18 minute read
(What’s in a Name
The view over Upper Waterton Lake is vast and deep. This is the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy – the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations. Few traditional names have endured. Many of the names now in use celebrate members of the International Boundary Commission. Following the Oregon Treaty of 1846 between Great Britain and the United States, the 49th parallel in western North America became the international boundary. For the next 80 years, survey teams worked to clear and precisely mark that latitude. (See pg. 34 for reference to mountain peaks.)
Bear’s Hump: This popular viewpoint overlooking both of the Waterton Lakes occupies a crest on Mt Crandell – a peak that the Piikani called Bear Mountain.
Advertisement
Bertha Falls, Bay, Lake & Peak: (2450 m/ 8038 ft) Bertha Ekelund was an early Waterton resident, who became a local star during the Prohibition era. She was the sometime companion of Joe Cosley, a prospector, trapper, guide and one of the first rangers hired by Glacier National Park (USA). Legend has it that Cosley named a lake for her. It had been known as Spirit Lake.
Mount Boswell: Named for a surgeon Dr. W.G. Boswell with the British Boundary Commission in 1917.
Cameron Bay & Falls: Captain Donald Roderick Cameron served as the British Commissioner to the Northern Boundary Commission, from 1872-1874. Mount Cleveland: (3190 m/ 10466 ft) The highest mountain in Glacier National Park, MT, commemorates Stephen Grover Cleveland who, with terms beginning in 1885 and 1893, twice served as president of the US. The mountain rises more than a vertical mile above the shores of Upper Waterton Lake. Its summit is about 8 km south of the Canada/US border.
Mount Crandell: (2384 m/ 7822 ft) The Piikani name for this peak translates as Great Bear Mountain. However, the European name honours Edward Crandell, a Calgary industrialist of the late 19th century, who operated oil wells along Cameron Creek.
Crypt Lake & Landing: The Greek “krypte” and Latin “crypta” each mean “hidden place.” Crypt Lake is concealed in a side valley. The lake also drains underground through channels concealed in the limestone bedrock.
Emerald Bay: The official application for the use of this name in 1974 made formal the obvious about this sheltered bay.
Goat Haunt: This area of Montana includes the Goat Haunt ranger station and the headwaters of the Waterton River. The mountain goat was the symbol of the Great Northern Railway. The name may be based on the Blackfoot words “apomahkihkini ozitakaiihi,” meaning “where there are a lot of goats”.
a similar relative of the North American finch family – possibly the Pine Siskin, purple finch, or Cassin’s finch.
Prince of Wales Hotel: Built by the Great Northern Railway and opened in 1927, this National Historic Site commemorates Edward, the Prince of Wales and, at the time, heir to the British throne. The naming of the hotel was an attempt to gain publicity by luring the Prince, who was on tour in Canada, into staying at the newly opened hotel. Edward lodged elsewhere on that visit and, later, as King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, but the name endured.
Mount Richards (2428 m/ 7966 ft) George Henry Richards served as the second British commissioner to the International Boundary Commission, 1856-1863.
Waterton Lakes, National Park & Town: One Siksika name for Upper Waterton Lake, “Pacht-omachk-sikimi,” means “Big Inside Water” – describing a large lake which is surrounded by mountains. With a length of 11.1 km and a maximum depth of 148 m, Upper Waterton Lake is indeed “big water”. Vimy Peak (2388 m/ 7835 ft) This mountain commemorates the April 1917 WW1 battle within France, in which Canadian soldiers were instrumental in securing Vimy Ridge.
Charles Waterton was an English eccentric, naturalist, explorer, who roamed South America, the Caribbean, and what would become the north-western US from 1812-1829. He is known for introducing to western medicine, the paralytic compound curare – which he experimented with in South America – and for establishing an aviary in England that housed 800 species. He was also the first to build and deploy nesting boxes for wild birds, and to take polluters to task.
Thomas Blakiston was part of the 1858 Palliser Expedition, sent by the British government to explore western British North America. Blakiston was a keen observer of nature and hence knew well of Charles Waterton. Blakiston, who was likely the first European to visit the Waterton area, named the lakes after Charles, and a mountain after himself. Charles Waterton never saw the Waterton Lakes.
By: Graeme Pole
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.
Visit MyWaterton.ca to see all of the family-run businesses that make up our great community.
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
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 Outdoors
Waterton roots run deep for the Baker family. Six generations have called the park home since 1922. This year they celebrate their 100th anniversary of being a Waterton business! The family owns and operates the Tamarack, a full service outdoor outfitters and adventure guiding 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 Mountain 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
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.
