Eight Fun Things to Do

It’s breezy atop Prince of Wales hill, but the bighorn sheep don’t seem to mind. The herd grazes placidly as lambs chase and headbutt each other. Far below, the M.V. International sails across Upper Waterton Lake, stand-up paddleboarders ply the calmer waters of Emerald Bay, and deer roam the streets. It’s a typical summer afternoon in Waterton Lakes National Park, but the experiences to be enjoyed are far from ordinary. Check out these eight fun things to do in Waterton this year.

1. Waterton Shoreline Cruise & Crypt Lake

Trail Crypt Lake Trail is the most unique hike in Waterton Lakes National Park requiring a boat ride, ladder, tunnel, and cableassisted cliff traverse to access a turquoise lake straddling the Canadian-US border. Begin the adventure with a scenic 15 min boat ride (reserve tickets in advance with Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company) across Upper Waterton Lake. From Crypt Landing, it is a moderately strenuous 8.6 km hike, with a 675 m of elevation gain to Crypt Lake. If time allows, make a side trip to Hell Roaring Falls on your way back.

For a more leisurely exploration of the area, take a 2.25-hour sightseeing cruise on the historic M.V. International. Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company’s crew are as knowledgeable as they are engaging. They’ll give you the scoop on local history, geography, and where to view wildlife. Some tours include a short stop at Goat Haunt ranger station, Montana so you can get out and stretch your legs. Cruises are offered multiple times a day from early May through early October.

2. Canoe or Kayak on Lower Waterton

Lake Lower Waterton Lake, is known locally as Knight’s Lake. In honour of Herbert Knight who was Waterton’s park superintendent from 1932-1939. Smaller than Middle and Upper Waterton Lakes, Lower Waterton Lake is 2 km long and tends to have calmer water for paddling. Put in at Hay Barn Day Use Area – a fun wading spot – then paddle down the Waterton River to Lower Waterton Lake. Prevailing winds are from the southwest, so going north is easy. For a longer paddle (add 1 km one way), take a side trip to the Maskinonge, a reed-lined lake that is prime bird habitat. A shallow stretch of river connects the lakes. If you set up a car shuttle, you can pull out at Maskinonge Day Use Area and avoid paddling upriver and into the wind on the return. Listen for the bugling calls of Sandhill Cranes as you picnic at the picnic shelter. (Mandatory clean drain dry)

3. Hike the Bertha Falls / Bertha Lake Trail

Lower Bertha Falls: 2.9 km one way, 175 m elevation gain. Bertha Lake: 5.7 km one way, 460 m elevation gain.

Hike Bertha Falls Trail to a cascading bridal veil waterfall and then continue on to Bertha Lake, a pretty subalpine lake set in a natural amphitheatre. Highlights include a spectacular viewpoint of Upper Waterton Lake and surrounding peaks at the halfway point. What beautiful wildflowers! Distinctive beargrass blooms and vibrant fireweed steal the show.

Arriving at Bertha Lake we will discover it is surrounded by Mount Richards, Mount Alderson and Bertha Peak. Bertha Lake is a popular dayhike and backcountry camping destination (permit required to camp at the campground). From Lower Bertha Falls, ascend a series of switchbacks while keeping an eye out for Upper Bertha Falls. Enjoy a picnic on the red gravel beach, fish for rainbow trout, or hike (an easy 4 km) around the lake before returning the way you came.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Ung

4. Biking Around Waterton

Explore Waterton at your own pace - by bike! Pat’s of Waterton is your place to rent a mountain bike, Surrey bike (like a pedalpowered golf cart), or an e-bike. The single-speed Surrey bike is perfect for touring the townsite as a family, while an e-bike will get you miles out of town without much effort. Take the paved Kootenai Brown Trail to the Red Rock Parkway, (re-opening soon to vehicles) all the way to Coppermine Creek Day Use Area – 12 km one way. The winding and rolling road is super scenic and fun to ride. Wishbone Trail is a popular mountain bike trail on the east side of Waterton.

Photo Courtesy of Karen Ung

5. Go Horseback Riding with Alpine Stables

If you’d like a taste of what life was like when Waterton was first settled, go on a trail ride! Alpine Stables offers hour-long to full-day trail rides for new and experienced riders aged 5 and up. The Barrus and Watson families have lots to share: their local knowledge and their great love of this land “where the mountains meet the prairies.”

6. Attend a Mountain Festival

Waterton’s festivals celebrate wildflowers, wildlife, and local artists. Visit the Waterton Wildflower Festival in June and see why Waterton is the Wildflower Capital of Canada. Return in September for Waterton’s Wildlife Weekend and discover more about the creatures that call this park home. Pick up the perfect souvenir at an Artisan Fair held on festival weekends at the Community Centre.

Waterton Wildflower Festival: June 13-18, 2019 Waterton Artisan Fair: June 14-16, 2019 Waterton Wildlife Weekend: September 19-22, 2019 Waterton Artisan Fall Fair: September 21-22, 2019

Photo Courtesy of Richard W. Collens

7. Discover the Night Sky with a Dark Sky Tour

Waterton is an amazing place for spectacular stargazing and astrophotography thanks to its Dark Sky status. Not sure where to go or what to look for? Why not attend a Parks Canada theater program? Or sign up for a guided interpretive stargazing tour with Dark Sky Guides. Your friendly, local guides will bring the telescopes and cocoa.

8. Golf

Waterton Lakes Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging Stanley Thompson-inspired course. In addition to panoramic mountain views and great wildlife viewing opportunities, the course offers club and cart rentals, a pro shop, practice green, and licensed clubhouse. This is perhaps one of Waterton’s best kept secrets (affordable lunch spot with great patio).

Bonus, Put that wind to good use and fly a kite! Hay Barn Day Use Area has wide, open spaces to run about. Whether you come for the weekend or a week, Waterton’s scenery and friendly locals – of the human and furry variety – will have you yearning to come back soon.

By: Karen Ung