ALL IN THE FAMILY

What makes this place so unique? Is it the crystal-clear mountain lakes? Is it the charm? There’s no denying that Waterton is special. And part of what makes this quaint little community magical is the warm sense of comfort that envelopes when you arrive. It’s like… coming home. And why not? The folks here are family.

You won’t find any big retail chains here, just small businesses, owned and operated by the people you meet in the stores. They’re the folks you bump elbows with on the streets, like…

THE KRETZ/ROBINSON FAMILY

Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. & 49 Degrees North Pizza

Waterton’s tour boat company is family-owned and dates back to the early 1950’s. Over the years, the family built four tour boats and then purchased the Historic M.V. International in 1986. An ongoing restoration of the 92-year-old historic vessel reflects the family’s commitment to preserving and sharing the history of the park. The third generation includes six young men, all Captains and Tour Guides, who ensure an informative and entertaining cruise, considered one of the ‘must-do’ activities in Waterton.

THE SULEMAN FAMILY

Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa, and Waterton-Glacier Suites

Celebrating 30 years in Waterton Park, the Suleman family owns and operates the Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa and the Waterton Glacier Suites. Once refugees from Africa this family had all of their holdings seized by an African dictator. They landed in Canada and soon re-established themselves. Now onto the third generation the Sulemans have proudly made their hotels and restaurants some the highest rated in the park. Remembering their roots and early struggles, they give back by helping refugees and building schools overseas.

THE BAKER FAMILY

Tamarack, Waterton’s Outdoor Store & Waterton Outdoor Adventures

Waterton roots run deep for the Baker family. Six generations have called the park home since 1922. Today, the family owns and operates the Tamarack, Waterton’s Outdoor Store and Waterton Outdoor Adventures, an adventure travel company. Work and play in the mountains of Waterton are what keeps their love strong for the people and the place. They welcome you to their backyard and encourage you to explore and create your own Waterton memories!

THE UIBEL FAMILY

Caribou Clothes, Big Scoop, Bear Country Inn, & Bear Mountain Motel

Ross Uibel started working at the Prince of Wales Hotel in 1958 and continued working summers until 1969. In 1977, he opened the family’s first gift and clothing store, Caribou Clothes. In 1986, he built the current home for Big Scoop Ice Cream Parlor, The Big Chunk Fudge shop and Caribou Clothes, and they’ve been operating here ever since. Their business in the neighbouring town of Mountain View is run by the 3rd generation of Uibels. The family is what life is all about and they love to help and serve the community.

THE WEST FAMILY

Trappers Mountain Grill and Smokehouse

It has always been about food! From groceries to restaurants, the West family has provided sustenance for visitors and locals alike. With generations of knowledge, the West family strives to be innovative and bring ideas that will delight the taste buds of hungry travellers, from near and far. They hope their love for the mountains, great food and friendships, old and new, will continue with each new season.

THE COOK FAMILY

Rocky Mountain General Store & Subway

Layne and Stacey Cook opened the Subway Restaurant in 2002. In 2011, they purchased the local grocery store. After a winter of renovations, the family was excited for this great opportunity to put both business under the same roof. The Cook family has enjoyed working together at Subway and Rocky Mt. General Store. Waterton is a great place to spend the summer. When they are not in Waterton you can find them at the family cattle ranch south of Cardston.

THE BARRUS/WATSON FAMILY

Alpine Stables

Beginning in 1969, Dee and Lorna Barrus, along with their children built Alpine Stables from the ground up. Since that time the Barrus family has grown - now into the 5th generation. Many friends and family members have shared in both the work and the splendor of riding in the mountains. Sadly, the Kenow Fire in 2017 destroyed all the original barns and houses. However, the Barrus family carried on. Alpine Stables is proud to be celebrating 50 years of making memories on horseback in Waterton and looking forward to this new chapter.

THE CRUICKSHANK FAMILY

Zum’s Eatery, Beaver Tails, Evergreen Gifts & Akamina Gifts

Serving Alberta’s southwest tourism community for over 40 years, the Cruickshank family is 5 generations strong. From Zum’s Eatery to Evergreen and Akamina Gifts, to the recently opened Beaver Tails, the Cruickshank family present a quality culinary experience and great gift ideas for park visitors.

THE WAMMES FAMILY

Pat’s Waterton - Rentals

The Wammes family is thrilled and honoured to carry on the Pat’s Waterton tradition of fun rentals! Their roots run deep in the park, with a 4th generation member now joining the family history of working, playing, and living in Waterton! Come into Pat’s, and you’ll find at least one family member, and some great staff who will be readily available and happy to help you! We love this spectacular corner of the world and hope your visit here will give you cherished lifetime memories!

THE CRAIG FAMILY

Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort, Crandell Mountain Lodge, Aspen Village

Lockey and Barbara Craig have ancestry rooted in the early days of Waterton Park, where family members lived, hunted, and associated with Kootenai Brown. Both Craigs grew up loving Waterton as the favourite family getaway and these roots brought them back to Waterton 13 years ago to operate Waterton Lakes Lodge and Crandell Mountain Lodge. They love spending time with the good people who live in, work in, and visit Waterton, and are excited to rebuild Kilmorey Lodge. Watch for its opening in spring 2020!

LOW FAMILY

Wieners of Waterton & Waffleton

Growing up hiking its mountains, Waterton grew in the hearts of brothers, Max and Jon Low. After graduating from university in 2010, they opened a little business that would quickly become a household name for locals and visitors alike. They’ve worked diligently to bring smiles to the faces, and comfort to the bellies, of their customers with a focus on customer experience. Their staff has multiplied to meet the growing demand, but the friendly atmosphere remains the same. “We want people to have an unforgettable hot dog experience!”