: Where is William Watson Lodge?

Answer:

William Watson Lodge is situated in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park on Lower Kananaskis Lake, approximately one hour from Canmore, Alberta and approximately 1.5 hours or more from Cochrane or Calgary, Alberta. It is near the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre and the Elkwood Campground and Amphitheatre. This is a remote location with limited to no cell service or wireless internet access. 

Why can't I make a one-night reservation?

Question: Why can't I make a one-night reservation?

Answer:

Our caretaking and maintenance team takes the opportunity to complete larger repairs and additional cleaning once guests have checked out.

With the remote location of William Watson Lodge, we want to ensure that our guests have enough time to relax, rejuvenate, refresh and enjoy all of William Watson Lodge and Peter Lougheed Park.

What is the cost to stay in a cabin or campsite?

Question: What is the cost to stay in a cabin or campsite?

Answer:

William Watson Lodge prides itself on offering affordable, barrier-free experiences and lodging. Our Main Lodge and day use amenities are also available.

Three bedroom cabins: $40.00 per night (plus $12.00 reservation fee for all bookings)

Two bedroom cabins: $35.00 per night (plus $12.00 reservation fee for all bookings)

One bedroom cabins: $30.00 per night (plus $12.00 reservation fee for all bookings)

Campsites: $16.00 per night (plus $12.00 reservation fee for all bookings)

Main Lodge day booking: $20.00 (plus $12.00 reservation fee for all bookings) 

Please note that all bookings are subject to a $12.00 reservation fee. The reservation fee is consistent across the Alberta Parks system.

How do I make a group reservation for overnight accommodation?

Question: How do I make a group reservation for overnight accommodation?

Answer:

We are happy to host organizations that serve Albertans with disabilities for overnight accommodation. Due to the complexity of group reservations, please email wwlinfo@gov.ab.ca. Group reservations can be made 150 days in advance.

How do I reserve the main lodge for my group?

Question: How do I reserve the main lodge for my group?

Answer:

We are happy to host organizations that serve Albertans with disabilities or Albertan seniors in our Main Lodge for day reservations. If you are a coordinator for a group that is looking for a reservation, please call the Main Lodge at 1-403-591-7227 or email at wwlinfo@gov.ab.ca to connect with a member of our Visitor Services Team.

Please note, William Watson Lodge does not host weddings, family reunions or similar functions.

Do I need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for my stay at William Watson Lodge? Am I eligible for a low income Albertan exemption?

Question: Do I need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for my stay at William Watson Lodge? Am I eligible for a low income Albertan exemption?

Answer:

Yes. All vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.  Passes can be purchased in advance of your stay at www.alberta.ca/yourpass. 

Albertans on Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Income Support (AIS) may be eligible for an exemption.  Visit https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx for more details.

What can I do at William Watson Lodge?

Question: What can I do at William Watson Lodge?

Answer:

William Watson Lodge offers barrier-free experiences for visitors to enjoy. Your overnight accommodations at William Watson Lodge include access to the main lodge, including the library where you can enjoy a book by the fireplace or play a few board games.

For those who want to explore, there is an accessible/paved trail network to our fire pit and playground, access to Lower Kananaskis Lake, the Elkwood Amphitheatre, the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre and more.

Our staff are happy to provide recommendations on recreation, tourism and programming opportunities. Rocky Mountain Adaptive is able to provide guided experiences and adaptable equipment to participate, learn and excel at mountain sport and recreation. To learn more, please visit their website.

How do I learn more about becoming a Campground Host?

Question: How do I learn more about becoming a Campground Host?

Answer:

To be eligible to volunteer as a Campground Host, you will have previously stayed at the Lodge, or have experience as a Campground Host at William Watson Lodge. Preference is given to seniors and persons with disabilities for volunteer host placements. William Watson Lodge is proud to support Campground Hosts. For more information please call the Main Lodge at 1-403-591-7227 or email wwlinfo@gov.ab.ca to connect with a member of our Visitor Services Team.

More Information

Publications



Updated: Dec 4, 2024