THE TANGREN FAMILY
Northland Lodge
Louis Hill built both the Prince of Wales Hotel and the Northland Lodge in 1928. The Lodge was purchased by two fishing buddies, Grandpa Earl Hacking and Hugh Black, in 1948. Since then, five generations of “the ladies” in this family, have run this well-loved lodge. You can feel the love and rich history still today when greeted by Granddaughter Stacy
Tangren or Cousin Jeanne Aldrich.Each morning we serve our famous muffins with our Saskatoon Berry Jam and hot coffee that keep guests coming back year after year.
Visualize yourself being pampered at the spa, relaxed and stressfree, the day before you say “I do” with your soul mate. What are your guests doing? They could be hiking, golfing, horseback riding, Surrey cruising, or paddle boarding. It doesn’t matter, because without a doubt, they’re immersed in Waterton’s magic, soaking in the many unique experiences available.
But what about the planning? Already done! Several venues offer local wedding experts to ensure that, large or small, your wedding is as intimate as this charmed mountain village. Small gatherings of up to 25 people can be considered for public areas of the Waterton Lakes such as picnic areas, along the lake and other day-use areas. A Small Gathering Application form will need to be submitted for review by Parks Canada. Your wedding coordinator will have all the secrets and their lips aren’t sealed. In fact, they are ready and willing to share their experiences with you. Some of them were married here too!
If a winter wedding is your dream, Waterton is a great destination. Quiet, intimate and romantic. This is when the real magic of Waterton comes alive. Make the most of your Waterton wedding:
Book EARLY - Waterton is a popular wedding destination (for good reason!) so be sure to have your venue and guest rooms booked in advance. For more information on small gatherings of up to 25 people visit parkscanada.gc.ca/waterton-rental.
USE your coordinator - they are here to help!
Use LOCAL photographers. We are not biased. They grew up using Waterton’s backdrop as their training ground. They know the best locations to take stunning photos that will keep all your memories alive. Coordinators at every venue are sure to have a list to reference!
Your photographer needs a business license to take photos in Waterton Lakes National Park. for more information please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/waterton-permit.
Note: Alcohol is not permitted in public places, in compliance with the Gaming and Liquor Control Act of Alberta.
Some of the best locations for spectacular engagement or wedding photos are listed below:
Cameron Falls - You don’t have to venture far to Cameron Falls, in the heart of the park. Nestled on the outskirts of the townsite, this waterfall sings to the tune of love as a light mist of water sprinkles your face, a gentle nudge to keep you in the present.
Red Rock Canyon - If red is the color of love, this deep canyon is filled with it. Exclusive to Waterton, and a photographer’s dream, the vivid, red sandstone provides a magical backdrop to capture the love you share in a digital keepsake of your special day that will last forever.
The Village - The majestic mountains surround the townsite as though they are sealing in the magic found here. The charm is both inviting and alluring. Waterton may be smaller than most other mountain communities, but that is what makes it special. This village is one of the best kept secrets in the Rockies, which is why it is the most intimate place to be married. Waterton Lakes - The village was built adjacent to the deepest lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Upper Waterton Lake is cradled by the mountains here, creating an iconic valley vista. No doubt you’ve seen photos of this amazing landscape in travel guides, and on Facebook and your Instagram feed. This is because it’s simply that beautiful. And it’s only offered here!
Dark Sky Preserve - Exceptional starry nights make the complete package, or as they say, it’s the icing on the (wedding) cake. Dark skies are rare but in Waterton, your wedding photos will be breathtaking with the clear backdrop of the constellations.
Boat Cruise - Imagine standing up and saying your vows aboard a cruise boat at sunset in the romantic Canadian Rockies! This international boat cruise sets Waterton apart from any other mountain town, and the family that operates it is the definition of true Waterton hospitality.
Waterton offers you a quiet, unique and charming destination in a bouquet of romance.
There are many reasons to have your wedding or any other special event here. Spoil Yourself at the Serenity Spa
Jade Stone Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Aromatherapy Couples Massage | Manicures & Pedicures | Eminence Facial Treatments Berry Eye Treatment | Waxing
Visit us at the Bayshore Inn Resort & Spa 403.859.2404 serenityspawaterton.com BOOK ONLINE!
No town is complete without retail. Waterton has dozens of stores, so you can pick up the essentials you may have forgotten or purchase some keepsakes to take home.
• All Waterton shops are independently owned and operated.
