The Word on the Street... Historical Walking Tour

Hotter than the latest gossip magazine, this self-guided tour reveals Waterton’s deepest secrets. BONUS: this one-hour walk is not only great for your health but you will have learned, as well, some interesting facts to share at your next social gathering! This tour moves you through 22 commercial and community buildings, each with its own fascinating story dating back over one hundred years. Use the townsite free Wi-Fi and visit WatertonHistoricalTour.com to embark on this fascinating journey.

The Northland Lodge

National Collection, W.J. Oliver, Parks Canada

Louis Hill, owner of Great Northern Railway and Prince of Wales Hotel, constructed the Northland Lodge as a side project, mainly to keep his workers busy. This property’s primary function was that of an entertainment home. At the time, it was the biggest home on the largest lot in the park. Rumour has it that the structure was designed on a paper bag! It contained the best furniture and finest china, some of which is still on display. The investment was paid primarily in cash. The current owners hold the original letter the contractor wrote to tell this story.

Love went wrong...

One of the Prince of Wales managers, Ted Udell, lived in this home with his spouse, Grace, who without the legalities of a marriage, still took his name. They had five children together, but during WWII, Ted fell in love overseas and married, leaving his former family behind. However, Grace stayed in the home and she and the children drank from crystal goblets, ate off of china and slumbered between the most expensive sheets.

But why did Grace and her children continue to stay in the home rent free? This is where this story takes a scandalous turn! Some say that one of the children was actually fathered by Louis Hill. It was only after Hill passed, that Grace was (un)ceremoniously evicted and the Northland Lodge was sold. Since then, four generations of the new owner’s family have managed this lodge – carrying on its legacy of distinguished hospitality.

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Some of the deepest secrets of Waterton began in the prohibition era when the Prince of Wales Hotel really came to life. Seeking escape in the form of America’s forbidden indulgence, alcohol, Waterton provided the perfect refuge.

Travellers would stay for weeks. After riding the train through Glacier National Park to Goat Haunt, a two day journey by horse would bring them to paradise. In its time this imperial retreat was built for the richest of rich, giving its owner, Louis Hill, the rightful reputation as the “Empire Builder.”

Courtesy of Parks Canada

The Tamarack

A cultural classic, this is one of Waterton’s first commercial buildings with construction starting in 1922. It was home to the Park Transport Company, George Baker’s original family business. Freight transport, a 9-bay Esso service station, an Alberta Government Telephones exchange, General Motors car dealership, and a lumber/hardware store were all part of the business operations. The interior was converted into a mini mall in 1976 but then consolidated into a single store again, ten years later. Today, George’s descendants still own the building and operate an outdoor retail store and adventure tourism hub.

The Waterton Lakes Opera House

This beloved cinema has held several names over the years, including its original, Brewerton’s, followed by Mayfair Theatre, The Centre and Alpine Cinema. Regardless of its name, the experience offered here has been both timeless and consistent, maintaining its original purpose the day it was constructed in 1935. Relatively unchanged, this building depicts the architectural style used in the original development of the townsite.

Courtesy of The Opera House

Park Administration Building

The construction of this building spanned 17 years, from 1919 to 1936. It was expanded and has evolved as the responsibilities of park administration grew. As part of a make-work Depression Relief project, the 1935 addition was a visitor information office. The original section was built using logs and is one of the oldest structures within the park. Besides its long-standing role as administrative headquarters, its most striking feature is the arched stone entrance, which is still visible inside the building.

Courtesy of Parks Canada

Thirsty Bear Kitchen + Bar

May 15, 1926 marked the grand opening of the Waterton Dance Pavilion. With a capacity of 1,000 people, this was reportedly one of the largest halls in western Canada. At the time the Lethbridge Herald described the interior as “so different that one cannot help but be amazed”. This pavilion became famous as a source of delight and entertainment for park visitors and lured dancers for 100 miles. Now occupied by the Thirsty Bear, come inside and check out the original stucco and peeled logs.