Waterton: Where Mountains Emerge from the Surrounding Farmland

ORIENTATION

Location
Waterton Lakes National Park is located in southwestern Alberta, 270 km (167 mi) directly south of Calgary. The park shares its border with British Columbia to the west and the state of Montana to the south. Waterton Lakes National Park is actually the Canadian half of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a unique endeavor between the United States and Canada designed to promote goodwill and cooperation between the two countries.

Geography
The forces of nature have played a large role in the aesthetics of the area. Fires, floods, glaciers and strong winds have all had a hand in shaping the park. Deep lakes, tall peaks, flowing rivers, rolling hills and steep cliffs have been the result. The distinct red-green rock in the Waterton area is nature's showcase of some of the oldest sedimentary rock in all of North America. This natural wonder is best viewed at Red Rock Canyon, where the red and green rock layers are accentuated by the lush greens of the surrounding flora.

A Sedimentary Rock Waterfall

The park's location is also extremely important to its unique ecosystem. The Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest are all represented in Waterton Lakes National Park. The Rocky Mountains straddle the Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountain ecological regions and the Great Plains are spread outside its doorstep. Therefore, Waterton enjoys a level of geographic diversity that is unrivalled. This diversity has not been lost on the global community. Waterton Lakes National Park was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1979 and a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is the only park in the world that is able to lay claim to being a World Heritage Site, UNESCO biosphere reserve and an International Peace Park.

Plant & Animal Life
The diversity of life in Waterton is stunning. Waterton Lakes National Park is 525 sq. km (203 sq. mi). The entire Province of Alberta is 661,848 sq. km (411,272 sq. mi) yet half of Alberta's plant species can be found somewhere in the park. Waterton Lakes National Park is home to 970 plant, 264 bird, 24 fish and 10 herptile species. No other park in Canada protects as much wildlife in a similar area. Large carnivores such as wolves, cougars, grizzlies and black bears enjoy the anonymity of the mountains while bison, moose, elk and deer prefer the open plains and dense forest. Naturalists, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts all find the area inspirational and an assortment of companies offer tours for those looking to get closer to nature.

CLIMATE

Waterton Lakes National Park features highly variable mountain weather. Warm, sunny mornings can quickly turn cold and dark and this temperamental weather forces visitors to plan accordingly. The summers are cool and brief and are followed by mild, snow-filled winters. While the winters are considered mild, be warned that the temperature can dip as low as -40°C (-40°F).

However, winter is often warmed by a phenomenon known locally as a 'chinook' wind. When the cool air near the mountain peaks descends to the prairies, a chinook is created. This wind can drastically raise the temperature in winter and often results in snow melting as if it were the middle of spring. These winds are often recognized by an arch effect in the clouds and can last for days at a time. Waterton Lakes National Park is arguably the windiest place in Alberta. Wind speed averages around 30 km/h (19 mi/h) but can occur in gusts as strong as 120 km/h (75 mi/h). The windiest months to visit the park are January and November.

While the weather is often unpredictable, it is not unpleasant. The summer months attract the majority of visitors to the park as they offer near-perfect daily temperatures for outdoor activities, with averages around 22°C (72°F) in July and August. While these temperatures will appear rather tame to some, rest assured that the mercury often hovers around 30°C (86°F) during the summer. On those hot summer days make sure to stop by the Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlour for a refreshing cone or the Thirsty Bear Saloon for a cold beer.

TRANSPORTATION

Waterton Lakes National Park is presently only accessible by road. There are motorcoach tours from Calgary that pass through Waterton Lakes National Park but there is no airport. The nearest airports are Calgary International Airport and Great Falls International Airport, with the park lying in between these two hubs. It can be difficult to get around while in Waterton without a vehicle as there is no taxi or car rental service, so it might be wise to hire a car before arriving. Two-seater bicycles and scooters can be rented in town and are a good way to casually explore the townsite. Biking is not as accessible outside the townsite as Waterton's hiking trails do not allow bicycle traffic.

