Experience Cardston, Waterton & Pincher Creek

At the heart of Waterton Lakes National Park, the quaint town of Waterton is located 55 km southwest of Cardston and 57 km south of Pincher Creek. It’s the most southerly community on The Cowboy Trail.

Here, the grasslands of the Plains give way to mountain lakes and waterfalls to refresh your spirit. This may be the smallest of Canada’s national mountain parks, but many consider it to be the most stunning. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the fresh crisp alpine air.

Horses played an important role in the early development of the area. Trails were created to link the great lodges and pack trains of horses would deliver supplies and the first tourists. By exploring on horseback, you can see the region the same way.

The Blackfoot people consider Waterton a sacred place. Learn more at the Crandell Mountain Interpretive Theatre’s Native Storyteller program. Be sure to visit the Maskinonge Overlook Exhibit and discover the origins of the sacred Beaver Bundle. It contains the essence of life and opens in the spring.

Waterton is a peaceful place that will remain in your heart forever. The native plants and flowers here are so numerous, the park is called the Wildflower Capital of Canada. Wildlife is so abundant here that it became the genesis of an annual fall festival, now known as the Waterton Wildlife Weekend.

The 2017 Kenow Wildfire had an impact on the facilities in Waterton Lakes National Park. For example, the information centre was destroyed, so for 2018 Parks Canada will operate an alternate visitor centre. Red Rock Canyon, and most of the Red Rock Parkway was closed. The First Oil Well NHS was damaged and the Akamina Parkway has been closed.

Courtesy of Travel Alberta

The good news is that almost everything was saved in town! Waterton is still open for business, and a terrific experience.

May we suggest:

- Chief Mountain Highway - scenic drive, Two Flags Lookout - Bison Paddock Overlook Hike - easy with good views - The Kootenai Brown Trail along the Entrance Road - Wishbone Trail - flat grassland hike - Shoreline Cruise

Many visitors use Waterton as a base while touring through the region. There are several authentic western adventures here such as the Great Canadian Barn Dance, Remington Carriage Museum, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alpine Stables and the Pincher Creek Rodeo.

For more Information visit mywaterton.ca, pinchercreek.ca, and cardston.ca