Discovering Waterton Lakes National Park

Have you ever heard of Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta? How about Glacier National Park in Montana? These two parks are unique and amazing places to visit. Together, they are known as the International Peace Park and when visiting Southern Alberta, Waterton NP should be high on the list. With beautiful hiking trails, glacier lakes, a famous hotel, and a charming village, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied for several days.

1. About Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Peace Park, and a Biosphere Reserve all rolled into one. It is the only one of its kind in the world.

The Prince of Wales Hotel

The Prince of Wales Hotel stands majestically in the center of the park, overlooking a stunning lake amidst a mountainous backdrop. The Prince of Wales, enamored with the Alberta landscapes, once purchased a ranch neighboring the renowned Bar U Ranch, leaving behind this historic landmark.

A small village within the park offers various accommodation options, rentals for mini motorbikes, and motorboats, as well as general stores and a scenic beach. It truly embodies the essence of cottage country, making it an inviting destination for exploration.

2. Hikes of Waterton Lakes National Park

Hiking is one of the best activities in Waterton Lakes National Park. Visitors can establish a home base in town and embark on day hikes into the picturesque mountains. There are trails available for every skill level, and for those short on time, several shorter trails offer a glimpse of the natural beauty of Waterton NP.

Red Rocks Canyon

Discover the lovely loop trail around Red Rocks Canyon. The Blackiston Valley Trail and Snowshoe Trail combine for an exhilarating full-day hike.

Canyoning in Red Rocks

Experience canyoning as you wade through the river, marveling at the canyon walls while staying cool in the summer heat.

Lower Bertha Falls

The Lower Bertha Falls trail is a quick 5.2 km loop. For those seeking more adventure, a full-day hike to Bertha Lake is available, with a distance of 10 km and greater elevation gain.

Bear’s Hump

For stunning panoramic views, consider hiking Bear’s Hump. This steep yet brief climb reaches an elevation of 1500 meters, rewarding hikers with breathtaking vistas of Waterton Village.

Crypt Lake

The Crypt Lake Trail is among the most popular hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park, spanning 17 km and best suited for a full day of exploration. Planning ahead is necessary, as it commences with a boat shuttle from Waterton Village Marina to Upper Waterton Lake. This hike presents an elevation gain of 695 meters, showcasing spectacular views of Burnt Rock Falls, Crypt Falls, and Mount Boswell.

3. Boat Tour of Waterton Lake

Taking a boat tour is an excellent way to gain a different perspective of Waterton Lakes. A highlight is the opportunity to cross into the United States for breathtaking views of Glacier National Park.

4. Waterton Village

Waterton Village serves as a convenient home base within Waterton Lakes National Park. Here, visitors can rent bicycles and kayaks, participate in guided hikes, or enjoy meals at local restaurants. There are also shops to purchase souvenirs and essentials!

5. Buffalo Reserve

On your route out, be sure to stop by the buffalo reserve, situated just outside the park. Visitors can slowly drive through the enclosed reserve, but safety is paramount; exiting the vehicle is not permitted.

While buffalo can be dangerous, viewing them from a distance can still be an exciting experience, providing insight into their lives as they roamed centuries ago.

6. Waterton Park Front

On our drive back to Pincher Creek, we stopped at the ‘Waterton Park Front,’ a significant land conservation initiative in Canada. This 30,000-acre site aims to preserve some of Canada’s most magnificent ranches while maintaining sustainable agricultural production.

The Weston family’s commitment in the 1990s to protect this region ensures that future generations can appreciate the stunning landscapes of both Waterton National Park and its surrounding ranch lands.