ATTRACTIONS

Waterton Lakes National Park has been attracting visitors with its variety of attractions, activities and adventures since its inception on May 20, 1895. Plenty of opportunities exist for outdoor excursions, with a wealth of hiking trails, tours and wildlife to explore. While the park is often thought of as a nature preserve, not all of the attractions were constructed by Mother Nature.

There are also a variety of options for those who enjoy spending their days shopping at local boutiques, dining at fine restaurants and relaxing at world-class accommodations. It is important to keep in mind that while the park itself is open year-round, many of the services and facilities are not. May through October is the most popular time to travel to Waterton in order to capitalize on all that it has to offer. However, the park does not close during the winter as Waterton is a pleasant base for cross-country skiers, ice-climbers and those looking for some snowy solitude.

The Waterton area features a variety of attractions that hold historical significance, much like the park itself.

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel National Historic Site
The year 1927 was an important year in the development of Waterton. It was the first year that a bus service was established connecting Waterton with its southern neighbour, Glacier National Park. That bus service coincided with another event that was sure to further promote tourism in the area, the completion of the Prince of Wales Hotel. The hotel quickly became a popular watering hole for many Americans during the days of Prohibition, providing an oasis as well as lodgings.

Named after Great Britain's Prince Edward, the hotel continues to draw visitors with its unparalleled viewpoints, unique architecture and British traditions. The hotel is situated on a bluff on Upper Waterton Lake, offering views of both the natural beauty of the park and of the Waterton townsite. Best-known for its distinct, angled roof, the Prince of Wales Hotel has become one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Guests continue to be enthralled by the majesty of the hotel—its immense picture windows, Royal Stewart dining room and traditional tea room truly add to the hotel's atmosphere. The British traditions have even been kept by members of the staff, as guests can look forward to being greeted by a kilt-clad valet upon arrival.

M.V. International
The historic M.V. International, also completed in 1927, began ferrying people across the international border and on to Goat Haunt, Montana, the following year. The tour boat was so successful that it became a Waterton landmark and still operates to this day. This scenic cruise takes passengers on a tour of the majestic Rocky Mountains, and experienced guides supplement the tour with informative and entertaining commentary. The tour lasts just over two hours and offers spectacular opportunities to observe the scenery and wildlife in safety and comfort. Lucky passengers have been known to spot grizzly and black bears lingering around the lake, so make sure to bring a camera.

ACTIVITIES

The unique landscape of the park has created a perfect nature's playground for a variety of excursions including day hikes, trail rides and more.

Trails

	View from the Crypt Lake Trail 1

Another popular day hike is along the Carthew-Alderson Trail. This hike starts at Cameron Lake, a popular destination in itself, and winds 18 km (11 mi) throughout the Rockies to Cameron Falls, which is located in the Waterton townsite. From Carthew Summit the prairies spring into view, lurking quietly behind the mountain tops. Other highlights of this hike include a walk through one of the park's oldest forests and a selection of mountain lakes, streams and waterfalls. A great hike for those new to the park is Bear's Hump Trail. Starting at the Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre, hikers twist and turn for 1 km (0.6 mi) and are then rewarded with a panoramic view of the park while at the summit. There are many more hiking trails dispersed throughout Waterton, and the 200 km (120 mi) of trails offer something for all skill levels.

Lakes & Parks
The Waterton Lakes Chain has come to be known as a symbol of the park. Accounting for over two-thirds of the park's water surface area, these lakes attract visitors and wildlife alike with their clear waters and central location. A short drive from the Waterton townsite, Cameron Lake is a great place to rent a canoe, paddle out and brandish some binoculars. Scanning the slopes surrounding the lake often uncovers bears foraging for their meals. The drive to the lake alone often yields an abundance of animal sightings. Another great place to search out wildlife is the Buffalo Paddock, located near the park boundry. This ring road often brings visitors within feet of the mammoth creatures, leaving an impression of Waterton Lakes National Park that won't soon be forgotten.