So here, more often than not, you’ll be talking with the owner or their family members. We’re proud of the highquality goods and exceptional customer service we offer.
• Shops carry many unique items and local products from
Southern Alberta. Find the best in mountain lifestyle clothing and hiking gear at our local outdoor shop. In our boutiques, you will discover jewelry, high-end fashion and accessories
• The local candy shops are filled with yummy offerings to satisfy your sweet tooth. With more choices than you could imagine, discover the waffle cones, fudge, frozen yogurt, banana splits, chocolate, espresso shakes, and that special treat that warmed your heart as a child. • Our local gallery carries an assortment of paintings, glassware, and pottery from well-known Canadian artists including many works that feature our spectacular landscapes. Make sure to take a piece of Waterton home with you.
• Our local merchants will set you up for all your camping gear, fresh produce, food, and beverage needs for a memorable weekend with your friends and family. Forgot something at home? No problems!
• Before you leave, remember to pick up a souvenir for that special someone in your life. Looking for a tee shirt or hoody?
No worries. Our gift stores are filled with authentic Canadian treasures: from maple syrup to wildlife memorabilia, and books about Waterton’s unique flowers and wildlife.
Cycling Trail
Waterton Village
Wishbone Trail Round Trip Distance Km (Miles)
3.2 (2)
13 (8.1)
Kootenai Brown Trail
Snowshoe Trail
Bike rentals available in the village
13.8 (8.6)
16.4 (10.2) Trail Description
The multi-use trail circles the village and meanders along the shoreline. Wheelchairs and bikes can easily maneuver this trail, often busy with pedestrians. Trailhead Access: 0.5 km along Chief Mountain Highway. This is a relatively flat and wide trail. Towards the end it becomes narrow and you have to ford Sofa Creek. Cycling is not permitted past the Vimy Trail Junction. Trailhead Access: park gate and Linnet Lake parking lot. A scenic multi-use paved trail parallels the park entrance road from the park gate to Linnet Lake parking lot. Unparalleled views of Waterton lakes and surrounding mountains. Trailhead Access: Red Rock Canyon parking lot. This wide, rolling trail is a good choice for beginner cyclists.
WATERTON’S ONE STOP SHOP
Gas and propane • Hot coffee • Slushies • Fresh popcorn Firewood • Ice • Canadian maple syrup • Local jerky • Snacks and convenience Fishing gear • Oil change & tire repair • Best souvenirs in the park
RENTALS AVAILABLE FOR
Electric Bikes Surreys Mountain Bikes Bear Spray Tennis Racquets DVDs Lifejackets Stand up paddle boards
403.859.2266 224 Mt. View Road Waterton Lakes National Park www.patswaterton.com
Discover more by attending one of these programs in 2022: Blackfoot Drums and Dance
Blackfoot Crafts and Stories
Blackfoot Storytelling Sticks, Stones & Bison Bones
Waterton Lakes National Park is part of the traditional territory and place of significance for the Ni’tsitápi (Blackfoot People). Waterton Lakes National Park was a place of significance to other Indigenous Nations who used the area for hunting, fishing, trade and ceremonies. There is evidence of Indigenous presence for at least 10,000 years in Waterton. There are signs of ancient campsites, tipi rings, hearths and bison drive lanes among the large number of archeological sites in the park. The Kenow Wildfire of 2017 uncovered a significant number of these cultural features, providing archeologists with a unique opportunity to explore how the area has been used through time. Parks Canada archeologists will continue to work with the Ni’tsitápi (Blackfoot People) to help understand these connections and share stories about the rich cultural history of Waterton Lakes National Park.
In 2022, be on the lookout for newly installed Indigenous interpretive panels throughout Waterton Lakes National Park. Parks Canada and an Indigenous designer created the panels in consultation with the Ni’tsitápi. They provide a unique description of the area and describe its significance to these aborignal peoples.
The Waterton Lakes National Park is part of a rich cultural landscape that has been intertwined with local history and traditional Indigenous customs for thousands of years. The land, water, air, animals and plants are all interconnected with significant meaning. They are woven together into the fabric of contemporary Ni’tsitápi life. Through collaboration to offer programs and events that share Indigenous culture and knowledge with thousands of visitors each year this connection between Parks Canada and the Ni’tsitápi continues today.
RUSTIC. MODERN.
BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER LOUNGE
FRESH WEST COAST MENU
Unwind at our Lakefront Restaurant and Patio
Chophouse & Wine Bar Book online at lakesidechophouse.com or call 403.859.2211
@lakesidechophousewaterton
