A Fully-Charged Roadtrip

If you’d rather check out some First Nation’s history, then drive on over to Hwy 23, and head for the tipi rings alongside the highway in the river valley just past Carmangay. This sleepy hamlet also has a charger. And a side trip down Township Road 140 to the east will bring you to herds of buffalo, wind farms, and fantastic views of the mountains and fields.

Another Option: Writing On Stone

If you have an extra day to travel, Writing on Stone Unesco World Heritage Site is now in range. You can get there the back way from Waterton via Cardston and hwy 501 for a charge in Milk River, before heading further east to the park. While there, be sure to take one of the guided tours in to the archeological preserve to really appreciate the rock art history, and also how the NWMP fort was sited specifically to disrupt the religious significance of this area to the Blackfoot.

Highway 4 will take you back to Lethbridge through endless miles of lovely prairie. Overnight in Lethbridge, and enjoy an evening walk around Henderson Lake and maybe a sake tasting at the lovely Japanese garden.

EV Growth Stats

In early 2019, Canada had only 100 thousand electric vehicles. Alberta at the time had a mere 2,200, despite having almost 12% of the Canadian population. One reason for the discrepancy is that EV dealers just weren’t all that interested in the province. Also, it had few charging stations, and no government subsidies or incentives for the purchase of EVs, unlike other provinces.

Another reason for the low numbers, though, is that manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the growing demand, not only in Canada but around the world. A survey from Clean Energy Canada found drivers are increasingly interested in going electric.

My transition from working within Kananaskis Country to the Castle Region in Southwestern Alberta has made this last year disappear in the blink of an eye. As a beloved getaway for many Calgarians, Kananaskis is often swarming with hordes of hikers. In contrast, the new Castle Provincial Parks are quiet refuges full of hidden gems in the Crown of the Continent. It’s exciting to discover the newly reclaimed hiking trails and escape into genuine reconnection and solitude.

The change of land designation to provincial park status was announced on September 4th, 2015. I was lucky to have the Senior Park Planners share my office during the park creation. What is fascinating to me is that the Castle lands were once a part of Waterton Lakes National Park, but were removed in 1921 to open up for resource extraction. Overall, the key goal is to manage the land and ensure a careful balance between recreational activities and preserving the wilderness for future generations.

With my tales of the dramatic landscape, animal sightings, and waterfalls, my friends and family started to ask me to plan weekend excursions for them. Throughout the summer, I was tasked with tailoring an itinerary for my dear friends and their young children, my retired RVing in-laws, and plan a romantic getaway for my husband and myself.

Lots of Lakes – Tenting under Table Mountain

The children, 5 and 7, chattered excitedly as a massive moose loped across the meadow near the highway to Beaver Mines Lake Campground. This site offers both first-come, first-serve camping spots and reservable spaces for tents and RVs.

Interpretive Loop Hike - Once we set up our tents, we decided to stretch our legs on this easy hike. As you explore the 1 km walk, information panels tease you with facts about the local flora and fauna. The evening was capped off with hot dogs, and s’mores, along with tame ghost stories under the constellations.

Table Mountain Hike - Climbing up out of the valley at the campground, we took our time at a slow pace with ample breaks for trail mix and water. Eight hours later, we were rewarded with spectacular aerial views of Beaver Mines and Waterton lakes.

Waterton Lake – After a hearty breakfast and coffee at rustic Café in Pincher Creek, the kids were thrilled kids to meander the boardwalk along Waterton lake, pour over the informational signs and dip their feet in the refreshing lake waters.

Butcher Lake - This secret gem off of Hwy 6 offers picturesque views and fishing opportunities. The children watched in amazement as avid fishing gurus pulled up their catches. Over 3,000 Brook trout are stocked here! Above the lake, the meadow is alive with a dazzling display of wildflowers. It was the perfect spot for reading a story and napping in the sunshine on our picnic blanket.

Fit for a Queen and King - Romantic Getaway in Comfort Cabins

In August, I planned a mid-week excursion to celebrate our anniversary. We opted for the comfort cabins at Castle River Bridge, which is essentially a hotel room in the heart of the forest. The lack of cell service and internet added to our connection with nature and each other. Though the cabins are outfitted with solar panels for electricity, we illuminated the cabin with candles and hand lanterns for a romantic atmosphere.

The highlight was cuddling under a blanket as we star gazed near the sandstone cliffs, sipping homemade hot chocolate topped with roasted marshmallows. The lush queen sized bed in our cabin was divine. To cap off the celebration, we went into the town of Waterton for a mouth-watering brunch.

Go Chasing Waterfalls - RVing in the Southwest Parks

My in-laws are campers with discerning tastes; they require power and ample space for their RV, to stay in cell phone reception range and be in close proximity to full amenities. The campgrounds at Lundbreck Falls are well-situated under a canopy of cottonwoods. If you gush over waterfalls, nearly all of these destinations we visited are accessible at a parking lot or within a short walk to the viewpoint. If you’re up for a challenge, Drywood Falls is worth the effort!

Lundbreck Falls - A quick drive from the campground is the namesake waterfall. It was one of the first provincial Parks in 1932. Its beautiful view is accessible from the parking lot, or take the quick walk down to feel the cool spray of the falls.

Lower Bertha Falls in Waterton - an iconic part of the Waterton landscape, don’t miss these spectacular waterfalls. After, treat yourself to a lake cruise to relax and unwind.

Castle Falls - If you’re eager to avoid the crowds of cliff jumpers, be sure to finish your day at Castle Falls at sunset for serenity near the turquoise pools and falls.

Drywood Falls - A perfect introduction to the Front Canyons of the Castle, this hike doesn’t disappoint. After a small elevation you arrive at a stunning 3 m waterfall.

How to Book:

Young families, retired explorers and couples can all find something to suit their camping style in the Castle Provincial Park. To reserve go to albertaparks.ca/castle

Photos and Story By: Shalane Friesen