Experience Waterton Lakes National Park

There are places on earth that defy description. These special places are so unique, and so uniquely beautiful, that you can’t quite find the words to express what your senses are taking in. They are breathtaking to the eyes, to be sure, but the appeal is somewhat intangible. It is a feeling in the air, a vibe, an energy. You feel good just being there, and the more you explore, the stronger the feeling becomes.

Waterton Lakes National Park is one of those places. Perhaps it is one of the most distinctive mountain parks on the planet. Tucked away in the southwest corner of Alberta, prairie and lofty mountains meet in an unusual combination of habitats unique in Canadian National Parks. Whether you are a backcountry enthusiast, or someone who’d rather curl up with a good book, come bask in the natural glory of Waterton Park’s majestic landscape. Rare wildflower species are abundant. Wildlife watching is easy.

For 10,000 years, travellers have made their way to this special place. 300 archaeological sites reveal the activities of the first people. European explorers and settlers also left their mark.

Thomas Blakiston who was a member of the famous Palliser Expedition, was one of the area’s earliest explorers, in 1858. He bestowed its name in honour of the 19th century naturalist Charles Waterton. In 1895, Waterton was protected thanks to the efforts of local ranchers including Fredrick Godsal. John George “Kootenai” Brown, a wilderness trapper, became the areas first settler and the first park superintendent in 1911.

In 1932, Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada and the United States Glacier National Park united to form the world’s first International Peace Park. This partnership was dedicated to world peace by the Rotary International. Today, with its unguarded border, this park continues to symbolize the bonds of peace and friendship between the people of our countries.

Waterton has an interesting geologic history, too. It has been shaped over the centuries by wind, fire, glacial ice and floods. Water sculpts the land with abundant lakes, waterfalls, and streams. The climate adds to the drama. The park’s ecosystem is so special that it was designated a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, in 1979.

The 2017 Kenow Wildfire impacted Waterton Lakes National Park areas and facilities. To find out what is currently open and closed in the park, please visit pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton/visit/ideale_best

Fire is a natural and required element in this landscape. The 2017 Kenow Wildfire burned 19,303 hectares within – just over one-third of the park’s area. As a result, about half of Waterton was initially closed to public access.

Ecological renewal is taking place! Within a few days of the ground cooling, signs of resilience appeared in the form of grass shoots and healthy wildlife. Colours emerged at lower elevations in the form of stunning fields of wildflowers in 2018.

Wildfires change the growing conditions in a forest. More sunlight reaches the forest floor and the soil chemistry is changed in ways that suit specific plants. The new vegetation in burned areas may look different from before.

Lodgepole pine cones are specially adapted to open in the heat of a wildfire, releasing seeds that grow in the bright sun and exposed soil of a burned forest. Lodgepole pine seedlings are thriving in some areas of the post-wildfire landscape. Due to recent wildfires, certain areas may be temporarily unavailable due to restoration work. Parks Canada is working hard to get these areas of the park re-opened as soon as possible. For the updates visit parkscanada.ca/Waterton.

However, there is lots to see and do in Waterton. Campsites abound, and cozy indoor accommodations dot the town site. And the activities? Well – those are otherworldly too!

Waterton boasts world-class hikes that range in difficulty from a short stroll to steep day treks or several days’ duration. Check out their new Interactive Virtual Experience Trail Map for the status of every trail in the park. MyWaterton.ca/Trail-Guide

It is difficult to imagine a more majestic setting for a round of golf. Photographers, bird-watchers and botanists gather here for good reason. Waterton Lake is a fisherman’s dream and a wind surfer’s paradise. In the winter, return to ski or snow shoe.

Adventure companies are standing at the ready, but if you would rather wind things down, consider a picnic, a leisurely paddle, a moonlit lake cruise, or quiet reflection by Cameron Falls. The lakes and waterfalls here really help set Waterton apart from other mountain communities because the town site was constructed on the shores of Waterton Lake. And that’s just gentle on your mind. Yes, Waterton has that intangible appeal, and it has it the way mountain park aficionados love it best. Unspoiled. Uncrowded. And unbelievably beautiful.

A Taste of Waterton May 24 - June 2, 2019

Participate in traditional and contemporary aboriginal dancing, music, art, and cuisine. Visit mywaterton.ca/events

Waterton Wildflower Festival June 13 - 18,

2019 Join in a variety of activities celebrating Waterton’s wildflowers. Visit watertonwildflowers.com

Waterton Wildlife Festival

September 19 - 22, 2019 Waterton’s wildlife is at its best in the fall. This weekend features a variety of wildlife events. Visit watertonwildlife.com