Visiting Waterton Lakes and the Alberta Rockies

Outdoor Sports and more in the Waterton-Glacier International Park

Nov 11, 2009

Waterton Lakes National Park is home to the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, as well as natural beauty and opportunities for many different activities.

Many countries are well known for their tourist destinations, either for historical significance or natural beauty. In Canada, the national parks in the mountains of British Columbia and Alberta are among the country’s most famous attractions. One of these is Waterton Lakes National Park, a region located in southwestern Alberta, bordering on Glacier National Park in Montana. Together, the two parks on either side of the border form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park at the junction of southern Alberta, western British Columbia, and northern Montana, within easy access of all three, as the Discover Waterton website indicates.

In the middle of the park is the town of Waterton, a centre for the many activities available in the park. With restaurants, gift shops, accommodations for all budgets, and more, Waterton is an ideal place to stay while experiencing the beauties of the scenic mountain resort.

The Rocky Mountains are known for craggy mountains, clear lakes, and a vast array of sports and wildlife-watching activities. Like many locations near the Rocky Mountains, Waterton Lakes is dedicated mainly to outdoor activities. The Waterton entry on the Canadian Rockies website describes winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while summer sports include golf, baseball, and tennis, as well as windsurfing, canoeing, scuba diving, and fishing in Cameron Bay. Another worthwhile place to visit is Cameron Falls, one of the best-known waterfalls in the area.

Hiking trails throughout the park give visitors the chance to enjoy the fresh outside air while viewing the abundant flora and fauna of the mountains. The Crypt Lake Trail is one of the best-known places to hike, but there are ample opportunities for people of all levels of fitness to experience nature on the many trails that start in the area and take hikers around the park. Cruises and wilderness tours for people of all ages can also give visitors a different and enriched view of the mountains, hills, and lakes.

The entire family can participate in the wildlife viewing in the area, and people will enjoy seeing the bighorn sheep and mule deer that frequently wander through the town. The best places to start looking for animals are at Entrance Road, the Akamina Parkway and the Red Rock Parkway, especially in the early morning or late evening when animals are most likely to emerge from their daytime hiding places to feed.

Outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and ample accommodations make Waterton Lakes a good place to experience the natural wonders of the mountains. With so many activities available in a small area, the park and the town in the middle of it are ideal for all visitors.

The copyright of the article Visiting Waterton Lakes and the Alberta Rockies in Alberta Travel is owned by Susan Huebert. Permission to republish Visiting Waterton Lakes and the Alberta Rockies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.